School Board Meets August 15
Holding a regularly scheduled meeting, the DCISD School Board came together on Monday, August 18 at 6:15 PM to hold a public hearing for any citizen that wanted to ask questions or express concerns about the proposed tax rate. After this brief public hearing, the board of trustees conducted their regular monthly meeting.
The first item of business on the agenda was to recognize Clinton Bowman for his dedication in covering the school board meetings and reporting information to the public. Superintendent of Schools, Gary Davis, presented Bowman with the Media Honor Roll award.
The school’s architect, Craig Wallace, attended the meeting and provided the board with current updates on the progress of various construction projects.
First on his list was an update on the two junior high gyms. A new floor, one which will match the same texture as the floor at the DAG, was installed last week. The new carpet around the walls was also put in.
Wallace said the touch up painting would be completed and then the gyms will be complete. Pictures were provided of the gym progress.
Board member, Brian Sutton, asked Wallace about any updates on the ag farm. He wanted to know if the completion date for the pig pins was still on track. Wallace told the board that they were waiting on poles to be moved by the electric company and then they would be able to proceed with the new pins. Sutton stated, “A completion date during November or December would really help out Eric and the ag kiddos.”
There was some discussion about possibly putting in some kind of temporary pins if the work was not going to be complete.
Wallace informed the board that they would be breaking ground on the ag farm project next week.
Additional updates on the high school were also presented by Wallace. The board was able to see pictures of additional holes above the ground that have been dug for the support beams. There were also pictures showing the perimeter of the office and the cosmetology area.
Dodson Primary School is going to a new grading system this year for their students. Principal, Angie Sutton, presented information to the board members about how this grading system works and how it differs from the grading system that has been in place. The new grading system is called Standards Based Grading. Board member Connie Lozano said, “We wish you all luck with this new grading system.”
Kristy Kostelich, Curriculum Director for the district presented the state accountability ratings for the district and each campus. The district as a whole along with each campus met standards.
The approval of the proposed tax rate of $1.2533 was tabled until the next meeting. The school is still waiting on specific paperwork from the commissioner. This must be in hand before the tax rate can actually be voted on.
Board members agreed to accept the Student Code of Conduct as written as well as the appraisal calendar for the 2016-2017 school year. They also approved the 2016-2017 employee handbook that had a few minimal changes such as some wording.
Shannon Bressler and Davis advised the board that there were not any changes to the budget proposal that had been discusses at last month’s meeting so board member, Brian Sutton, made a motion to accept the budget as proposed. This was followed with a second from Connie Lozano and all members present were in favor.
Policy update 105 was presented by Davis with explanations where needed. This information is for the TASB Localized Policy Manual Updates. A few examples of these updates include schools making sure that classrooms have American and Texas flags on display, management and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment, along with a few other categories.
In 2016, the U.S Department of Labor made some decisions about overtime regulations for salaried employees. The only two areas for DCISD that will see any changes from these decisions are the Food Service and Transportation Directors. Both of these positions are now eligible for overtime.
DCISD has a few vehicles that need to be replaced. Davis asked the board for approval to obtain bids on new vehicles. According to Davis and Bressler, “The money is already in the budget for this.” Sutton made the motion to proceed with bids and Joey Rodgers followed with a second. All members present agreed.
After this, Superintendent Davis presented personnel items that included new hires and resignations.
New hires welcomed to the district included Jennie Cummings at FCSSA, Hortencia Montana at DCHS, Shana Smith at BGJH, Leonor Rodriguez at YCFL, and Regina Cummings at DCHS.
The resignations that were accepted included Xiomara Anzaldua Jasso at DCHS and Amelia Gonzales at FCSSA.
Davis did inform the board that they were still looking for a certified special education teacher for the FCSSA in Seagraves.
Following the presentation of personnel items by Davis, the board chose to go in to executive session.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, September 19th.
Board members Connie Lozano, Joey Rodgers, Brian Sutton, and Robbie Underhill, along with Board President Brad Woosley were all present. Russell Dial and Johnette Mansur were not in attendance.
