Extra Mile Award

The Board of Trustees presented an Extra Mile Award to Brenda Williams.  Ms. Williams was nominated by Jane Long Elementary school for her hard work and dedication to the students of that campus, and for consistently going above and beyond by providing transportation, making home visits, and arranging financial help for needy families.  The Extra Mile Award is awarded monthly to those individuals and organizations that have shown a dedication to the children of BISD and a willingness to “go the extra mile.”

Recognition of Brazoswood High School Band

Board members recognized the Brazoswood High School Concert Band and Marching Band and the Brazoswood band directors for their exemplary achievements.  The Brazoswood High School Concert Band was recognized as a 2002 TMEA Honor Band Finalist and the Brazoswood High School Marching Band was honored as a 2002 UIL State Marching Band Finalist.  In earning these awards, the BUC Bands competed against 230 5A bands in the State, and were among the top 7 bands receiving honors.  Board members congratulated the Bands for their “Exemplary and Beyond” performances and recognized the following officers and directors:

School Board Recognition Month in Texas

In observance of Governor Rick Perry’s declaration of January as “School Board Recognition Month in Texas,” Superintendent Okruhlik led staff members and the audience in honoring the Brazosport Independent School District Board of Trustees.  Mr. Okruhlik thanked Board members for their commitment to public education and for their contributions of countless hours of service, and congratulated the Board for collectively coming together to, “keep kids first.”

Schematic Design Updates

Van Franks, with PBK Architects, Inc., presented Board members with an update on the schematic design process currently underway in connection with the new Lake Jackson Intermediate and Velasco Elementary Schools.  Mr. Franks reported that departmental meetings have been held with staffs of both campuses, and that dates have been set for additional departmental meetings and elevation studies in preparation for construction documents being developed.  Mr. Franks reported that site considerations have been settled for the new Velasco school and stated that the new school can be constructed without disrupting classes in the existing facility.  Mr. Franks also presented schematic designs for additions included in the “Primary Bond” for Ney and Roberts Elementary and Rasco Middle Schools.  The PBK Architects concluded their presentation with an update on roofing projects currently underway in the District.  Mr. Franks reported that roof replacements are planned or underway for Brannen, Roberts, Ney, and Ogg Elementary Schools, as well as the Brazosport High School “turf room” and Hopper Field restrooms.  Mr. Franks and his staff reviewed each project with Board members, and presented “before and after” photographs for each of the roofing projects.

BISD Maintenance Audit Update

Carlos Aluizo, Director of Maintenance, presented an update on the District’s progress toward implementing recommendations made by the Region IV Education Service Center as part of their review of the District’s maintenance operations.  Mr. Aluizo was joined by Greg Lookabough, a member of the Region IV review team, in making his presentation.  Mr. Lookabough noted that the following recommendations have been implemented:

·       Reassignment of Building Mechanics

·       Development of Integrated Pest Management System

·       Preventative Maintenance Program

·       Work Order System

·       Grounds Crew “”Teams”

·       Purchase of New Equipment

·       Roof Repairs/Replacements

·       “On-Call” Schedule

Mr. Lookabough reported that 32 of the 63 recommendations contained in the review have been wholly or partially implemented, with the remaining recommendations to be incorporated into a multi-year implementation plan currently under development by the Maintenance Department.

Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP)

Mr. Roy Wheeler, with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), presented Board members with an overview of TASB’s Owner-Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP).  Mr. Wheeler explained that the OCIP Program is an “insurance program for construction” that allows the owner (the District) to provide a master insurance policy covering all contractors, rather than requiring each contractor to provide their own coverages and include those costs in their bids.  Mr. Wheeler stated that the Program typically provides a one to three percent savings in construction costs for participating districts, with a savings estimate of $1.4 million for BISD.  Following Mr. Wheeler’s presentation, Board members voted unanimously to participate in TASB’s OCIP Program.

Energy Management Audit

Mr. Ernie Moore, with Texas Energy Engineering Services, Inc., reported findings from an energy management review he conducted last summer in cooperation with the Comptroller of Public Accounts State Energy Conservation Office.  Mr. Moore reported that his review recommended equipment modifications and additions, totaling $887,870, yielding potential annual energy savings of $137,500.  Mr. Moore encouraged the District to include the energy saving recommendations in its specifications for upcoming renovation and construction projects, and reported that special financing may be available to assist the District in implementing the recommendations.  Board members thanked Mr. Moore for his energy management review which was provided to the District at no cost.

