Comal Independent School District
Board Meeting Minutes May 22, 2008
Bill Swint called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM at the Comal ISD Support Services Building. A quorum was present; notice of this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551. Board Members Present: Bill Swint, Frank Baker, Donna Holmes, Carol Keller, *David Spencer, Carolyn Miller *David Spencer arrived at 6:25 PM Dan Krueger Marc Walker, Thomas Bloxham, Debra Smith, Jodi Duron, Janet Levine, Deb Mahone, Kari Hutchison, Gus Rodriguez, Armando Maese, Billy Becker, Sandra Shelton, Becky Walker, Dirk Butler, Chris Trotter, Brad Brown Noah Westerfield, KGNB-KNBT Radio New Braunfels
Board Members Absent: Administrators Present:
Members of the Press:
1. Approval of Agenda Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Donna Holmes, the Board approved the agenda as presented by the administration (and amended the order) for the meeting of the Comal ISD Board of Trustees on May 22, 2008. For: 5 Against: 0 Absent: 2
6. Approval of Resolution Relating to Establishing the Comal ISD’s Intention to Reimburse Itself for the Prior Lawful Expenditure of Funds in Furtherance of Acquiring, Constructing, and Improving School Facilities from the Proceeds of Tax-Exempt Obligations to be Issued by the District for Authorized Purposes; Authorizing Other Matters Incident and Related Thereto; and Providing an Effective Date Debra Smith presented a resolution to reimburse the General Fund from bond proceeds for expenditures for items included in the Bond 2008. Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Donna Holmes, the Board approved a resolution relating to establishing the Comal Independent School District’s intention to reimburse itself for the prior lawful expenditure of funds in furtherance of acquiring, constructing, and improving school facilities from the proceeds of tax-exempt obligations to be issued by the District for authorized purposes; authorizing other matters incident and related thereto; and providing an effective date. For: 5 Against: 0 Absent: 2
7. Approval of Matters Related to Proceeding with the Issuance of the First Sale of Bonds Approved by Voters on May 10, 2008, Including the Selection of Underwriters Debra Smith reported that the District’s financial advisor recommended expediting the first sale of bonds from the May 10, 2008 authorization. Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Donna Holmes, the Board approved all matters related to proceeding with the issuance of the first sale of bonds approved by voters on May 10, 2008, including the selection of underwriters as provided. For: 5 Against: 0 Absent: 2
4. Recognition The following students and student groups were recognized during the meeting:
• Canyon High School Band, Twirlers, Colorguard and Choir — The “A” Winter Guard won the Scholastic AA division at the Texas Educational Colorguard Association State Contest. The “B” Winter Guard took fourth place in the novice division. Dozens of band students are advancing to the state UIL Solo and Ensemble Band Contest. Four twirlers are advancing to the state UIL Solo and Ensemble Twirling Contest. In addition, several choir soloists are advancing to the UIL Solo and Ensemble Choir Contest. Walt Sparkman is the band director, Bob Whipkey is the Colorguard director, and Susan Bartos is the choir director. Canyon High School Commended Students — Gabriel Mendez, Teal Perry, Reid Reininger, and Curtis Ryan Williams were named Commended Students in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Canyon High School BPA — Several Business Professionals of America students advanced to the state contest this year. Rene Martinez is the BPA sponsor. Canyon High School Boys Bowling Team — The varsity team placed first in district, played at the regional level, and advanced to state the end of March. The team sponsor is Molly Kay. Canyon High School FFA — Three FFA teams — Senior Quiz, Ag Communications, and Wool Judging — placed at the state level. Their sponsors are Lance Jonas and Glenn Grimm. Canyon High School Powerlifters — Three powerlifters qualified for state — Meredith Rogers, Shelby Becka, and Kenneth Warmke. All placed in the top 10 in the state. Their coach is John Mitchell. Canyon High School Aristocats — The Aristocat Dance Team won numerous state and national awards including National Grand Champions, State and National Champion Officer Line, State Champion Ensemble and First Runner-up at Nationals, and Halftime Entertainment State Champions. Their coach is Megan Nebgen. Canyon High School SkillsUSA — Several students qualified for the SkillsUSA State Contest in criminal justice categories including crime scene investigation, law enforcement skills, felony traffic stop, and, criminal justice quiz bowl. Their sponsor is Steve Parker. Canyon High School Air Force JROTC — The AFJROTC unit has received the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit. The unit’s instructors, Kevin Cregier and Ed Garcia, have been named Outstanding Instructors. Canyon High School Boys Soccer Team — For the first time in school history, the team made it to the “Elite Eight,” the state 4A quarterfinals. The team’s coach is Rob Rush. Canyon Middle School State Science Fair Qualifiers — Several students made it to the State Science Fair — Stephanie Zipp, Teresa Hall, Erika Quintanilla and Lori Davis, Heather Hall, and Harrison Williams. Their teachers are Mary Kay Covington, Steve Namba, and Steve Rutledge. Smithson Valley High School TSA — Several students earned the highest award — Best in State — at the Technology Student Association contest. The TSA coordinator is Scott Stoore. Smithson Valley High School State Track Qualifiers — Several students qualified and placed in the th state 5A UIL track and field meet. Julie Amthor won the gold in the 1600 meter run and placed 5 in the 800. The 1600 relay team of Cody Renken, Logan Cunningham, Hayden Hughes, and Collin th th Shurbet, brought home the bronze. Cunningham placed 4 in the pole vault. Shurbet placed 6 in
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the 110 hurdles and 7 in the 300 hurdles. The SVHS boys finished 10 overall in the state UIL track and field meet. The girls’ coach is Louise Bell and the boys’ coach is Craig Wersterfer.
