The BISD Board of Trustees took their first steps toward required redistricting on Monday night, December 13. The district is required to address redistricting after every census.
Attorney Kimberly Kelley laid out possible plans via Zoom. The board passed the redistricting criteria, and will adopt the guidelines for redistricting at a special called Friday, December 17 meeting. These are the first steps. A hearing will be held in January. A redistricting plan must be adopted prior to January 19.
The board did go into closed session to discuss the possible redistricting plan.
When the board reconvened, the board and Superintendent Chris Smith recognized the Food Service workers for the district. Smith stated, “We wanted to bring everyone out today to recognize the Child Nutrition Staff for the district. We recognize that they often get to work before 5 a.m. and they don’t get the recognition they deserve. They work without breaks many times to serve our kids. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Each worker was awarded a $25 Sonic Gift Card.
The Board also recognized the Student and Employees of the Month for December.
BHS Student of the Month was Zephaniah Galindo.
BHS Employee of the Month was Betty Vela.
BMS Employee of the Month was Courtney VanderDussen
BEC Employee of the Month was Javier Valensuela
OG Employee of the Month was Hayley Ontiveros
CH Employee of the Month was Jennifer Collins
(Look for a coming story on TownTalk Media with pictures and more information on these fine individuals)
Athletic Director Aarrhon Flores gave an overview of how athletics is going. “We are doing really well in all our areas right now. We have just started getting ready for Powerlifting and have over 40 individuals working out for that. We are really proud of how our kids are competing in all areas.”
In the Superintendent’s report, Smith stated that BISD enrollment is up 62 students over this time last year. “We are seeing an increase in enrollment. Students are wanting to come to BISD. We have some that have transferred out that are now coming back. We are proud of where we are as a district.”
Smith stated, “We had over 9,000 devices logged into the Lady Cubs vs Monterey game last week. That was the highest in the state.”
Smith also reminded everyone about the Open House on Thursday, December 17 in the Board Room at the Administration Building. “We will be having so many students coming over to perform and we know we will have a packed house. We are looking forward to this.”
Smith also talked about the new high school building. “I know everyone is wondering about progress at the new school. We have furniture in all the classrooms. We have done a partial punch list of things to be finished. We are taking the teachers over to see their classrooms. It is going to be tight. They are working hard to have things ready to get in by January 4. There are lots of people over there working. They are working on Saturdays and Sundays. Right now we are still planning on being ready for that day.”
The board also voted to join the lawsuit regarding the COVID 19 mandates as applied to the Head Start program. Many Texas school districts are joining in on this lawsuit.
Resignations were also accepted from Billy Jeff Davis – BHS, Lauren Martinez – OG, and Taylor Silvas – BHS. Smith stated that two of these positions have been filled.
The Board will have their next regular meeting on Monday, January 17 in the Board Room at the Administration Building.
