December 2000 Board Highlights
December 5, 2000
"Extra Mile Award"
Becky Rinehart, Coordinator of Assessment, assisted Mr. Okruhlik and Board members in recognizing the following individuals and organizations as December recipients of the "Extra Mile Award":
 | Diane James - Ney Elementary Volunteer |
| Pat Blackmar - Ney/Roberts/Austin Volunteer |
| Kathy Crabtree - Beutel Elementary Volunteer |
| Jane Oubre - Beutel Elementary Volunteer |
| Brazosport Rotary Club - Freeport Intermediate Sprinkler and Landscaping Project |
| Brazosport and Brazoswood High School Interact Clubs - Freeport Intermediate Sprinkler and Landscaping Project |
The "Extra Mile Award" is presented in recognition of those employees, students, volunteers, and community members who are helping to take the District "Beyond Exemplary".
Public Hearing on AEIS
The Board held a public hearing to discuss the 1999-2000 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) Report. Becky Rinehart, Coordinator of Assessment, presented Board members with a comparison of Brazosport's academic results by grade level and student groups, to Region IV and the State. Brazosport's outstanding academic performance, combined with its high attendance and low dropout rate, once again, earned the District an overall State rating of "Exemplary" for the 1999-2000 school year. The District's performance was particularly impressive among special education students. Board members joined Mr. Okruhlik in applauding students, teachers, principals, and all staff members for the outstanding results.
BISD Crisis Management Plan
Dr. J. B. Berryhill presented Board members and the audience with an overview of the District's Crisis Intervention Plan. Dr. Berryhill explained that the Plan consists of an individual quick reference "flyer" which is given to all employees, and the District's Crisis Resource Manual which is given to campus crisis team members at each campus. Dr Berryhill also explained the annual revision procedures for the Plan. Board members congratulated Dr. Berryhill for the District's Plan, and encouraged Dr. Berryhill and his staff to provide the necessary training and other resources necessary to allow the District to appropriately respond in the event of a crisis.
Board/Instructional Team Workshop Summary
Charlene Burgner, Director of Instruction, reviewed highlights of the Board's recent administrative workshop. The workshop was entitled, "Who Moved the Cheese?" after the best selling book of the same name by Spencer Johnson. Mrs. Burgner reviewed issues and initiatives identified by workshop participants as "old cheese," as well as newly identified issues and initiatives, identified as "new cheese." Mrs. Burgner also reviewed a list of activities identified as necessary for the District to maintain its "exemplary" status, as well as various definitions of the Board's vision: "Exemplary and Beyond." Mrs. Burgner concluded by reminding the Board and the audience that, "It takes a team to move the cheese."
Easements for Telecommunications Facilities
The Board granted property easements to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWBT) to install telecommunications facility equipment on the Bess Brannen Elementary, A. P. Beutel Elementary, and Lake Jackson Intermediate School campuses. The facilities pose no hazards to students or staff and will allow SWBT to provide enhanced technology to the surrounding neighborhoods. SWBT will pay the District a total of $73,500 ($24,5000 each) for the District's conveyance of the easements.
1999-2000 District Financial Audit Report
The Board of Trustees reviewed and accepted the 1999-2000 audit report, as prepared by the District's independent auditors. Tom Masters, CPA, with the certified public accounting firm of Kennemer, Masters, Koester & Wallace, LLC, discussed the results of the annual audit with the Board, and commended the District for its overall financial operations and financial position.
Exclusive Soft Drink Vending Contract
Board members voted to delay acting on a recommendation from the District's legal counsel, Bracewell & Patterson, LLC, to award an exclusive, district-wide beverage vending contract to the Pepsi Bottling Group. Pepsi had offered to pay the District a combination of commissions and cash payments, totaling $3.1 million, over the ten-year term of the proposed contract. Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Pepsi's nearest competitor, had offered commissions and cash payments totaling slightly over $3 million. Mr. Okruhlik encouraged Board members to study the proposals and contact his office with any questions in advance of the January Board meeting.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
The Board adopted a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, as presented by Becky Gore, Coordinator of Health Services. The Plan is in response to Texas House Bill 2085, which requires that all school districts develop such a plan prior to January 1, 2001. Among other provisions relating to training and reporting requirements, the Plan requires that Hepatitis B vaccinations be provided to all affected employees, at District expense. Ms. Gore explained to Board members that vaccinations for the approximately 25 affected employees should cost between $250 - $350 per person.
Acceptance of Financial Statements
The Board accepted the financial statements for October 2000, as presented by Michael Abild, Director of Business Services.
Approval to Award Bid Contracts
The Board of Trustees approved awarding contracts for a portable classroom building, an athletic lighting system for Brazosport High School, Lions Field, and an athletic track surface system for Brazosport High School, Hopper Field.
Insurance Plan Changes For 2001
Michael Abild, Director of Business Services, reviewed health insurance plan changes for 2001 with Board members. Major changes for 2001 include:
Medical Plan
Introduction of a "formulary" pharmacy benefit and adjustments to the retail and mail order pharmacy copayments, as follows:
| Retail (Non-Maintenance Drugs)
| ||||||
| Mail Order (Maintenance Drugs - 100-day supply)
|
A new physician office visit copayment of $50 for specialists. The $30 copayment for primary care physicians (including gynecologists, pediatricians, and internists) remains unchanged.
Adjustments to monthly medical insurance premiums, as follows:
| Coverage |
2000(Per Mo.) |
2001(Per Mo.) |
| Employee | $36 | $40 |
| Employee/Child(ren) | $158 | $174 |
| Employee/Spouse | $200 | $220 |
| Employee/Family | $322 | $354 |
A $50 emergency room copayment has been added.
Physical therapy charges are limited to a calendar year maximum of $2,000.
Home health care charges are limited to a calendar year maximum of $10,000.
Pre-certification is required for durable medical equipment charges in excess of $500.
Charges related to acupuncture, infertility treatment, and treatments of obesity are excluded from coverage.
Dental Plan
· No changes in 2001 plan deductibles.
· No changes in Plan benefits.
· Monthly dental insurance premiums are adjusted, as follows:
|
Coverage |
2000(Per Mo.) |
2001(Per Mo.) |
| Employee | $25 | $28 |
| Employee/Child(ren) | $56 | $62 |
| Employee/Spouse | $45 | $50 |
| Employee/Family | $81 | $89 |