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Note: David Spencer arrived at this portion of the meeting. 3. Bond 2008 Political Action Committee Presentation PAC chairperson Cathy Lathrop donated the PAC’s remaining funds ($2,058) to the Comal School Foundation. 2. Oath of Office to Re-Elected Trustees Jeanie Mendez issued the Oath of Office to re-elected Trustees Carolyn Miller, Frank Baker, and Donna Holmes. 7. Audience Participation Mary Bell, parent of a Smithson Valley High School student, asked the Board to allow her daughter to participate in SVHS’s graduation ceremony. Ann Massey, teacher at SVHS, supported Mrs. Bell’s request. Rose Cervin, Spring Branch resident, stated that her own children struggled while in school, that she initiated the PTSA, and “that good kids should be able to walk across the stage.” 8A. Update on Proposed 2008-09 Budget Debra Smith presented an updated proposed 2008-09 Maintenance and Operations budget summary, which balanced at $119,403,266. 8B. Approval of Additional Staff Positions for 2008-09 Peggy Fuller reported that the District will open three new campuses (Timberwood Park Elementary, Morningside Elementary, and Mountain Valley Middle), add an additional grade to Church Hill Middle and Canyon Lake High, and restructure some elementary schools to include grades PK – 5. Ms. Fuller presented a list of 113.5 new positions required to support the organizational and academic structures, staffing formulas, and projected student growth for the 2008-09 school year.
CAMPUS: (New Staff) Classroom Teachers @ $51,750 Classroom Educational Assistants Other Professional Staff (Admin., Counselors, Librarians, Nurses) Front Office Paraprofessionals (Secretaries, Bookeepers, Attendance Clerks) Campus Security Guards Custodians Campus Stipends/Acad & Athletics Total Campus Departments: (New Staff) Curriculum and Instruction Maintenance Superintendent Technology Transportation Special Programs Total Department Number 47 6 14 8 5 15 95
-0.5 4 0.5 1.5 12 1 18.5
Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Carolyn Miller, the Board approved the additional positions for the 2008-09 school year as presented. For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
8C. Approval of Employee Salary Schedules, Stipends, and Increases for 2008-09 Peggy Fuller explained that the administration reviewed and compared salaries and stipends from surrounding and comparably sized school districts and presented salary schedules, stipends, and a summary of adjustments and raises. Ms. Fuller outlined the following:
• All returning employees on the teacher salary schedule will receive a $2,600 increase. $2,025 of this will be in the form of a pay step raise and $575 (before taxes) will be presented as a one-time check when the employee returns to school in August. (Only employees who were employed in the district during the 2007-2008 school year for a minimum of 90 days, and return in 2008-2009, will be eligible for the one-time check.) A 5% pay increase for all other employees (4.5 to 5% for administrators) and $250 (before taxes) will be presented as a one-time check when the employee returns for the 2008-2009 school year. (Only employees who were employed in the district during the 2007-2008 for a minimum of 90 days, and return in 2008-2009, will be eligible for the one-time check.) As approved by the Board on January 2008, employees who participated in the Comal ISD health insurance plan will benefit from the district’s monthly premium contribution of $370 (2007-2008 contribution was $330). This contribution will become effective September 1, 2008. As a result of this increase in contribution by the district, our current participants will realize a monthly increase of $40 and an annual savings of $480 per year.
