August 5, 2003

Judge Milan Miller. Judge Miller was nominated by Brazosport High School for his work in implementing the Fail-Safe Program in the Freeport area schools; a program which has increased student attendance at Brazosport High School. Additionally, Judge Miller has supported the after school Academic Study Hall program and has personally encouraging many seniors who were having trouble with either academics or attendance to “stay the course” and receive that valuable diploma.

Teacher Appraisal Calendar/Teacher Appraisers
The Board approved the teacher appraisal calendar for the 2003-2004 school year, as required by the Professional Development Appraisal System (PDAS), and identified administrative staff members who have completed formal training for certification as appraisers. The PDAS requires each school district to annually establish a calendar that designates appraisal periods and requires each designated appraiser to receive uniform appraiser training.

Change Order and Emergency Contract for Slade Field
The Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from the District’s architects, PBK Architects, Inc., to authorize a change order to convert the Slade Field running track to 400 meters and to authorize awarding an emergency contract to Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc. (SRI) for additional repairs and re-curbing of the south side of the track. The action was prompted by the discovery of additional cracking and deterioration of the track subsequent to the Board’s decision to award a contract to SRI for its repair in June.

Emergency Contract for Water Well System
The Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from PBK Architects, Inc. to authorize awarding an emergency contract to Felder Water Well & Pump Service to replace the existing water well system currently serving S. F. Austin Elementary School. A “notice to proceed” had previously been issued. Completion of the new water system is scheduled by the beginning of school.

Purchase of Attendance Credits from the State
The Board approved an Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credits with the State for the 2003-2004 school year and authorized the Superintendent to submit a “letter of intent” to the Commissioner of Education describing actions underway in the District to reduce its property wealth per student to the State equalized level. The District currently expects to pay nearly $14 million in “Robin Hood” payments for the upcoming year.

Adoption of the 2003-2004 Budget
After holding a public hearing to discuss the 2003-2004 budget and tax rate, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a budget, totaling $106.4 million, for the upcoming fiscal year. Michael Abild, Executive Director of Business Services, informed Board members and those in attendance that increased salary and benefit costs represent the largest increase in operating expenditures for the proposed budget ($1.6 million), including a $1,200 salary increase for teachers and other professional personnel and a corresponding average 2.5% increase in wages for other employee categories. Mr. Abild also reported that budgeted equalization (“Robin Hood”) payments have increased by approximately $2.7 million, to $13.9 million. Funding for the 2003-2004 budget comes from enhanced tax revenues associated with a $227 million increase in 2003 taxable property values and from an anticipated increase in State funding of approximately $1.7 million. The District’s proposed tax rate has been adjusted upwards by $0.05 to reflect additional debt service requirements associated with the “Primary Bond” program. Additional funding is provided by budget reductions, totaling approximately $2.7 million, including a net reduction and reclassification of thirteen personnel positions district-wide and a suspension of TAAS performance awards pending development of a new incentive program in response to TAKS. Board members congratulated Mr. Okruhlik and the Management Team on the 2004 budget and expressed their appreciation to all staff members who contributed to its development.

Sale of Bonds
Board members voted to approve the sale of $39.45 million of new Brazosport Independent School District Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2003C. The bond proceeds will be used to fund the next phase of the extensive $128.5 million construction and renovation “Primary Bond” package approved by voters in September 2002.

Ney, Roberts, and Rasco Additions/Renovations
The Board of Trustees voted to award contracts to Comex Corporation for planned additions and renovations to Ney and Roberts Elementary Schools, and to Construction Masters of Houston, Inc., for additions and renovations scheduled for Rasco Middle School. In presenting the recommendation, Van Franks, with PBK Architects, Inc., explained that the proposals represent the best value for the District and represent a substantial savings in comparison to budget. Mr. Franks also reported that an additional recommendation to accept “alternates” associated with the projects (primarily in connection with energy management systems) would be presented at a later meeting.

Wilson Field Improvements
Board members voted to award a contract to Stephens Construction Services for seating, lighting, and other improvements to Wilson Field. The recommendation was presented by Van Franks, with PBK Architects, Inc., who stated that several options are currently being considered that could lower the $374,000 cost of the project (including substituting steel in place of concrete light poles), and that any such recommendations would be presented to the Board at a subsequent meeting in the form of a “change order.”

Approval of Design for New Brazosport High School
Ron Bailey, with PBK Architects, Inc., presented Board members with a schematic design for the newly designed Brazosport High School. Mr. Bailey explained to Board members and the audience that the project is currently expected to be completed in two phases; beginning with demolition activities and reconstruction of new classrooms and science facilities on the east side of the campus, followed by demolition activities and reconstruction on the west side of the campus, including a new music wing adjoining the auditorium and a new competition gym. The central campus area will feature a new commons area and administrative offices. Mr. Bailey explained that the new design will offer a higher degree of safety and functionality by “tying” all the buildings together into a single structure. Additional meetings are still being planned to finalize the design and to consider additional improvements. Brazosport High School Principal, Doug Boone, commended Mr. Bailey and his staff for the inclusive approach they have taken with the project. Board members thanked Mr. Boone and his staff for their assistance with the design and voted unanimously to approve the schematic design for the project.

Lanier Middle School Renovations Update
Carlos Aluizo, Director of Maintenance, presented a progress report on renovation activities nearing completion at Lanier Middle School. Mr. Aluizo reported that the scheduled renovation activities are substantially complete and that the new energy management system has been installed and will soon be balanced. Mr. Aluizo also reported that the entire building has been repainted and looks great. Mr. Okruhlik stated that he had recently spoken to Lanier Middle School Principal, Mary Van, and that she was very pleased with the building’s appearance and surprised with the tremendous amount of work that had been done. Board members thanked Mr. Aluizo for his report and encouraged him to complete any necessary air quality tests prior to the beginning of school.

BISD Employee Attendance Incentive Program
Board members agreed to form a committee to design a new “employee attendance incentive program” for the upcoming school year. Board members Bobby Sharp, Mazie Mack, and Jay Bart Luce agreed to hold an initial meeting on August 12, along with appropriate staff members, to begin work on the new plan.

Other Actions
In other actions, the Board of Trustees approved the official minutes for the July 1, 2003, Board meeting, approved financial statements for June 2003, completed a mid-year evaluation of the Superintendent, and awarded a contracts for athletic supplies and equipment (soccer), custodial supplies, instructional supplies, vocational tools, and printer supplies.