Student Recognition

The Board of Trustees recognized Brazoswood High School student, Sarah Katherine Thomas, as the 1999 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement in Writing Award winner. Each year the NCTE sponsors a nation-wide competition to identify excellent high school writers. Sarah Katherine Thomas was selected as a superior writer by the NCTE. The Board also recognized the Brazoswood High School English Department with a certificate of commendation.

The Board recognized Brazoswood High School teacher, Mary Mitchell, as the NCTE sponsor of the Brazoswood High School NCTE Achievement in Writing Award winners. Brazoswood High School Principal, Larry Meche, stated that, "Her work and dedication to students and the school have brought recognition to Brazoswood High School, the English Department, and the community." The Texas Council of Teachers of English will also recognize Mary Mitchell at their annual conference later this year.

Board Members joined Rosa Maria Garcia, Director of Special Programs, in recognizing and congratulating O. A. Fleming Elementary School as a National Title I Distinguished School. Ms. Garcia explained to Board members that Fleming Elementary has been nominated by the Texas Commissioner of Education to the U.S. Department of Education for recognition at the International Reading Association’s National Conference. O. A. Fleming is one of only five schools from Texas nominated by the Commissioner.

The Board recognized the 1998-99 Brazosport High School Exporter Football Team for their outstanding achievements. The Exporters had a perfect 10-0 regular season – the first in Brazosport High School history – and were outright winners of the 24-AAAA District Championship. The "Ships" completed their historic season with an overall record of 12-1, including two appearances in the Astrodome.

Dr. Anderson read a Declaration of Appreciation, and presented School Board members with a certificate, honoring them for their dedicated leadership and continuing service to the children of the Brazosport community. Dr. Anderson also read a letter to Board members and the audience from Texas Governor, George W. Bush, recognizing Texas school board members for the vital role they play in public education in the State and declaring January 2000 as School Board Recognition Month.

Lori Pearson and Jim Tachias, with Unisys Corporation, presented Board members with a progress report on the new school management system. Ms. Pearson identified a number of problems that had been encountered in connection with the software installation and conversion, but assured Board members that significant progress had been made over the past six weeks. Mr. Tachias responded to concerns from Board members by stating that TIES is delivering two significant releases in January that will address many of the major outstanding issues, and that Unisys is committed to Brazosport and will take every reasonable action possible to ensure the success of the project.

Melvin Blair, Director of Secondary Education & Technology, reviewed two school calendars currently being considered by the Calendar Committee for the 2000-01 school year with the Board. Mr. Blair discussed details of each calendar with Board members, and stated that the Board’s adoption of an official calendar will be requested at a later meeting.

The Board of Trustees approved a Shared Services Arrangement revision in connection with the Brazoria-Fort Bend Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. The revised agreement names Fort Bend Independent School District as the new fiscal agent for the program.

The Board approved the sale of delinquent tax properties held in trust by Brazoria County, and authorized the Board President to execute the necessary documents to effect the sale.

Trustees accepted the financial statements for November 1999, as presented by the Director of Business Services.