Board Highlights

Student Recognition
The Board of Trustees recognized the Brazoswood Symphonic Band, under the direction of Jim Koch, for their participation in the state finals of the Texas Music Educators Association’s (TMEA) Honor Band competition this summer. In assisting the Board with the recognition, Director of Public Information/Communications, Stuart Dornburg, explained that the Honor Band competition occurs every two years and that Brazoswood was one of only two symphonic bands promoted to the area level. The area contest included approximately 45 Class 5A schools from southeast Texas, out of which only Brazoswood and one other school advanced to the state level (tied for first place). Brazoswood was awarded an impressive eighth-place finish at the state competition. The following Brazoswood High School Symphonic Band members were in attendance to receive the recognition:

The Board also recognized Brazoswood High School band directors, Jim Koch, Brian Casey, and Eric Harper, for the Symphonic Band’s outstanding achievement.

2006-2007 District and Campus Performance Objectives
Executive Director of Curriculum/Accountability, Becky Rinehart, presented recommended district and campus performance objectives for 2006-2007. Mrs. Rinehart explained that the required performance objectives were developed as part of the district/campus planning process, with particular emphasis in the areas of math and science for 2006-2007. Mrs. Rinehart began her presentation by reviewing the District’s “advanced indicators.” Mrs. Rinehart announced that even though national SAT scores suffered their largest drop in 31 years, both Brazosport and Brazoswood High Schools showed significant gains in SAT scores for both math and reading. Both high schools also compared very favorably to state and national averages in the area of writing. Mrs. Rinehart also noted that high school students performed above the state average on the ACT exam. The District administered more advanced placement (AP) exams in 2005-2006, with a larger percentage of test takers scoring a “3” or better on the exams. Mrs. Rinehart congratulated both high schools for their outstanding performance on the various advanced indicators and reviewed several initiatives that likely contributed to the results. Mrs. Rinehart continued her presentation by reviewing district and campus goals and objectives for 2006-2007 and sharing various campus and administrative activities in support of the goals and objectives. The three (3) major goals for the District are unchanged from 2005-2006, as follows:

Mrs. Rinehart concluded her presentation by stating that a major focus for 2006-2007 will be in the areas of math and science, with an emphasis on rigor, relevance, and relationships. Following Mrs. Rinehart’s presentation, the Board voted unanimously to approve the recommended district and campus performance goals for 2006-2007.

Board Approval of Special Education Advisory Committee
The Board of Trustees approved membership in the Special Education Advisory Committee for the current year. The Committee provides suggestions, guidance, and recommendations concerning an appropriate education for each student with a disability and assists in reporting and sharing information about the District’s special education programs. Members are appointed by the Board annually from nominations received by the Superintendent and consist of representatives from the District’s instruction and support services, at least one parent of a child with a disability, at least one student and patron with a disability, a regular classroom teacher, a special education teacher, and other representatives concerned with the disabled. Board members, Drew Holt and Ron Damian, will continue to serve as members of the Special Education Advisory Committee for the upcoming year.

Resolution Determining Eligibility for Tax Credit
Board members unanimously approved a resolution to facilitate the payment of tax credits to the Dow Chemical Company in connection with an Economic Development Act Participation Agreement passed by the Board in 2002. Under the provisions of the agreement, Dow will receive approximately $684,000 in tax credits over seven equal installments, beginning in 2006-2007. The District is eligible for reimbursement by the State for tax credits paid to Dow. In the event State reimbursements are not available, Dow is required to repay the credits to the District.

Ordinance Setting the 2006 Tax Rate
The Board adopted an ordinance setting the 2006 tax rate at $1.4237 per $100 of assessed value, with $1.2282 designated for maintenance and operations and $0.1955 designated for the payment of principal and interest on the District’s bonded indebtedness. The adopted rate represents nearly a fifteen cent ($0.1491) reduction from the 2005 adopted rate and reflects legislation passed by the third special called session of the Texas Legislature.

Personnel Actions
The Board named Danny Massey as Principal of Lake Jackson Intermediate School, effective immediately.

Other Actions
In other actions, the Board approved the official minutes of the August 15 and August 28, 2006, Board meetings and financial statements for July 2006.