In the Loop with the Sup

It is hard to believe that we have completed another school year. It seems just like yesterday that we were having our "Strong Start" conversations, and now here we are at the "Strong Finish." This year has been challenging but also rewarding. What this year has proven is that our staff and students can get through anything and be successful doing just that. This year has proven that our staff and students can stay positive, even when times get hard. This year has proven that we as a district are family, and we support each other. It is a blessing to be part of such a great district.

I am thankful for all of the parents and community members that hung in there with us when things were so different this year. I know not being able to visit campuses, bring lunches, attend events, etc. was hard, but you stuck by us with your support and understanding. I want to give a huge heart-felt thanks to you, and I want you to know that you are very much appreciated!

I hope that everyone enjoys their summer!

Sincerely,

Andrew Peters, Caldwell ISD Superintendent

Each year we honor our CISD employees with their years of service to the district. We celebrated our employees who served 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, and 40 years this year, along with our retirees. With each segment of years, our staff received gifts of appreciation for their service, but the true gift is having you be part of our district. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, we appreciate you!

May 24, 2021 Board Brief

The regularly scheduled board meeting with the Board of Trustees of Caldwell ISD was called to order at 6:00 PM with the pledge and prayer to follow.

Public Input

There was no Public Input.

Oath of Office for New Board Member and Re-Elected Member

Angie Zamora, CISD Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant, swore in Mark Goodman and Erica Chollett as the new Board of Trustees members.

Superintendent Report (Information Only)

*Recognition of Student and Staff - Vicki Ochs recognized all students at the high school that qualified for state. Coach Giese recognized the 4X200 track team, Coach Hale recognized the Lady Hornet Golf Team, which actually received the Bronze Medal at State, Mrs. Pieper recognized the Floraculture Team, Mrs. Vogler recognized the Bass Team, Mrs. Smith recognized the students who took and passed the CNA exam, Mrs. Gordon recognized our UIL poetry state qualifier, and Mrs. Gold recognized the students who passed the EMT exam.

*New Staff - Mr. Peters welcomed Monica Hinojos, CISD’s new Business Manager, and Boone Patterson, CISD’s new Athletic Director, as new members to CISD administration.

*COVID-19 Update - Our COVID-19 positive numbers have gone down. There will be new information from the state in regard to how school districts will proceed with screeners or parent notification of positive cases, and that information will be communicated as CISD receives it to our employees as the new school year begins for 2021-2022 school year.

*Enrollment Update - The enrollment went down from last month, which went from 1702 to 1696. We are down, but we anticipate Pre-K numbers to rise.

*Bond 2018 Report - The Pre-K through 3 building is primarily complete. The technology cabling is still underway. The Junior High weight room/field house has fallen behind due to the weather. The project is approximately 10 days behind schedule. The AG renovation projection has been turned over to Perry Renovation. The canopy that was designed for the outside has some delays due to delivery dates; the joint and decking for the canopy would not be delivered until January. Perry is reaching out to other manufacturers and other methods for constructing the canopy. The welding booths are on order and will be scheduled to be delivered mid July. The move for the campuses is still scheduled for June 28. The high school science lab abatement is on schedule, and a bus shed replacement project is moving forward.

New Business - Action Required - Note: Board of Trustees, William Foster was not present at this time.

*Consideration of Mask Mandate - The board removed the mask mandate for the remainder of the school year. Approved 6-0

*Consider and Approve Purchase Order for the New Bus Shed - A performance contract went out for the bus barn with concrete paving under the canopy. Six proposals were received. C&H was approved by the board as the contractor to build the new bus barn. Approved 6-0

*Consider and Possible Approval of Contract with EHT for Surveying and Engineering Design for High School Improvements - EHT was discussed as the company for the surveying and engineering for the new high school improvements with the turf to be installed at the softball and baseball fields. EHT will determine appropriate drainage and grade of the land for the areas of land that wasn’t previously surveyed with the other building projects at the high school. By spring semester the tennis courts, baseball, and softball should be complete. The Board approved the contract with EHT. Approved 6-0

*Consider and approve Resolution of ESSER III and Local CB, State and Federal Resources - CISD meets federal requirements so we can apply for these COVID relief funds.

