Board Brief - 03.18.24

A quorum of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Board Meeting on March 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the PBTISD Board Room. The following items were presented, discussed, acted upon or approved.

Strategy III, Result 1: Showcase students and staff throughout the District.

Congratulations to the 27 students who exhibited the most growth in their NWEA Math test for the 1st semester!

Presenter: Marshall Harrison, Assistant Superintendent of Organizational Management

Budget planning is a comprehensive process that requires the work of the School Board, Superintendent, Central Office, Department Heads, and Campus Administrators, as well as the campus site-based committees or teams and each Campus Educational Improvement Committee. To help initiate budget planning, a Guiding Principles Survey is distributed at the beginning of each planning process. View the presentation here.

Items approved 6-0

View Minutes here.

View Minutes here.

The monthly financial update consisted of a Schedule of Appropriations and expenditures.

• Capturing Kids' Hearts Service Agreement 2024-2025
• Meteor Furniture Order for PHS CTE Facility
• WhitleyPenn Audit Engagement Letter

Proclamation 2024 mandates the adoption of instructional materials that meet the revised Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science. It emphasizes the need for resources that support effective teaching strategies, engage students in higher-order thinking, and incorporate technology to prepare students for future challenges. Every 8 years, TEA evaluates TEKS for a specific academic area and determines the instructional materials eligible for adoption in the newly evaluated area. The subject up for adoption this year is Science.

Each year, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) recognizes a select group of superintendents for exemplary and visionary leadership. Next fall, one of these administrators will be named the 2024 Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) at the TASA/TASB Convention. A local school board currently an “Active Member” of TASB may nominate its superintendent for the award.

Given the shortage of teachers and other critical educational personnel, the ability to make quick hiring decisions when qualified personnel is available is a competitive edge and makes the difference between getting the employees we need or potentially losing them to another district. Per DC (Local), the Board already authorizes the superintendent to hire teachers on a professional contract. Authorizing the superintendent to hire other professionals in Pay Grade 4 (Administrative Pay Scale) and below during the aggressive hiring season allows the District to stay competitive.

Approved 5-0

Trustee Zamarripa pulled the item to abstain her vote.

With the passing of the 2023 Bond, it included significant improvements to Crockett Middle School. The campus was initially planned to be worked on/redesigned while working around students. This included at least one grade level having to be relocated to another district facility. In discussions with the architect, contractor, and Board, it was decided to expedite construction by removing all staff and students and setting up a temporary campus. This will limit hazards for staff and students remaining at Crockett during the construction phase and expedite the timeline for construction, thus providing cost savings to the district. Land along Texas Avenue was available for a temporary portable campus, and the landowner, Derrick Zubelia, was willing to lease the land.

Approved 6-0

Student Outcome Goal 2: The percentage of 3rd grade students who score meets grade level

of above on STAAR Math will increase from 28% to 43% by August 2027. (August 2024

Goal = 34%)

• Goal Progress Measure 2.1: The percentage of Kindergarten students who score at the “Average” level or above on the end of year Math NWEA MAP-Growth will increase from 64% to 79% by June 2027. (June 2024 Goal = 70%)
• Goal Progress Measure 2.2: The percentage of 1st Grade students who score at the “Average” level or above on the end of year Math NWEA MAP-Growth will increase from 51% to 66% by June 2027. (June 2024 Goal = 57%)
• Goal Progress Measure 2.3: The percentage of 2nd Grade students who score at the “Average” level or above on the end of year Math NWEA MAP-Growth will increase from 55% to 70% by June 2027. (June 2024 Goal = 61%)

Approved 6-0

2. The Superintendent shall not allow the collaborative partnership between home,

school, and community to deteriorate.

• c. Report on collaborative partnership with other stakeholders will increase from 0 per year in June 2023 to 4 per year by June 2025

Approved 6-0

Board Constraint #4: - The board shall not make decisions impacting student outcomes without being well trained, informed, and prepared.

7:09 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION may be called for the purposes permitted by the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.001 through 551.146, Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney, Section 551.072 Real Property, 551.074 Personnel Matters (Appointment, Employment, Evaluation, Reassignment, Duties, Discipline, Dismissal, Complaint)

• Discuss Personnel
  

• Discussion on renewal and proposed non-renewal of Chapter 21 term contract employees

• Discussion on renewal and termination of Chapter 21 probationary contract employees

• Discussion on the termination of Chapter 21 probationary contract employee CD
  

• Discussion on renewal and proposed non-renewal of Non-Chapter 21 Professional Contracts
  

• Discuss recommendation for a Special Education Coordinator

• Approve renewal of Chapter 21 term contract employees. (Approved 6-0)
• Approve renewal of Chapter 21 probationary contract employees. (Approved 6-0)
• Approve renewal of non-Chapter 21 Professional contracts. (Approved 6-0)
• Approve the recommendation to hire a Special Education Coordinator. (Approved 6-0)

The Board adjourned at 7:57 p.m. on March 18, 2024.

Future Meeting Dates:

• Board Workshop (RYHT TAP) - March 25, 2024
• Board Workshop (Team Building) - April 4, 2024
• Regular Meeting - April 15, 2024

This newsletter is in line with Strategy III: We will broaden and strengthen partnerships with staff, families, and communities through transparency and effective communication.