September 2000 Board Highlights

September 5, 2000

Kinder Literacy Academy/TIP

Jane Hill, Coordinator of Curriculum & Staff Development, presented Board members with an overview of the Teacher Induction Program (TIP). The TIP is a 30-hour course that helps new teachers adopt basic classroom techniques that ensure success for all students. A total of 116 teachers received TIP training this year. Following Mrs. Hill's presentation, Glenda Gallegly, Reading Specialist & Dyslexia Facilitator, presented a report on the District's Kinder Literacy Academy. Students identified as "at-risk" or experiencing difficulties in their reading development were invited to participate in the Academy this past summer, which focused on name games, interactive writing, phonemic awareness, and read-alouds. A total of 44 students were enrolled. Students completing the program demonstrated a remarkable 21-point gain in average test scores.

EOC, SAT, and ACT Scores

Becky Rinehart, Coordinator of Assessment, presented Board members with a report of End-Of-Course (EOC), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and American College Testing Program (ACT) exam results for Brazosport students for 2000. Mrs. Rinehart explained that the tests are designed to assess each student's general educational development and ability to complete college level work. The District's 2000 EOC scores continued to improve for 2000, with EOC, ACT, and SAT scores all at or above state and national averages. More students took the SAT exam in 2000, resulting in a dramatic 34-point increase in composite scores over last year.

Policy Update

The Board adopted the Texas Association of School Boards Policy Service Division's Localized Policy Manual Update 63. The TASB policy update modifies policies involving board member ethics and authority, school prayer, workers' compensation benefit calculations, extra-curricular activity absences, class rankings, and new requirements relating to child abuse and neglect.

Adoption of the 2001 Revenue Budget

The Board voted to approve the 2000-2001 revenue budget. Funding for the budget will be provided by local, state, and federal sources, and will total nearly $90.5 million. In addition to estimated current tax revenues of $77.1 million, funding from other local sources will total approximately $4.4 million. Funding from state sources is estimated to be $3.8 million, and funding received from the Child Nutrition Program and other specially-funded programs is expected to total $5.2 million.

Ordinance Setting the 2000 Tax Rate

The Board adopted an ordinance setting the 2000 tax rate at $1.3728 per $100 of assessed value, with $1.306440 designated for maintenance and operations and $0.066360 designated for the payment of principal and interest on bonded indebtedness.

Approval to Award Bid Contracts

The Board of Trustees approved awarding contracts for athletic supplies & equipment (baseball & softball).

Acceptance of Financial Statements

The Board accepted the financial statements for July 2000, as presented by Michael Abild, Director of Business Services.

Board Facilities Discussion

Mr. Okruhlik invited Board members to provide input and direction concerning the District's future facility needs. Board members obliged by identifying a number of projects requiring attention, including; secondary school athletic facilities, Alternative Placement Center accommodations, traffic and parking needs, and technology. Board members asked Mr. Okruhlik and staff to begin developing a multi-year "master plan" which could be reviewed by the Board and shared with the community.

"Perryman Field"

The Board endorsed a recommendation from Brazosport High School Principal, Doug Boone, to name the new Brazosport High School girls' softball field, "Perryman Field," in recognition of Dr. Gerald Perryman. Mr. Boone explained that Dr. Perryman started his practice in Velasco in 1949, and practiced medicine in Freeport until his death in 1987. Dr. Perryman served as the Exporter's team doctor for twelve years, and also served on the Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1980, acting as President from 1973 to 1976.