School Board Meeting Notes from April, 2008

 RECOGNITION:

Joy Killough was approved at the March Board meeting as the new Endowed Science Chair for Kerrville ISD.  Mrs. Carole Tucker, President of the Kerrville Public School Foundation, presented an over-sized check representing resources the Foundation is committing toward the salary of the Endowed Science Chair.

Nimitz Elementary and Tally Elementary were presented the Texas Education Agency Title I, Part A Distinguished Performance Award for ensuring that all children have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards and assessment for the 2007-2008 school year.

The THS Destination ImagiNation Improvisational Team received a first place at Regional Competition and competed at State:  John Gruetzner, Vikki Keiser, Carl LeStourgeon, Colin Pratt, Mitchell Priour, Caleb Thomas, and Will Willis.  Coaches: Cindy Thomas and Erica Bell

THS Choir members were recognized as UIL Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest Qualifiers: Kelly Ayala, William Bates, Mandy Bernard, Paige Box, Cameron Cook, Andrea De Leon, Noah Doran, Michael Garrett, Amanda Garza, Jon Erik Garza, Aaron Glover, Veronika Hoy, Hunter Kanady, Bailey Miller, Dresden Mitchell, Rebecca Moore, Shelby Seiler, Jackie Stevens, and Jordan Valderaz.  Additionally, the THS Girls Choir and Mixed Varsity Choir received a UIL Sweepstakes and the THS Boys Choir received the highest score of 1 in Concert and 2 in Sightreading.  Choir Director: David Custer.

OPEN FORUM

Mr. Jim Keefe, Mr. Bill Morgan, and Mr. Kirk A. Storey, Sr. spoke about tax exemption relief for the Kerrville Elks Lodge.

INFORMATION ITEMS:

1.   Stadium Procedures for 2008 Varsity Football Season Report

Dr. Jolly presented information regarding stadium procedures for the 2008 varsity football season.  Detailed information will be distributed to parents, students, and the community in letters, on Channel 2, in campus newsletters, open houses, student assemblies, and on campus marquees.

2.   Tuition Rate Report

Current policy sets a rate of $400.00 per semester for transfer students and a reduced tuition fee of one-half the rate per semester ($200 per semester) for each additional family member transferring into the district.  It is the recommendation of the administration to maintain the current tuition rate for the 2008-2009 school year.  Action will be taken on this item in May.

3.   Personnel Acute Shortage Area Report

The administration asked that the Board consider designating speech therapy as an acute shortage area effective the 2008-2009 school year.  Although the district has been able to provide adequate services by employing a speech therapist assistant, stronger services would be possible if a certified speech therapist could be attracted to KISD.  Given the highly competitive market for speech therapists, the administration sees the possibility that certified speech therapists could be attracted if the Board considers hiring retirees as an option for filling this acute shortage area.  Action will be taken on this item in May.

4.   Kerr County YMCA Agreement Report

During the December board meeting, Ms. Brenda Chapman, Chief Executive Officer of the Kerr County YMCA, presented information regarding the YMCA’s desire to begin the development process of providing a Y Teen Club at Hal Peterson Middle School.  The Board also adopted a resolution of support for the YMCA endeavor at the December meeting. The administration asked the Board to review the Kerr County YMCA Agreement.  Action will be taken on this item in May.

5.   Budget Forecast Report

The administration has made preliminary revenue forecasts for fiscal years 2008 thru 2010.  The administration presented a report on these revenues and the associated expenditure projections for the next three years.

6.   Financial Reports

The Board reviewed the following monthly financial reports:

• General Operating Expenditure Report
• Investment Report
• Property Tax Collection Report

7.   Board Staff Development Book Study Report

The Board received the fifth book study selection entitled Don’t Bother Me Mom-I’m Learning by Marc Prensky on January 15, 2008.  Questions four through seven were discussed during this meeting.  Next month questions eight through thirteen will be discussed.

ACTION ITEMS:

1. Consider Bids for Limited Replacement of Roofs at Starkey and HPMS

The Board awarded the roofing proposal for Starkey Elementary School and for Hal Peterson Middle School to Advantage USA, Inc. for $618,000.

2.   Consider Corporate Resolution for Sale of Surplus Property

The Board approved the Corporate Resolutions for sale of surplus property at Starkey and Nimitz.

3.   Consider Purchases of $10,000 or More

The Board approved the requisitions over $10,000.

4.   Consider Personnel, including but not limited to Resignations, Retirements, Professional Appointments, Request for Leave of Absence, and Substitute Teacher List [This item may be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 551.074.]

The Board reviewed the professional resignations and retirements and approved the professional appointments:

Resignations: Elizabeth Brown, Nicole Esensee, Christie Kitchens, Mallory Maxwell, and Genetta McElhaney.  Retirements: Barbara Holton and Ann Smith.  Professional Appointments: Carol Burns Chancellor-Elementary Teacher to be assigned, Katherine Dieringer-Elementary Teacher to be assigned, Amanda Gleason-Elementary Teacher to be assigned, Lyndsay Hassell-Elementary Teacher to be assigned, Krystal Lugo-THS Spanish Teacher, Susie McCalla-HPMS Counselor, Megan McConnell-Early Childhood Pre-School Teacher, Tracie Reeh-Daniels First Grade Teacher, Mark Snyder-HPMS Industrial Arts Teacher, and Chandra Verhalen-Starkey Third Grade Teacher.

The Board approved the appointment of Donna Jenschke to Principal of B.T. Wilson Sixth Grade School for the 2008-2009 school year.

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING WILL BE AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008.