November 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  Announcement by the Board President whether a quorum is present and that notice of the meeting has been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551 as required by law.

Description:  "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Description:   "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible." 

Description:  Senior Erick Ramirez qualified for the State Cross Country Meet by finishing in 13th place at the Regional Cross Country Meet with a time of 17:13. At the State Cross Country Meet, Erick finished in 34th place with a time of 16:59. Congratulations to Erick for an outstanding senior year in Cross Country.

The Florence High School Marching Band completed their marching season with a twelfth place finish at the UIL Area-D Marching Contest at Robinson High School, barely missing the top 10 finals. They qualified for the Area round of competition by earning straight ones and sweepstakes at the Region Marching Contest held at Burnet High School. These students started work on their show in July and spent many hours in the heat preparing. Congratulations on a great marching season and good luck at Solo and Ensemble and UIL Concert and Sight Reading in the second semester!

Huge congratulations to Freshmen Sofie Ginsburg and Faith Crow for being named National Champions for their "Cracking the Case" Agriscience Fair project. They walked the stage in Indianapolis as National Champions and with three more years ahead of them, we can't wait to see what they accomplish. Congratulations to two more freshman, Sterling Arldt and Lilly Fisher, who finished in 4th Place at the National Agriscience competition with their project "Are You Gellin." They, too, have three more years to compete and get back to Nationals!

Description:  The FISD Teacher of the Month for October is Coach Britt Villines. Coach Villines started mid-year last year and has been a great addition to the Florence Middle School Staff.
From his nomination: Coach Villines is the 8th grade history teacher. In his class, you will see students interacting with history daily, whether it is learning about taxation through M n M's or trench battles with paper balls. The bar is set high, learning is fun, and work gets done everyday with Coach Villines. He also coaches football, basketball, and track as well as sponsoring the History UIL team. We are so glad that Coach Villines is on our TEAM here at FMS!

Description:  The Board encourages comments about the district from members of the public.  Anyone who has signed up to speak in advance of the meeting in accordance with the Board procedures may do so at this time.  The Board asks that each participant's comments pertain to district business and be no longer than 5 minutes.  For any member of the public who is accompanied by a translator, your time will be doubled as required by law.  Remember that the Board may not discuss or act upon any issues that are not posted on our agenda.  In addition, the Board has adopted policies to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints and concerns for employees, students or their parents, and the general public.  Copies of our district policies and procedures on public comments and filing complaints are available on the district website. 

Description:  As required by law, Mr. Birch will update the Board on the latest Safety and Security Committee meeting.

Description:  Based on training opportunities for senior leadership, the January Board Meeting had to move to January 13. Also included on the chart is the agreed upon date for the superintendent appraisal on February 3.

Description:  I will provide an update on the progress of the construction sites and discuss the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Band Hall and Field House.

Description:  Based on Tax Code Section 6.03(d), Florence ISD gets 20 votes for the Board of Directors for the Williamson Central Appraisal District. The biographies of the nominees are attached for review.

Description:  The certified property values provided by the Bell and Williamson County Tax Appraisal Districts provide a basis for the District to propose tax rates for the new school year following the Comptroller’s Truth In Taxation guidelines. The certified Freeze Adjusted value total was $984,096,376. The fall Freeze Adjusted total is $980,786,085. The appraisal districts calculate the tax imposed on each property included on the rolls according to Section 26.09(e), of the Property Tax Code. The appraisal districts enter the amount of tax, in the tax roll, for the District. The total combined levy calculated for the 2025 school year is $11,324,251. The 2024 school year fall levy was $10,544,543. The increase in collections is due to the growing property values in the District.

Description:  The District is a member of several purchasing cooperatives and uses them to make purchases when an individual District bid or proposal is not more advantageous. The purchasing cooperative requests bids on categories of items and makes the selection of vendors and products through a competitive process. Inter-local agreements are an approved method of purchase under Board Policy CH (LEGAL).

Description:  FISD has maintained an active membership with TASB for several years. As a member, the District has access to legal assistance, advocacy, professional development, resources and publications, governance and leadership opportunities, and recognitions. In addition, as an active member, the District can purchase several additional benefits, to include Board Book.