July 2002 Board Highlights

July 2, 2002

Pepsi Update

David Waddell and Clinton Noble, with the Pepsi Bottling Group, updated Board members on the District's exclusive full-service vending contract with Pepsi. Mr. Noble reported that 15,273 cases of Pepsi products were sold during the past year, generating $108,522 in sales commissions. Mr. Waddell admitted Pepsi's difficulties with the District's transition during the first several months of the contract, and that vending sales had suffered as a result, but stated that full-service vending sales had improved significantly during March, April, and May of the current year. Despite the recent improvements, Mr. Waddell still reported a district-wide shortfall in vending commissions of $28,653, compared with commissions of a year ago, with secondary schools suffering the largest losses. At Mr. Okruhlik's urging, Mr. Waddell agreed to reimburse the District $20,000 for the lost commissions, a $6,000 increase over his previous offer. Board members thanked the Pepsi Bottling Group representatives for their presentation, and expressed their desire for similar, comparative reports in future years.

Channel 19 Update & Expansion

Karla Christman, Coordinator of Media Services, and Tami Sophia, Media Specialist, discussed with Board members the implications of expanding Channel 19 to include broadcasts of meetings of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Christman stated that there are several hurdles to broadcasting meetings, including television cameras, associated wiring and hardware, and trained personnel. Mrs. Christman used LaPorte Independent School District's newly remodeled board room as an example of a "recognized" broadcasting facility, noting that LaPorte has spent over $40,000 for broadcasting equipment and still does not televise meetings. Mrs. Christman stated that an "exemplary" broadcasting facility could cost the District in excess of $100,000. Mrs. Christman and Mrs. Sophia suggested that highlights of the Board meetings and associated interviews might be videotaped and broadcast on Channel 19 as an interim solution. Board members discussed broadcasting costs and possible alternatives, and agreed to refer the project to the District's Technology Committee for further study and a future recommendation. Board members also expressed interest in conducting a community survey to determine the level of interest for broadcasting Board meetings, and discussed the possibility of allowing students to participate in the broadcasts by integrating the broadcasting activities into the District's curriculum.

Resolution of Appreciation

Board members enthusiastically approved a Resolution of Appreciation in honor of former Board member, Jim Saccomanno. After reading the resolution to Mr. Saccomanno and to the audience, Board President, Ron Miles, complimented Mr. Saccomanno for his "dedication, input, and hard work" in dispatching his duties as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1996 through 2002. Mr. Okruhlik and other Board members joined Mr. Miles in congratulating Mr. Saccomanno for his years of distinguished service on the Board of Trustees.

Election of School Board Officers

The Board of Trustees voted to elect Louis L. Walker as Vice President of the Board of Trustees to fill the vacated position of resigned Board member, James P. (Jim) Saccomanno, and Joseph C. Allen to serve as Assistant Secretary.

Special Trustee Election for November 5, 2002

Board members ordered a special trustee election for Tuesday, November 5, 2002, to fill the unexpired term of resigned Board member, James P. (Jim) Saccomanno, representing Single-Member Trustee District 7.

2002-2003 Stipend Study Recommendations

Board members approved stipends for athletic and other activities for 2002-2003, as developed in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The recommendations were based on a multi-year TASB study comparing amounts paid by the District with other districts in the surrounding market area and examining the rationale and effectiveness of current practices. The recommended stipend modifications, which were unanimously adopted by the Board, had been reviewed by the Superintendent, staff members, and Board members since they were originally presented to the Board for consideration at the June 4, 2002, meeting.

TAAS Performance Incentive Program

The Board of Trustees approved an Employee Performance Incentive Program for the 2002-2003 school year. The program grants monetary awards to campuses and individuals based on student academic performance during the previous school year. The 2002-2003 proposed budget includes $615,000 for district-wide performance incentive awards.

Endorsement of Candidates for TASB Board

The Board voted to endorse Manuel Guajardo, Jr., of Texas City Independent School District, and Sarah B. Winkler, from Alief Independent School District, to represent District 4, Positions B and C, respectively, as candidates for the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Trustees. The election will be held later this year in connection with the TASA/TASB Annual Convention in Dallas.

HIPAA Exemption

The Board renewed its election to be exempt from the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for the upcoming year. The action exempts the District from most of the requirements of HIPAA, with the exception of the Act's requirement to provide departing employees with certification of prior health insurance coverage.

2002-2003 Proposed Budget Workshop

Board members held a workshop to review a proposed budget for the District's 2002-2003 fiscal year. Michael Abild, Director of Business Services, reported that property values are expected to increase by approximately $211 million for 2002, with a resulting increase in tax revenues of approximately $3 million. Mr. Abild explained that increased salary and benefit costs represent the largest increase in the 2003 proposed budget, including teacher and other professional personnel salary and stipend increases recommended by TASB, and a corresponding average 2.5% increase in wages for most other employee categories. Mr. Abild also reported that the District expects its "Robin Hood" payment for 2003 to moderate somewhat to approximately $11.3 million. Budgets for the Long-Range Technology Plan and for district-wide refurbishing projects will continue to be suspended, pending consideration of the Master Facility Plan by voters in September 2002. Superintendent Okruhlik thanked Board members for their input and stated that an official budget will be presented at the August 6, 2002, meeting for public hearing and adoption.

Other Actions

In other actions, the Board of Trustees approved the official minutes for the June 4, June 10, and June 18, 2002, Board meetings, approved financial statements for May 2002, and awarded bid contracts for basketball and soccer equipment and supplies.