Board Highlights

Board Highlight Archives

January 8, 2002

Extra Mile Awards

The Board of Trustees recognized the following individuals as recipients of "Extra Mile Awards" for January:

Student Recognitions

The Board of Trustees recognized the following students as winners of the Brazoria County Fair Essay Contest:

Board members also recognized their teacher, Ms. Janet Gipson, for her encouragement and support.

Outstanding History Teacher

Mr. Arnold Seidule, representing the Texas Society of the American Revolution, joined Board members in recognizing Freeport Intermediate School Teacher, Ms. Sheri Minter, as an "Outstanding History Teacher." Ms. Minter will go on to represent her school and the District in future competitions, culminating with the national awards ceremony in Valley Forge.

School Board Recognition Month 

In observance of Governor Rick Perry's declaration of January as "School Board Recognition Month in Texas," Mr. Okruhlik recognized Board members for their dedication and commitment to the children of the Brazosport Independent School District. In thanking Board members, Mr. Okruhlik stated that, "the District has gained a reputation that is recognized world-wide, and it's time to say 'thanks.'" Board members were presented with hard hats by Mr. Okruhlik to signify the hard decisions they are asked to make, and were treated to special thanks and posters offered by the students of Polk Elementary School, Freeport Intermediate School, and other campuses.

Teen Court Presentation 

Diana Davis and students, representing the Boys and Girls Club of Brazoria County, presented Board members with an overview of the Teen Court Program. Ms. Davis explained that participating students are referred to the Teen Court Program by area judges as an opportunity to remove an offense from their records. Once referred, a participant is assigned an "attorney," and must face a "jury of their peers" for purposes of determining an appropriate punishment for the offense (community service and future "jury duty"). Ms. Davis was joined in her presentation by student prosecuting attorneys and co-counsels, bailiffs, court clerks, and defense attorneys who explained that the Teen Court Program serves all schools in Brazoria County and is always looking for recruits. Board members expressed their delight with the presentation and with the Teen Court Program.

BISD Demographic Study Presentation 

Dr. Dennis Harner, of Dennis D. Harner and & Associates, reviewed his recently completed demographic analysis and enrollment projections with Board members. Dr. Harner stated that, "things haven't changed much since [his] last visit to the District, in that the District's overall student enrollment growth has been very static." Dr. Harner incorporated historical enrollment trends, changes in single-family housing units, birth rates, and other demographic factors into his analysis, and calculated high, low, and mid-range enrollment projections for the District for the next five and ten-year periods. Based on Dr. Harner's mid-range projections, the District should expect to lose approximately 500 students in enrollment over the next ten years. Despite this projected overall decline, high school enrollment is projected to grow, while middle and intermediate school enrollment remains stable, and elementary school enrollment declines. Dr. Harner concluded his report by stating that, "It is unlikely that BISD will grow significantly over the next ten years."

Interlocal Agreement With Brazoria County 

The Board of Trustees adopted interlocal agreements with Brazoria County to pave a parking area at the Brazoswood High School tennis courts, improve drainage behind the tennis courts at Brazosport High School, and repair the fence at the Little League field at T. W. Ogg Elementary School.

Policy Update 67 

Board members reviewed legal policies and modified local policies in connection with Localized Policy Manual Update 67, as compiled and recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards Policy Service Division. The policy changes were primarily in response to actions of the 77th Session of the Texas Legislature.

Board Of Trustees Operating Procedures 

Board members approved the Board of Trustees Operating Procedures, as presented by Superintendent Okruhlik. The new procedures are intended to augment and support the Policies of The Board of Trustees, and will assist administrators and the Board in the areas of governance and conduct, communications, performance evaluations, and other administrative issues.

Approval Of The 2002-2003 School Calendar 

The Board of Trustees approved the official school calendar for the 2002-2003 school year, and an associated waiver application for staff development and TAAS testing days. The calendar was developed in cooperation with the District Education Improvement Council (DEIC), consisting of teachers and administrators, parents, business representatives, and other community members. A copy of the official 2002-2003 calendar is included with this month's Highlights.

Petition For Annexation Of Sugar Mill 

Ms. Giovanna Swisher, President of the Sugar Mills West Owners Association, presented the Board of Trustees with a petition containing signatures from approximately 88% of the registered voters of Sugar Mill West, Sugar Mill East, and Oak Island subdivisions, requesting annexation of the three subdivisions by the Brazosport Independent School District. Currently, approximately 44 school-age children reside in the petitioning subdivisions. Ms. Swisher recounted the history of the three subdivisions' current inclusion in the Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District, and associated issues of concern; such as the overall quality of education, transporting times and distances, and socio-economic factors. Ms. Swisher informed Board members that the same petition will be presented to the C-BISD Board of Trustees at their next meeting on January 15. Board members voted to accept the petition, and agreed to schedule a public meeting to consider the social, economic, and educational effects of the proposed boundary change as part of their regular February meeting.

2002-2003 Budget Development Calendar 

Mr. Okruhlik reviewed a tentative 2002-2003 budget and tax rate adoption schedule with Board members. Mr. Okruhlik pointed out that the tentative calendar includes Board workshop dates in March, June, and July, with adoption of the 2002-2003 budget scheduled for August 6. Michael Abild, Director of Business Services, stated that the schedule is similar to ones used in past budget cycles and is subject to change.

Letter From John Magee 

Mr. Okruhlik reviewed a letter from John McGee with Board members, thanking them for their recent action naming the Brazosport High School Auditorium, "The John McGee Performance Center." The action had been approved by the Board based on a recommendation from the John McGee Choir Reunion Committee, representing over 10,000 former students of long-time choral director, John McGee.

Other Actions