*Consider and Approve Freshman Student Leadership Course - Dr. Turner asked for the Board to consider the high school to purchase a curriculum that will instill leadership skills for the incoming freshman. Because it is an innovative course, the school board has to approve it. Every freshman will take this course as incoming freshmen. Approved 6-0

*Consider and Approve Teacher Salary Schedule - Teachers will receive the step increase and an additional pay increase of $1200; with 21 years and above receiving the $1200 pay increase for the 2021-2022 school year. Approved 6-0

*Review the 2021-2022 Budget - The Superintendent and the Board of Trustees discussed there would be budgets to approve in June and once the tax rate was finalized, there could be adjustments. No action required.

*Dress Code - Mrs. Savage discussed proposed changes to the dress code for all students. The dress code will reflect what is appropriate and easily monitored. Dress code changes. 5-0 (One of the Board of Trustees abstained from the vote)

Note: Board of Trustees Member William Foster joined the meeting at this point which made the voting of 7 members.

*Update First Public & TexPool Authorization Forms as Presented - Monica Hinojos will have authority on the bank accounts. Approved 7-0

*Discussion of 2021-2022 Board Training - The board will watch an Equity Symposium from Ron Clark and have the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent lead the discussion at a workshop with the board members about how we can improve the equity for all students at Caldwell ISD.

*Consider and Approve Board Standard Operating Procedures - Board approves policies, but this document details procedures about what the roles of the Board members are and guidelines that the Board agrees to do when serving on the Board. Approved 7-0

Consent Agenda Approved 7-0

*Meeting Minutes

*Financial Report

*Approve Gifts and Donations

Reorganization of the Board

*Nominations for President - Board members that were nominated for President were Pam Evan Mark Goodman, Rebecca Gardner and William Foster. William Foster was voted to serve as President. Nominations for Vice President were given with just one nomination, which was Rebecca Gardner. Rebecca will be Vice President. Nominations were given for Secretary, with one nomination made for Pam Evens. Pam Evans is the secretary.

Executive Session - Closed to discuss personnel and student discipline and security.

The Board Meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.

Below are the highlights detailed from the above May 24 Board Brief. The highlights include swearing in of the new CISD Board of Trustees, Student Recognitions, and the new dress code link for the 2021-2022 school year.

Mark Goodman and Erica Chollett were sworn in as the newest members to serve on the Caldwell ISD School Board.

Mrs. Vicki Ochs, Caldwell High School Principal, recognized students who qualified for State in various competitions and who completed certifications. Your hard work paid off, and CISD is proud of your accomplishments!

The Board of Trustees approved the 2021-2022 Dress Code. Click the link to access the updated Dress Code as you prepare for purchasing clothes for next school year.

https://www.caldwellschools.net/apps/pages/announcementforparents

It has become a tradition for our Seniors to walk through the halls of the elementary and intermediate campuses to be positive role models for the younger students to do well in school and to have the honor of being a Caldwell High School Graduate. Check out the video of the 2021 Senior Walk! We are proud of you Seniors! We wish you the very best in your very bright futures!

*May 27th - Early Release - Staff Workday

*May 28th - Staff Workday

*May 28th - Senior Graduation at 8:00 PM at Hornet Stadium

Caldwell ISD serves the children in the northern half of Burleson County, Texas. We are a PK - 12th grade district. We are proud to be a Caldwell Hornet.

Email: info@caldwellisd.net
Website: https://www.caldwellschools.net/
Location: 203 North Gray Street, Caldwell, TX, USA
Phone: 979-567-2400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellISD
Twitter: @CaldwellProud