Following Mr. Journeay’s presentation, Board members addressed several questions to Mr. Journeay and the District’s architects, PBK Architects, Inc., regarding the availability of teacher classrooms, student and staff safety issues, and overall construction quality, and thanked Mr. Journeay for his presentation and for his efforts in overseeing the District’s construction activities. 

2005-2006 Compensation Plan
The Board of Trustees adopted a compensation plan for 2005-2006, as developed in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).  The 2005-2006 compensation plan is highlighted by a salary increase of $1,000 for all full-time teachers and other non-administrative professionals and an increased beginning teacher salary of $37,000 (was $36,200).  Athletic and other stipends are unchanged for 2005-2006.  The approved compensation plan also includes an average general wage increase of 2.25% for administrative, clerical and paraprofessional, and manual trades personnel.  In presenting the proposed plan, Executive Director of Business Services, Michael Abild, explained that, in recognition of the fact that the Texas Legislature is currently meeting in special session, the local salary increase is inclusive of any mandated State increase and that any State mandated increase will not be in addition to the locally approved salary increase unless the State provides the District with sufficient new revenues to fund the mandated increase, provide increases to other staff, and fully fund any other new or expanded State requirements.   Board members had previously identified granting a pay increase as a budget priority for 2005-2006.  The new compensation plan will be reflected in the 2005-2006 proposed budget that Board members will consider in a special-called meeting on August 30. 

Purchase of Attendance Credits from the State
The Board approved an Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credits with the State for the 2005-2006 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 wealth level.  The District currently expects to pay approximately $14 million in “Robin Hood” payments for the upcoming year.

Endorsement of Candidates for TASB Board
The Board voted to endorse Manuel Guajardo, Jr., from the Texas City Independent School District, to represent District 4, Position B, as the candidate to fill a vacant position on the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Trustees.

Teacher Appraisal Calendar/Teacher Appraisers
The Board approved the teacher appraisal calendar for the 2005-2006 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 that each designated appraiser receive uniform appraiser training.

Training Sessions for Board Members
Superintendent Okruhlik announced the following upcoming Board training opportunities:

Other Actions
In other actions, the Board approved the official minutes of the July 5, 2005, Board meeting; approved financial statements for June 2005; and awarded contracts for athletic equipment and supplies (soccer), custodial supplies, and printer supplies.