Our Board held its regular monthly meeting tonight. Here's a recap of the issues discussed and actions taken:
- Students from Treasure Forest Elementary sang two songs to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month
- The Board gratefully accepted donations and gifts to the District from the Spring Branch Education Foundation totaling almost $600,000.
- The Board also gratefully accepted a donation of 45 external defibrillators (AEDs) from the Texas Arrhythmia Institute with a value of nearly $100,000. This donation will provide every campus with at least one AED.
- The Board held a public hearing on the 2006 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). With a perfect score on all 21 financial indicators, the District received a rating of Superior Achievement (the highest rating) for the 4th consecutive year. The District's presentation is available here (.pdf)
- During the discussion on the FIRST rating, I raised the issue of publication of the District's check register on the District's website. This is something I feel will increase transparency for our taxpayers. Look for this to become a reality this Fall.
- Each of the Board members delivered their respective Liaison reports.
- The Board received a presentation from the Summer School Principals on the successes of the program as well as the areas of anticipated improvement. Overall, the program was very successful this year. The presentation by the Principals is available here (.pdf).
- The Board took action to approve contracts, routine personnel items, and a SPARK Park at Meadow Wood Elementary, and the use of the construction manager-at-risk contracting method for the Police Station and Athletic Facility projects.
- The Board approved the Five Year Educational Plan Annual Performance Objectives. For each of the objectives, action plans will now be developed with final approval of the Plan anticipated at the December Board meeting. The Plan with the performance objectives is available for review here here (.pdf).
- Finally, the Board discussed the tax rate which must be set at the October meeting. The Texas Legislature lowered the District's rate by 18¢ to $1.6315. The Legislature allows Districts to raise that rate by up to 4¢. However, our Board reached a consensus that the rate will not be increased. In addition, we will be adjusting the debt service rate within the $1.6315 in order to maximize the amount of additional State funds available which total approximately $800,000. The presentation concerning the tax rate discussion is available here (.pdf).
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