March 18, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order and a quorum was announced at 5:30 p.m. by Vice President TJ Anderson.

Discussion:  Mrs. Carla Bowman signed up to speak during Open Forum.  Vice President TJ Anderson shared details regarding Open Forum procedures and timing.  Mrs. Bowman expressed her concerns regarding recent school board actions related to personnel (athletic director), Board members talking in public about personnel matters, and social media messaging by a member of the Board of Trustees.

Discussion:  The RISD Board of Trustees entered into Closed Session at 5:36 p.m. under Texas Government Code 551.072 Deliberation Regarding Real Property, Code 551.074 Personnel, 551.076 and 551.089 Deliberation Regarding Security Devices or Security Audit.  The board reconvened to Open Session at 6:30 p.m.  Members went into a second Executive Session at 7:24 p.m.  They reconvened back to Open Session at 9:04 p.m.

Discussion:  The following students were recognized for their efforts in band and cheer:  Addison Hash from Redwater High School who was selected to the prestigious ATTSSB All-State Band.  Only 286 students from across Texas received this honor.  Addison is also a member of the RHS Cheer Team who was recognized in February but was unable to attend.  And, she was recently named Miss Redwater; Faithlyn Berry from RHS who was unable to join us in February,  was recognized for her tireless efforts and dedication to the RHS Cheer Team and for her efforts in their Regional and State success.

Discussion:  Prayer and Pledge was led by Bryan Strand.  Motto, Vision, Mission and Belief Statements were read by all Team of 8 members in attendance.

Discussion:  Cash Flow, Revenue, and Check Register for February were reviewed by Board Members.

Discussion:  RISD is currently earning 5.32% on the General Operating Account.

Discussion:  Enrollment for February was reviewed showing RISD with 18 students over the enrollment figure for the same time last year and 28 students over the final enrollment number for 2022-23.  Board Member Bryan Strand asked if each campus was keeping up with why students were leaving.  Dr. Burns replied that they are.

Discussion:  Recommendation letters from Campus Principals and/or direct supervisors were reviewed.

Discussion:  Request for Proposals for Ag Farm Hay Harvest Agreement notices will run in the Bowie County Citizens Tribune on March 27 and April 2, 2024.  Deadline for response will be 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at which time the proposals will be publicly opened and the names of vendors submitting will be read. 

Discussion:  Board members reviewed the Redwater Intermediate School perimeter fence drawing along with discussion of the style of fencing and gates.  Anticipate vendor can begin the process the week of March 25.  Funds for RIS fencing/gate will be paid for through the SAFE Grant Cycle 1.

Discussion:  Special Education SSA Construction Project will primarily be located at Redwater Intermediate School for students in grades 4-6.  Drawing presented is not updated with door placement.  Project estimate has not yet been presented to Maud ISD for their approval but it is anticipated they will approve. Therefore, costs will be split 50%-50%.  In addition to construction costs of $74,740, the following items will be purchased:  Refrigerator - $547; Washer - $438; Dryer - $438; Range - $449; Changing Table - $6,788.  Total costs will be $83,400.
 

Discussion:  As part of our continual series on celebrating those staff members who are not part of a given appreciation day/week/month, staff teacher highlights from February 13 - 26, 2024, celebratory highlights for paraprofessionals from March 12 & 14 and social media messaging for Maintenance Workers Appreciation Day on March 1 and Educational Diagnosticians' Week April 8-12 were shared with the Board.

Discussion:  As part of our continual "Did You Know" series, social media graphics which were posted on February 16, February 23, March 1, March 8, and March 15, 2024 were shared with the board.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed staff attendance of various Professional Development sessions during February 2024 at Region VIII ESC.

Discussion:  Dr. Burns met with the Pastoral Alliance Committee on February 23. Currently, their discussions are centered around working with senior volunteers to read with students at the elementary level.  She also met Rev. Dr. Brant Graham who pastors the New Faith Community Church and has invited him to be part of the School Safety & Security Committee.  He is a retired Superintendent who did his dissertation on School Safety, and it seemed like a perfect fit.
 

Discussion:  As part of our enrollment process, communication to parents/guardians of our Non-Resident Returning Students have went out in order to learn if they will continue with RISD for the 24-25 school year.  Final responses are due back to district by March 29.  Denial letters to rollovers will go out the last couple of days in May. Open Enrollment for new students - resident & non-resident - is open and will run through the summer.

Discussion:  Summer Nilsson (Daingerfield ISD graduate) will be at RISD on Friday, March 29 to speak to students about her book and discuss the value of words and the fact that words matter. She will have a follow-up meeting with them after they have each read her book, The Land of the Pines. 

Discussion:  Board members reviewed the March 2024 Facilities/Transportation Update.

Discussion:  Hail guards for all the new HVAC units have been installed.  The majority of the old units, district wide, do not have hail guards.

Discussion:  Press Box speakers went out on Friday, March 8.  Dr. Burns has been in touch with Michael Stewart regarding rebuilding them.  Member Bryan Strand suggested that we also look at the costs of replacement vs. rebuild.

Discussion:  Theresa Cowling, Principal of Redwater Elementary School, shared with Board members the highlights from the February 27 Pre-K & Kindergarten Family Registration Night. An estimated 56 persons attended. It is anticipated that the numbers enrolled in Kindergarten will be higher for next school year.  At present, and through most of the summer, the numbers for Pre-K will continue to grow.

Discussion:  Currently, RISD has all exit gates closed during the school day to work out any issues and allow people time to acclimate to them. We will be phasing in the closure of gates one at a time and notifying parents and staff. Hwy 67 will be the last gate to close in our phases. The plan is to have all gates closed by April 8 (eclipse).

Discussion:   The RISD School Safety & Security Committee met on March 5.  A new member, Rev. Dr. Brant Graham who pastors the New Faith Community Church, has joined the group.  He is a retired Superintendent who did his dissertation on School Safety.  We are excited to have his level of expertise on our committee.
 

Discussion:  Teachers are prepping students for safety. RES will go to their playground, RIS will travel to FB field, JH & HS will be in corresponding parking lots. Gates will be closed by this date to restrict access from out-of-towners. With the nature of this event, principals have asked we not allow parents on campus to have a more controlled environment to keep our kids safe. Parents will be notified prior to and we fully expect some parents to keep their kids home or check them out to view with them.

Discussion:  Dr. Burns attended the FUSE symposium in Austin which was very valuable as we enter this effort.  We have one (1) teacher who is committed to participating and increasing student engagement utilizing growth mindset through FUSE training.

Discussion:  This topic will be part of our Board session with Rhonda Crass, once the date is determined.

Discussion:  Team of 8 Training possible dates are:  Thursday, May 16; Tuesday, May 21; Wednesday, May 22; Thursday, May 23.  An email will be sent out to members to determine best date for event.