Drugs, Gangs, and Graffiti

Brannen Elementary School Counselor, Linda Newsome, and Terri Cardwell, with the City of Lake Jackson, reported on the Drugs, Gangs, and Graffiti Program that has been implemented in elementary schools in the Lake Jackson area.  Ms. Cardwell explained that the program began at the Brannen Elementary School as part of the Graffiti Hurts Program and as a cooperative effort between the District and the Lake Jackson Police Department.  Ms. Newsome reported that the Program is a “cross curricular” activity designed to increase awareness of drugs, gangs, and graffiti, and discourage such activities.  Ms. Cardwell explained that participating students are asked to produce posters illustrating what they have learned.  The student posters are then judged, and first place winners and their parents, principals, and counselors are invited to a luncheon where awards are distributed.  Ms. Cardwell and Ms. Newsome encouraged Board members to allow the program to be expanded to all of the District’s elementary schools.

BISD Technology Update

Bob Daughrity, Director of Technology and Media Services, and Diane White, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, presented the first of a three-part report on the status of technology in the District.  Mr. Daughrity’s presentation focused on the K-12 Planet system, a component of the District’s student information management system that facilitates a parent-student-teacher-community connection to the classroom.  Among other features, K-12 Planet allows users to post and view school activities, homework assignments, attendance, grades, reports cards, and discipline issues.  Mr. Daughrity addressed security and support issues associated with the system and presented Board members and the audience with a demonstration of the system’s many impressive features.  Mr. Daughrity reported that K-12 Planet will soon be tested by Freeport Intermediate and Rasco Middle Schools, with plans to make it available to all campuses in the near future.

Diane White introduced Board members to the District’s newly designed web site and recognized the District’s Webmaster, Kelly Conzel, for her hard work in connection with the makeover.  Mrs. White stated that user patterns were analyzed in developing the new web-site, and that the new format will allow users to more quickly and efficiently access information on the District’s site.  The new site features numerous improvements; including drop-down menus, quick access buttons, navigation bars, enhanced search and index capabilities, a “hot topics” section, and new photographs and graphics, as well as a restyled home page that allows important messages to be posted for quick access.

Local Policy Update

Board members approved a Local District Update (LDU) to the Board of Trustees Policies.  The approved LDU was developed by staff, in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Boards Policy Division, and modifies Section EIE (LOCAL), relating to student retention and promotion.

Interlocal Agreement with San Jacinto College District

The Board of Trustees approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with the San Jacinto College District to provide a Cosmetology Certificate Program to the District offering concurrent enrollment credit.  The Cosmetology Certificate Program is designed to provide Brazosport and Brazoswood High School students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful entry into the field of Cosmetology.  The District’s current program does not offer participating students concurrent enrollment credit.

Sale of Bonds

Board members voted to approve the sale of approximately $25 million of new Brazosport Independent School District Unlimited Tax School Building & Refunding Bonds and refund approximately $4.4 million of existing debt.  The bond proceeds will be used to fund the first phase of the extensive $128.5 million construction and renovation “Primary Bond” package approved by voters on September 21, 2002.

Program of Studies for 2003-2004

The Board of Trustees approved a PreK-12 District Program of Studies for the 2003-2004 school year, including a renamed dyslexia intervention class and the addition of an advanced astronomy honors class.  The Program, which is consistent with State and District curriculum goals and objectives, helps plan and coordinate quality curriculum and staff development, ensures Board approval of newly developed courses, and provides a common direction for instruction in the District.

2003-2004-District Calendar

The Board of Trustees approved a proposed calendar for the 2003-2004 school year and scheduled a public hearing for February 4, 2003, to discuss the first day of instruction.  In presenting the calendar, Superintendent Okruhlik explained that current law requires school districts to seek a waiver from the Texas Education Agency and hold a public hearing if the first day of instruction begins earlier than the week of August 21.  The proposed calendar establishes August 14 as the first day of instruction for the 2003-2004 school year.  A copy of the proposed calendar is attached to this issue of the Highlights. (This online version is in pdf format. Go here if you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Graphics have been replaced or removed to improve download time.)

Other Actions

In other actions, the Board approved the official minutes of the December 3, 2002, Board meeting, financial statements for November 2002, bid awards for five new school buses, an amendment to the District’s Medical Benefits Plan, personnel actions, and an application for expedited waivers relating to staff development, early release days, and textbooks.  Board members also received an enrollment report as of January 10, 2003, and a tentative budget development schedule for 2003-2004.

Personnel Actions

Board members voted to extend the Superintendent’s contract for one year, to June 2006.