Board Highlights

Board Highlight Archives

April 3, 2001

"Extra Mile Award"
The Board of Trustees recognized the following individuals and organizations as recipients of the "Extra Mile Award" for April:

Extra Mile Awards are presented monthly to employees, students, volunteers, and community leaders who contribute their time and energy to leading the District "Beyond Exemplary."

Student Recognitions

City of Clute Fire Prevention Poster Contest:

Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo Student Art Contest

Marching Auxiliaries Dance Regional Competition Winners (Brazoswood High School)

Graduate Survey
Dr. J. B. Berryhill, Director of Special Education, presented the results of the latest Graduate Survey to Board members for their review. Dr. Berryhill explained that the survey is administered to Brazosport and Brazoswood High School graduates during their first, third, and fifth year after graduation, and includes questions designed to assess the overall level of satisfaction with the District. The presentation focused on the initial and third-year surveys of the class of 1998, as well as a comparison of first-year surveys for the graduating classes of 1996 through 2000. Dr. Berryhill pointed out that, typically, about 65% of graduates find themselves attending either a 2-year or 4-year college their first year after graduation, with approximately 40% working either full or part-time. Over 75% of 2000 graduates stated that the District did an average to good job of preparing them for continuing their education. Board members expressed their satisfaction with the increasing number of graduates included in the survey over the past five years.

Brazosport High School Multimedia Class

Board members viewed a videotape of the February 6, 2001, edition of "Special Assignment 11," broadcast by KHOU-TV in Houston, highlighting video technology opportunities offered to Brazosport High School multimedia class members. In addition to Brazosport's Multimedia Instructor, Robert Brown, the segment also featured "senior" anchor man, Doug Boone, Principal at Brazosport High School.

Summer Work Schedule

Based on a recommendation from the Superintendent, the Board approved a four and one-half day summer work week, beginning in early June and continuing through July 27. The condensed work week will continue to insure that all student programs in the summer are appropriately supervised on Fridays and that staff members are on duty in the event of an emergency.

2001-2002 Student Code of Conduct

Board members reviewed a draft of the 2001-2002 Student Code of Conduct, as presented by Melvin Blair, Director of Secondary Education and Technology. In reviewing each recommended revision with the Board, Mr. Blair explained that elementary and secondary principals reviewed legislative changes and relevant campus data in drafting the recommended changes, which were then reviewed with the District's Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC), other District staff, and business and community members. Mr. Okruhlik explained that final approval of the 2001-2002 Student Code of Conduct would be requested at a later meeting.

Agreement With Brazosport Memorial Hospital

Mr. Okruhlik presented Board members with a request from Brazosport Memorial Hospital to utilize District property to relocate the Hospital's heliport and to provide additional parking in connection with a planned expansion and modification of the Hospital's emergency room and maternity facilities. Hospital Administrator, Wes Oswald, explained to Board members that the District currently leases property to the Hospital for parking adjacent to the proposed site. Board members agreed to authorize the Superintendent to negotiate an agreement that meets the needs of the Hospital and the District.

Resolution Recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week

Board members enthusiastically supported a resolution recognizing May 6-12 as National Teacher Appreciation Week. The resolution recognizes teachers for their "commitment and dedication to educating their students," and calls on the entire Brazosport community "to join in personally thanking and recognizing teachers for their dedication and devotion to their work." Board members joined Mr. Okruhlik in praising teachers for their untiring service to the students of the District, and stated that visitors from outside the District consistently comment on the obvious commitment of the teachers in Brazosport.

Cancellation of School Board Trustee Election

The Board approved an Order Declaring Election of Unopposed Candidate for Mazie Mack and Joe Allen, who are unopposed for election as Trustees for Districts 4 and 5, respectively. Under Texas election law, a school district may cancel a trustee election for a single-member district if a candidate whose name is to appear on the ballot is unopposed.

Resolution Authorizing The Issuance Of A Public Property Finance Contract And Other Related Matters
Board members approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of contractual obligation financing in connection with the planned purchase and expansion of the existing Alternative Placement Center in the Brazos Green Shopping Center in Clute. The Texas Association of School Boards assisted the District in securing the financing for a ten-year period, at an effective interest rate of 4.34%. The approved financing will release cash, that would have otherwise been expended for the purchase of library books, band and orchestra equipment, and computer hardware and software, to be applied toward the purchase of the shopping center property.

Philosophy Of Marketing BISD "Best Practices"
Mr. Okruhlik and Board members discussed a philosophy of marketing Brazosport Independent School District's "best practices" to other schools and organizations. Mr. Okruhlik noted that Board members have previously encouraged administration to seek alternative funding sources, and stated that he is repeatedly approached by other districts interested in purchasing material developed by the District. After discussing the benefits and concerns associated with such an endeavor, Board members agreed to begin a "pilot" program to market Brazosport's "best practices."

Summer Workshop Date
Board members agreed to schedule a full-day, summer workshop on Monday, June 18, 20001, to review student performance and other data for the past school year, and to plan goals and objectives for 2001-2002.