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Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Carolyn Miller, the Board approved the employee salary schedules, stipends, adjustments, and raises as presented. For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
9A. Approval of Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Donna Holmes, second by Carolyn Miller, the following items were approved from the consent agenda: 9B. Board meeting minutes of April 22 and May 8, 2008 9C. Financial Statement and Expenditures for April, 2008 9D. Tax Office Report for April, 2008 9E. Increase of 10 cents in School Lunch Meal Prices for 2008-09 (elementary lunch $2.10, secondary lunch $2.35, adult lunch $2.85) 9F. Innovative Course of Sports Medicine I and II 9G. Expedited waiver for submission to the Texas Education Agency for Staff Development (replace 3 instructional days with staff training), Early Release (to allow district to conduct school for less than 7 hours on 6 days of student instruction for final exams at the end of the 1st and 2nd semesters), and Modified Schedule/TAKS Testing Days (to modify the schedule of classes on TAKS testing days) 9H. Out-of-state travel for Canyon High School Aristocats to attend Champion Dance Competition in New York during March 2009 9I. Change order for Arlon Seay Elementary in the amount of $600,000 9J. Change order for Morningside Elementary in the amount of $250,000 9K. Change order for Timberwood Park Elementary in the amount of $300,000 9L. Smithson Valley Middle School exterior paint bid to Texas Finishing System for $83,231
9M. American Red Cross shelter agreements for Canyon High, Canyon Lake High, Smithson Valley High, Canyon Middle, Church Hill Middle, Spring Branch Middle, Mountain Valley Middle, and Smithson Valley Middle 9N. Board of Trustees meeting calendar for 2008-09 For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
10A. Grade Exemption Waiver Update Jodi Duron updated the Board on the State Board of Education’s position on eligible course exemptions for the “no pass no play rule.” During the 2007-08 school year, District students taking advanced academic courses could waive one advanced course during each of the four grading periods, for grades of 60 or above, which would allow them to continue to participate in extra-curricular activities. At the June Board meeting, the District will bring forward updated grading guidelines and the student/parent handbook with a recommendation regarding grade exemptions for 2008-09. 10B. First Reading of Board Policy Update 82 Armando Maese presented the required first reading of TASB Board Policy Update 82. Update 82 will be presented for adoption at the June Board meeting. 10C. Construction Project Report David Swain presented a written report on construction projects. Using a PowerPoint, Thomas Bloxham reported on several new construction and renovation projects. 11. Closed Session Board President Bill Swint announced that beginning at 8:34 PM, the Board would convene in closed session pursuant to Sections 551.071 through 551.084 of the Texas Government Code to discuss items 11A-G. The Board ended closed session and reconvened in open session at 11:39 PM. 12. Denial of Student Transfer Appeal During closed session the Board heard one student transfer appeal (two other requests were withdrawn prior to the meeting). Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Donna Holmes, the Board denied the transfer request (Spencer Henn SVMS to SBMS) as discussed in closed session. For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
13. Denial of Level Three Appeal of Student Grievance Concerning a Disciplinary Matter During closed session the Board heard a Level Three appeal of a student grievance concerning a disciplinary matter. Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by David Spencer, the Board denied the Level Three student grievance of SVHS student Benjamin Rodriguez and further moved to deny the requested remedies. For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
14. Personnel Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Carol Keller, the Board approved employment of contractual personnel as presented. A copy will be attached to and made part of the official minutes. For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
15. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with City of New Braunfels for Road Improvements Upon a motion by Frank Baker, second by Donna Holmes, the Board approved the interlocal governmental agreement for the conveyance of approximately 16.79 acres of land to the City of New Braunfels and pay engineering design costs for road improvements at the Morningside Elementary and Oak Creek Elementary sites in exchange for the city paying the costs of road improvements at each site. For: 6 Against: 0 Absent: 1
16. Reorganization of Board of Trustees The Board reorganizes each year following the May Trustee Election by election of the following officers: President: Frank Baker nominated Bill Swint for President; Carol Keller seconded. There were no other nominations. Bill Swint was unanimously elected President. Vice President: Donna Holmes nominated Frank Baker for Vice President; Carol Keller seconded. There were no other nominations. Frank Baker was unanimously elected Vice President. Secretary: David Spencer nominated Donna Holmes for Secretary; Carol Keller seconded. There were no other nominations. Donna Holmes was unanimously elected Secretary. Treasurer: Frank Baker nominated Carol Keller for Treasurer; Donna Holmes seconded. There were no other nominations. Carol Keller was unanimously elected Treasurer. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 PM.