BISD earns highest state financial rating

Jeannine Myers had the floor during the public hearing which preceded the regular September meeting of the BISD School Board. As the district’s business manager, Myers reviewed the school’s FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) results. She explained each of 24 test indicators upon which the district is rated, and proudly reported that BISD was able to meet all the criteria and was awarded a Superior Achievement for 2007-2008. On behalf of the Board, Superintendent Jackie Thomason responded, “I appreciate all the work Mrs. Myers and all the ladies (in the administration office) do to make sure we meet all these standards.” He added that the district has had a good report for several years now.

Superintendent Thomason presented the regular monthly reports. The most significant item on the Facilities Report was the addition of new speakers at the football stadium, and the Enrollment Report showed that every campus is up from last year, with the district total currently at 897.

Buffalo Elementary Principal Johnny Veretto gave the State of the Campus report for BES, noting that they are “off to a very smooth start.” Upcoming events include Literacy Night/Open House on October 6, and the Book Fair October 5-9. A fire safety program will be presented to the children on October 9 and drug awareness will be the focus of Red Ribbon Week on October 26- 30. The elementary principal pointed out that the campus is “maxed out” on space, and described several adjustments that have be necessitated by overcrowded conditions. Small groups of students are meeting in rooms previously used as teacher’s lounges and even supply closets. Veretto concluded that the elementary staff is eagerly anticipating more room when the district’s new construction is completed and they can move some grades to the next campus.

Tracy Gleghorn presented a report on the BISD Performance Based Monitoring Analysis System. She also announced that the district will receive a share of a $987,000 T-3 Grant through Region 6. The school will use the funds to update technology and specifically to reach the Target Tech level on Texas StarChart.

Consultant Jim Hanks gave another slideshow presentation on the progress of the high school facility. Boone & Boone general contractor Ron Boone and ACI Architect Paul McCullough had also been invited to the meeting to answer the Board’s current questions, and much of the meeting was filled with a discussion of the work on the building. The board members expressed their frustration that the completion date keeps getting bumped back and pressed for the most expedient completion -- with everything done right. Boone assured them, “It WILL be completed right,” but could not promise to speed up the completion, citing changes in delivery dates on materials, change orders and weatherrelated delays.