February 2001
Board Highlights
February 6, 2001
Student Recognition
The Board of Trustees recognized Brazosport High School students for the following activities and accomplishments:
 | Jim Bob Brooks Academic All-State 4A Football Team |
| Andrew Steven Draper First Chair Euphonium In Area Band, All-State Band Try-Outs At University Of Houston, And All-State Band TMEA Convention |
| 2000 Exporter Football Team District 24 4A Runner-Up And 3rd Year In Play-Offs |
Extra Mile Award
Becky Rinehart, Coordinator of Assessment, assisted Mr. Okruhlik in recognizing the following recipients of the "Extra Mile Award" for February:
| Linda Newsome Counselor, Bess Brannen Elementary B.E.S.T. Club/Learning for Life Club |
| Sandy Antill Principal, Rasco Middle School Texas Scholars |
| Jim Saccomanno, BISD Board Member Texas Scholars |
| American Chemical Society (Kevin Darst and Mary Jane Patterson), Community
Organization "Hands-On" Chemistry |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife (Tom Schneider and Bryan Adams), Community
Organization Ecology/Coastal Ecosystems |
| Sea Center Texas (Marilyn Cope and Connie Stolte), Community Organization Redfish Life Cycle/Habitat |
| Friends of the Refuge (Denis James), Community Organization Environmental Field Studies |
| Junior Service League (JoAnn Williams and Mary Myers), Community Organization - CPR Instruction |
Mrs. Rinehart explained that Extra Mile Awards are presented monthly to those employees, students, volunteers, and community leaders who "take extra steps of service" in support of the Brazosport Public Schools.
Texas Scholars Program
Charlene Burgner, Director of Instruction, presented Board members with an update on the Texas Scholars Program. Since its inception in 1992, the program has been implemented in 191 school districts across the state to encourage students to complete the rigorous coursework required by the State Recommended High School Program. Locally, the Program (formerly, "Globe Scholars") is sponsored by the Brazosport Chamber of Commerce through the Business and Industry School Partnership Committee (BISP). Mrs. Burgner informed Board members that Recommended High School Program graduates scored 112 points higher on the 1999 SAT, and that 40.6% of the graduating class of 2000 were Texas Scholars. Board members offered a special thanks to Board member, Jim Saccomanno, and Rasco Middle School Principal, Sandy Antill, for their dedication to the Texas Scholars Program and the students of BISD.
Texas Public Schools Week
The Board of Trustees moved to recognize the week of March 5-9, 2001, as Texas Public Schools Week. Begun in 1950, Texas Public Schools Week annually celebrates the creation and continuation of Texas' free public education system. Mr. Okruhlik and Board members encouraged Brazosport residents to participate in the celebration by visiting their local public schools the week of March 5-9.
Trustee Election for May 5, 2001
The Board ordered a trustee election for Saturday, May 5, 2001, for the purpose of electing two trustees to fill the expiring terms of Board members Mazie Mack (District 4) and Arch (Beaver) Aplin, III (District 5). Applications for a place on the ballot may be submitted beginning Monday, February 19, and will be accepted through Wednesday, March 21. Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted on weekdays, at the office of the Director of Business Services, beginning Wednesday, April 18 and ending Tuesday, May 1.
Dissolution of County Education District
Board members approved a resolution and agreement to effect the dissolution of the Brazoria County Education District (CED). County education districts were created in 1991 as an early means of wealth equalization for Texas public schools, but were declared unconstitutional in 1992. Since that time, a "Successor-in-Interest" has continued collecting property taxes stilled owed to the CED, and distributed those collections to the member school districts. Michael Abild, Director of Business Services, explained that the agreement and resolution would allow Brazosport Independent School District to collect and retain any unpaid property taxes still owed on property located within the District.
Purchase of Alternative Placement Center Site
The Board of Trustees approved an earnest money contract for the purchase of a portion of the Brazos Green Shopping Center and surrounding land in Clute. The Center has been the location of the District's Alternative Placement Program for the past several years. The property acquisition will provide the District with approximately 31,000 sq. ft. of usable floor space, compared to the 17,000 sq. ft. currently being occupied. Pending final negotiations, inspections, and financing arrangements, the District plans to close the sale by May 2001.
Other Actions
The Board approved the financial statements for December 2000, Board Minutes for the December 2000 and January 2001 Board meetings, personnel actions, and a contract for the replacement of two modular food serving lines at Brazosport High School.