Friday, April 28, 2023 12:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  The meeting was called to order by Mr. David Schaeffer, Chairman.

Description:  Board Member attendance will be recorded. 

Description:  A copy of the minutes of the March 24, 2023, regular meeting is included in this agenda as an attachment..  

Description:  Review and consider approval of the Head Start/Early Head Start Covid Project Extension as presented.

Description:  Review and consider approval of the Head Start/Early Head Start Corrective Action Plan as presented.

Description:  The Head Start Performance Standards state that the Governing Body must approve or disapprove of the following policies: 

Eligibility (45 CFR Part(s): 1302.12 (a-k))
Learning Centers (45 CFR Part(s): 1302.31 (a)(i)(ii)(iv),(c),(d))
Playground Supervision (45 CFR Part(s): 1302.31(c)(d))
Outdoor Play and Materials (45 CFR Part(s): 1302.31(c)(2); 1302.31(e)(4); 1302.31(d); 1302.31(b)(iv))
 

Description: 

TEC §8.003 (a) states "A vacancy on a regional education service center board of directors shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the board for the unexpired term."  No potential candidate signed up for Place 5 to be vacated on June 1, 2023 by Mrs. Kathleen Morris; therefore, the vacancy shall be filled by the remaining members by appointment of the Board for the term June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2026.  The position encompasses that part of Potter and Randall counties in the boundaries of AISD.

The ESC may now appoint someone to fill the  unexpired term.  The Executive Director will have recommendations for the Board to consider.  In accordance with TAC §53.10 (a), the Executive Director is required to send notice of vacancy to the superintendent of each school district and post notice thirty (30) days prior to formal board action.  Notice will be given, and members may be appointed and sworn in at the July 14, 2023 meeting. See attached policy BBB(LEGAL)  

 

Description:  Service Area program highlights will be reviewed by the Executive Leadership Team.

Description:  Copies of the Financial Reports for March 2023 are included.  Questions or observations regarding these reports are invited prior to or during the Board meeting. 

Description:  The Investment Report for the current fiscal year through March 2023 is included as an attachment.  Questions or observations regarding this report are invited prior to or during the Board meeting.  

Description:  Special Revenue Funds for 2022-2023 will be presented as information.

Description:  In accordance with Board policy, proposals were received for the items presented below.  Detailed proposals and recommendations are included.  All proposals are the low proposal or only proposal for the items, unless otherwise noted.

Description:  The bid tally may be distributed at the meeting.

Description:  Piraino Consulting has expressed interest in donating a Promethean Board and cart to Region 16 ESC, valued at $4,200.

Description:  Region 16 ESC conducted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for audit services for 2019-2020 and awarded the services to Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, L.L.P.  We have used them since then, and they continue to provide an outstanding service.  The Auditor Engagement Letter is included as an attachment.

Description:  At its April 2023 conference, AEPA will review, evaluate, and approve  IFB responses received for the product categories listed below.  Upon approving the IFB responses, AEPA recommended vendors to their members for their respective agencies to consider for entering into contract.

Due to the date of the AEPA conference, April 24-26, the AEPA recommended vendors for the ESC to consider, and detailed evaluation documents will be presented at the meeting.  

Description:  The 2022-2023 Superintendent Focus Groups concentrated on specific program needs directed at current contracts and learning gap needs.  Preliminary pricing and new services have been presented to the RAC Executive Committee.  The final recommended revision of services was presented to the RAC Executive Committee on March 28, 2023, and final documents are included.

Description:  Region 16 ESC contracts with TASB every three to five years to conduct a market study on salaries of all pay grades and job classifications.  The most recent study was conducted during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.  In years when a market study is not conducted, the Administration works with TASB to determine appropriate salary box adjustments for the subsequent year.

The pay grade minimums, midpoints, and maximums reflecting this increase are included as attachments.  Current ESC policy also allows the ESC Executive Director to make other adjustments as necessary to remain competitive in hiring and retaining staff.

Description:  The ESC currently provides eligible ESC employees with a medical insurance contribution of $450.00 per month, which covers all but $239.60 of the "employee only" plan offered by West Texas Blue Essentials HMO.  However, it does cover 100% of the TRS ActiveCare Primary plan which is currently $380.00 per month. Employees choosing this option can use the remaining amount towards the premiums for other benefits.

Description:  The ESC currently provides eligible ESC employees with a short-term disability core insurance benefit where the ESC pays 100% of the premium.  The current cost to the Center is approximately $27,000 per year.  

Description:  Provision is made in the official notification for the calling of a closed session under the provisions of Chapter 268, Subchapter D, Section 551.074 of the Government code for discussion of Item 17.  Any action will be taken in open session. 

Description:  The personnel reports are enclosed as Exhibit 9, pages 66-69.  

Description:  Exhibit 9, page 70

Description:  Region 16 is currently assisting with Superintendent Searches at Bovina ISD, Hedley ISD, and Perryton ISD.