Board Highlights

2002-2003 AEIS Report
The Board held a public hearing to review the 2002-2003 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) report.  Charlene Burgner, Executive Director of Curriculum/Instructional Services, explained the purpose, content, and various uses of the AEIS “report card” and summarized the District’s overall “grade” on the report by stating that, “We did great, but we also can improve.”  Mrs. Burgner highlighted the 2002-2003 academic, staff, and financial data contained in the report, including participation rates in advanced courses and the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program, advanced placement examination participation and success rates, and SAT/ACT comparisons.  After concluding the public hearing, Board members unanimously approved the 2002-2003 AEIS report, and thanked Mrs. Burgner and her staff for her presentation and for the District’s passion for “preparing each child for the future.”

High School Equivalency Program (HSEP)
The Board of Trustees held a public hearing to discuss the creation of a High School Equivalency Program (HSEP) in the Brazosport Independent School District.  District Grant/At-Risk Coordinator, Tonya Heard, presented a report to Board members focusing on the following questions:

Ms. Heard explained that the recommended HSEP will assist the District in meeting guidelines established by the Federal No Child Left Behind Act, and is consistent with the District’s goal of meeting the educational needs of all students.  The HSEP will provide eligible students an opportunity to earn a GED while continuing to be enrolled and supported by District personnel, and will assist participating students with transitioning into postsecondary training or job placement.  Ms. Heard stated that the District will soon be submitting an application for the program to the Texas Education Agency and is developing a “pilot” program involving 15-20 students.  Board members applauded Ms. Heard for the proposal and expressed their hopes for the program’s success.

Board of Trustees Operating Procedures
Board members approved a second and final reading of the Board of Trustees Operating Procedures.  Development of the new procedures had been recommended by the District’s legal counsel to assist in facilitating board meetings, defining roles and responsibilities, and enhancing communications.  The new procedures had been presented for a first reading at the September meeting.

TEA Class-size Waivers
The Board of Trustees approved requesting class-size waivers from the Texas Education Agency for five of the District’s elementary schools for the fall 2003 semester.  The formal request also included a “compliance plan” describing steps being taken to bring the District into compliance with the 22:1 class size ratio for the affected campuses.

2003-2004 Budget Amendment
Board members approved a $473,221 amendment to the 2003-2004 expenditure budget to incorporate 2002-2003 purchase orders remaining unpaid as of the District’s fiscal year-end of August 31, 2003.

Design Development for Brazosport High School
Ron Bailey, with PBK Architects, Inc., presented Board members with the design development for Brazosport High School.  Mr. Bailey explained to Board members and the audience that the $26.5 million project is currently planned for completion in two phases; beginning with demolition activities and reconstruction of new classrooms, science facilities, and a library on the east side of the campus.  Completion of the first phase will be 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 featuring stadium seating.  The central campus area will feature a new commons area and administrative offices.  Mr. Bailey presented elevation drawings of the new campus, featuring a lighthouse theme, and explained that the new design will allow the entire campus to be contained “under one roof.”  Mr. Bailey stated that current plans call for construction to begin in May 2004, with substantial completion scheduled for summer 2006.  Board members thanked Brazosport High School Principal, Doug Boone, and his staff for their assistance in the design process and voted unanimously to approve the design development for the project. 

Amendment to “Primary Bond” Program
Director of Athletics, Fred Bolton, presented Board members with a recommendation to amend the “Primary Bond” program to retain Lions Field at its current location, with significant renovations, and to install a synthetic playing surface at Hopper Field.  Mr. Bolton informed Board members that the bond program calls for the relocation of Lions Field to Freeport Intermediate School, as well as the construction of a new football game facility at that campus.  Mr. Bolton reviewed the considerations associated with each of his recommendations, including funding issues, and stated that the installation of artificial turf at Hopper Field would allow it to serve as Freeport Intermediate School’s regular game site, as well as increasing the field’s usage for all district programs.  Following Mr. Bolton’s presentation, Board members voted to instruct the District’s architects to develop a “master plan,” including cost estimates, that would incorporate improvements to Lions Field at its present location, a new all weather track and improvements to the football practice field at Freeport Intermediate School, and the installation of an artificial playing surface at Hopper and Slade Fields.

Nominations to the Board of Directors of the Brazoria County Appraisal District
The Board nominated the following individuals as candidates for the Board of Directors of the Brazoria County Appraisal District:

Sick Leave/Disability Benefit Presentations
Executive Director of Human Resources, Mark Broaddus, reported to Board members that Recruitment and Retention Officer, Cyndy Pullen, and Benefits Specialist, Darla Baines, have been visiting campuses to explain and discuss the District’s sick leave and disability benefits with campus staff.  Mr. Broaddus informed Board members that presentations have currently been made at five campuses, with an additional six presentations scheduled for the next month.  Board members expressed their satisfaction with the visits and expressed their hopes that all campuses can be visited before the winter recess and that the visits will become a biannual event.