The Wal-Mart SuperCenter was recognized
for its instrumental role in helping the Even Start Family Literacy
Program receive a Wal-Mart Literacy Grant. The Even Start program
provides parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to become
full partners in their children’s education.
Student
Recognitions
The Board recognized the following
students for their academic and extracurricular achievements during
the past school year:
Lake Jackson
Intermediate School
Fourth Annual Texas Independence Day Essay Contest
This contest, sponsored by the Brazoria
County Historical Museum and the Varner-Hogg State Historical Site, is
open to all seventh grade students in Brazoria County. Of the 104
entries from throughout Brazoria County, Mrs. Linda Kesler’s students
took all three awards. The three girls were honored guests at a
banquet at the Varner-Hogg Plantation, where they each received a
savings bond, a medal, and a certificate.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition
A complete list of award recipients and other
honorees is attached
to this month’s issue of Highlights.
District
Technology Review
Mr. Bob Baker,
with the Region IV Education Service Center (Region IV) presented
Board members with results of a recently completed technology review
of the District. Mr. Baker stated that the objective of the review
was to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the District’s
technologies against best practices known throughout the state and
nation, and to aid the District in implementing its technology plan by
identifying key priorities and areas of focus. Mr. Baker reviewed the
commendations, findings, and recommendations included in the report,
with particular emphasis on administrative applications, instructional
technology, and network services. Board members thanked Mr. Baker and
his team for the report.
Third Grade
TAKS Results
Faithe Koser,
Reading/Language Arts Curriculum Facilitator, presented the results of
the TAKS reading assessment for third-graders. Mrs. Koser reported
that the District’s third-graders topped the state in nearly every
category, with one campus achieving a 100% passing rate! Overall, 94%
of the District’s test takers passed the test, versus the state
average passing rate of 89%. Mrs. Koser joined Board members in
congratulating the District’s students and teachers for their hard
work and commitment to success, and stated that the results are in
large part due to “trusting the [eight-step] process.” Board members
praised the results and expressed their hope that past anxiety over
the test will now be replaced with new confidence.
2003-2004
Insurance Renewal
Gerald Andrews,
with the Victory Insurance Agency, reviewed with Board members the
state of the property and casualty insurance market and its effect on
the District’s 2003-2004 insurance renewal. Mr. Andrews explained
that an unfortunate combination of tropical storms and associated wind
and flood damage, residential mold claims, the September 11 tragedy,
and airline disasters have turned a once “soft market” for insurance
into a very difficult and costly “hard market.” Mr. Andrews stated
that the combination of these factors and the District’s close
proximity to the Gulf of Mexico has resulted in a premium increase of
nearly $1 million for the upcoming year. Although alternatives are
still being sought, Mr. Andrews warned that lower quotations will
almost certainly come with associated increases in risk for the
District.
Network and Telecommunication System Upgrade
Bob Daughrity, Director of Technology and Media Services, presented a
recommendation to award a $1.1 million contract to GE IT Solutions for
an upgrade of the District’s network and telecommunications systems.
Mr. Daughrity explained that the District’s existing network and
telephone systems are rapidly becoming obsolete and difficult to
maintain, with a greater likelihood of failures and downtime. The
network upgrade has been identified by the District’s Technology
Committee and by Region IV as a priority and will bring the District
in line with current industry standards. The telecommunications
upgrade will replace the existing 23 separate phone systems with a
single system, with voice mail capabilities and the ability to add
additional lines for system bypass, fax, and attendance call-out
systems. Board members voted unanimously to award the recommended
contract.
Digital
Surveillance System
Board members
approved awarding a contract to Executive Surveillance, Inc. to equip
and install a digital surveillance system at Brazoswood and Brazosport
High Schools and the Alternative Placement Center. Board members had
previously viewed a demonstration of the system at the October 2002
meeting. In presenting the recommendation, Mr. Daughrity explained
that the analog-to-digital system is simple to use, cost effective,
offers higher quality resolution, and easy search and find options for
video review. After weighing associated cost considerations, Board
members voted to approve the contract.
Teacher
Appreciation Week
Board members
joined Mr. Okruhlik in enthusiastically supporting a resolution
recognizing the week of May 4 through May 10, 2003, as National
Teacher Appreciation Week. In introducing the resolution, Mr.
Okruhlik explained that the annual event is sponsored by the National
PTA and is intended to focus attention on the outstanding work of our
public school teachers. The resolution declares that, “it is
appropriate that teachers be accorded high public esteem, reflecting
the value the community places on public education,” and recognizes
teachers for their “dedication and commitment to educating their
students.” Board members praised all teachers for their untiring
service to the students of the District.
Cancellation of
Trustee Election for District 1
The Board
approved an Order Declaring Election of Unopposed Candidate for Bobby
Sharp, who is unopposed for election as Trustee for District 1. Under
Texas election law, a school district may cancel a trustee election
for a single-member trustee district if a candidate whose name is to
appear on the ballot is unopposed.
Sanitary
Control Easement
Board members
approved granting a sanitary control easement to the Texas Natural
Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in advance of water well
improvements currently being considered for Stephen F. Austin
Elementary School. The easement, which encompasses a 150-foot radius
on the northwest corner of the Austin campus, serves as a commitment
by the District to protect against contamination of the area of the
easement and the associated water supply.
2003-2004
Student Code of Conduct
Ron Speir,
Director of Student Services, presented Board members with a working
copy of the 2003-2004 Student Code of Conduct. Mr. Speir reviewed the
format of the revised Code of Conduct and explained that a
representative committee had reviewed the document and recommended
several modifications. Mr. Speir stated that the working copy is
being distributed to the Board and to the District’s legal counsel for
review and comment in advance of its presentation for adoption in
May. Mr. Speir warned that last minute modifications may be required
in response to legislative actions before it is finally printed in
English and Spanish for the upcoming school year.
Other
Actions
In other
actions, the Board of Trustees approved the official minutes for the
February 17 and March 4, 2003, Board meetings, approved financial
statements for February 2003, and received an enrollment report as of
March 28, 2003.
