Board Highlights

Extra Mile Awards

Mark Broaddus, Executive Director of Human Resources, assisted Mr. Okruhlik and the Board of Trustees in recognizing the following individuals and organizations with Extra Mile Awards for November: 

BISD Student Recognition

The following students were recognized by the Board of Trustees as award winners at the 2002 Brazoria County Fair Art Show:

Lake Jackson Intermediate School

Brazosport High School

Brazoswood High School

Oath Of Office

Newly elected Board member, Mario Martinez, was sworn in as Trustee of the Brazosport Independent School District, representing Single-Member District 7.  Mr. Okruhlik joined Board members in congratulating Mr. Martinez and welcoming him to the Board of Trustees. 

Schematic Designs For New Campuses

Ron Bailey and staff members, with PBK Architects, Inc., presented Board members with an update on the schematic design process underway in connection with the new Velasco Elementary and Lake Jackson Intermediate Schools.  Mr. Okruhlik reported that the architects have met with faculty members and interested parents and community members of each school as part of the design process, and have incorporated this input into the preliminary plans.  Mr. Bailey presented three preliminary designs for each new campus, along with a fourth design incorporating each design’s best features.  Mr. Bailey stated that the design phase will continue through mid-January, with final construction documents scheduled for completion in April 2003.  The new Velasco Elementary School is scheduled to open in time for the 2004-2005 school year, with the new Lake Jackson Intermediate School scheduled for completion by January 2005.  Board members thanked Mr. Bailey and his staff for their work, and thanked staff members and other participants for their valuable input. 

TASB Policy Update

The Board of Trustees reviewed legal policy changes and voted to add, modify, or delete local policies, as included in Localized Policy Manual Update 68 and Local District Updates, and as recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). 

Project-Teach Endowment

Board members agreed to table a recommendation to establish endowed funds in support of the Project Teach and Project Campus Enhancement Programs to a future meeting.  The recommendation would have directed 60% of the annual Pepsi sponsorship payments and other specific donations to an endowment in support of the Project Teach Program, and 40% of the sponsorship payments and other specific donations to an endowment in support of a new program, entitled “Project Campus Enhancement.”  Project Teach attempts to address the growing teacher shortage by developing “home grown” teacher candidates who have an interest in returning to Brazosport upon graduation to teach in the District’s schools.  Mr. Okruhlik explained that the new program, Project Campus Improvement, would be designed to foster creativity and innovation in individual classrooms by awarding funds annually to teachers to enhance their curriculum.  Board members discussed numerous alternatives for funding the Programs, as well as other possible uses for the annual sponsorship payments, before agreeing to postpone the decision, pending further study.

Student Attendance Information

Ron Speir, Director of Student Services, presented Board members with a District enrollment report as of November 12, 2002, reporting a 59-student increase over the same period last year.  Mr. Speir reported that inter-district transfers are also up by 61 students over last year, while intra-district transfers (transfers between campuses) currently total 488.  In addition, 99 of the 126 dropouts reported in August have since been “recovered” (located and documented).  Mr. Speir also presented a brief report on the “Project Fail Safe” truancy prevention program currently being piloted at Brazosport High School.  The Program started in October 2002, and currently has 14 students enrolled.  According to all accounts, the program is working well, and expansions are being considered for Freeport Intermediate and Lanier Middle Schools.

Other Actions

In other actions, the Board approved the official minutes of the September 25, 2002, and October 1, 2002, Board meetings and financial statements for September 2002.