DENISON ISD BOARD NEWS
Denison Independent School District
1201 S. Rusk Avenue, Denison, TX 75020
August 17, 2010
Published for DISD employees on the morning after school board meetings
Denison ISD Board of Trustees President Jay Watkins called to order the August 17, 2010 Special Board Meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the Board Room, regarding the scheduled and posted public hearing for the proposed 2010-2011 Denison ISD budget and the Proposed 2010-2011 Tax Rate. Lee McNair presented a detailed report on the proposed budget to be considered for approval during the regular meeting of the DISD Board of Trustees, to be held immediately following the public hearing. Among the information presented in the total budget were numerous items, including budgeted salary increases as well as funding for general operations throughout the district. There being no further business, the Special Meeting was adjourned.
Denison ISD Board of Trustees President Jay Watkins called to order the Regular Meeting of the Denison ISD Board of Trustees on August 17, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bruce T. Hibbit Board Room of the Administration Building, located at 1201 S. Rusk in Denison, Texas. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag immediately preceded the invocation by Dr. George Hatfield. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved. All routine business was approved. Under communications, Dr. Scott noted that the district had a great 2010-11 kickoff breakfast yesterday that featured a much-deserved celebration, highlighting the great improvements made by all schools and students, particularly noting that the entire district received a recognized rating from the State of Texas, with six school ranked exemplary and three recognized. Dr. Scott and Jay Watkins praised and thanked teachers, staff, the board and the entire community for the crucial roles they all have played in the tremendous success of Denison school students. Scott also noted that everyone is very positive and excited, and that we have an exceptional group of new teachers with great attitudes and a lot of potential. “Our teachers are the best in Texas…we’re looking forward to another great year.”
Consider Approval of Resolution to the State Legislature Concerning Public Education. Upon recommendation by Randy Sedlacek, the Board of Trustees approved the “Make Education a Priority” resolution. It was noted that the purpose of the resolution is two-fold: 1) to raise community awareness regarding the inequities in school finance for public schools; and 2) to encourage the state legislature to make school finance changes, based on equity, fairness and adequacy, a top priority in the 2011 legislative session. Sedlacek said this resolution is an initiative that began several months ago to make education a priority in Texas, and that our Texas lawmakers should join in and lead this effort. “Our goal is to create widespread public awareness to let our legislators know that we expect them to put a top priority on fairly, adequately and equitably funding education for our children during the upcoming legislative session. … The finance system that funds public schools in Texas is broken, and we want them to fix it.”
Adopt the 2010-2011 Budget. Upon recommendation by Lee McNair and following lengthy presentation of details in the prior public meeting, the Board of Trustees approved and adopted the 2010-2011 budget as presented and detailed. Mr. McNair noted that the budget is available for viewing at the Denison ISD Administration Building.
Adopt an Ordinance Levying a Tax Rate (2 Parts: M&O and I&S). Upon recommendation by Lee McNair and after informing all present that legislation requires the school district to adopt its tax rate in two components, maintenance and operation and a separate rate for interest and sinking or debt services, the Board approved an ordinance levying a tax rate for the Denison ISD for the tax year 2010 as follows: Maintenance and Operations Tax Rate of $1.1700 per $100 valuation for 2010; and a Interest and Sinking Debt Service Tax Rate of .1012, resulting in a total tax rate of $1.2712 for 2010.
2009-2010 Budget Amendment. Upon recommendation by Lee McNair, the Board of Trustees approved the Budget Amendments for the 2009-2010 Budget as presented, resulting in an amended 2009-2010 total budget of $45,075,945.
Denison ISD 2010-2011 Planning Cycle Calendar. Upon recommendation by Dr. Henry Scott, the Board of Trustees approved the Planning Cycle Calendar for 2010-2011 as presented. It was noted that goal setting is an important component in school improvement, and to be effective, everyone --- Board members, parents, community persons, teachers and administrators --- should be involved in developing, revising and evaluating the outcomes of improving student performance. The term “Campus Design Team” has been developed to implement the district’s Mission and Belief’s Statements, with emphasis given to the premise that good planning is the beginning of success. It was noted that in August-September, campuses will review all student data including the TEA Academic Excellence Indicator Report, organize campus site-based committees and campus design teams to develop the 2010-2011 Campus Improvement Plan based on the District Improvement Plan, campus data, goals and objectives. In October- November, the Central Office staff will visit with all site-based committees and review plans. Additionally, campuses will meet with their site-based committees and campus design teams to evaluate progress in achieving goals and objectives. In January-February, campuses will meet with their site-based committees and campus design teams to evaluate progress toward goals and objectives. During this period, the Board of Trustees will also review and revise the Board Goals. In May-August, the campuses will submit the final evaluation of the Campus Improvement Plans to Central Administration and the district design team for review, at which time Central Administration and the district Educational Improvement Council will evaluate and revise the District Improvement Plan. Dr. Scott pointed out that in a district this size, there will always be challenges in various subgroups, and that this type of planning allows everyone to evaluate needs, address issues, implement plans and continue to improve.
Consider Approval of the 2010-2011 District Improvement Plan. Upon recommendation by Dr. Henry Scott, the Board of Trustees approved the District Improvement Plan for 2010-2011 as presented. Dr. Scott pointed out that the plan outlines goal in five areas of the district: student achievement, student attendance/drop-out rate, SAT/ACT state standards, safe and orderly school climate, and parent/community involvement. Dr. Scott also noted that the District Improvement Plan develops goals and objectives for improvement of all DISD school programs and provides direction for individual Campus Improvement Plans in addition to helping drive and direct the district budget. The plan was developed and updated with input from Central Office staff and campus principals, and approved by the District Educational Improvement Council.
Consider TEA Waiver Regarding Accelerated Instruction Timeline. Upon recommendation by Dr. George Hatfield, the Board of Trustees approved the submittal of a request for a Timeline for Accelerated Instruction Waiver. It was noted that Texas Education Code, Sec. 28.0211 provides for a waiver to allow districts to adjust the timeline for providing the accelerated instruction required for all 5th and 8th grade students who fail the last administration of the TAKS test. This waiver extends the timeline for implementation of the accelerated instruction and permits schools to promote these students upon the recommendation of the grade placement committee.
Consider request from Denison Boys & Girls Club. Upon recommendation by Dr. Henry Scott, the Board of Trustees approved an eight-week pilot program utilizing elementary facilities one day per week for the formation of an instructional flag football league. The program will begin in September and last for eight weeks. If successful, the plan is to continue the program with other sports during the winter and spring. It was noted that, according to assurances from the Denison Boys and Girls Club officials, no child will be denied participation because of inability to pay the enrollment fee ($25 per regular enrollment; $20 for children enrolled in free or reduced meal program, which computes to less than $2 per day). A Club staff member and a high school student will be at a different school each day to supervise the program. The day they are at each school will be determined by the school so as to not interfere with existing activities. Golden Rule will continue to travel to the Club as usual because of proximity. Sicne there are six other schools, on one day of the week an additional staff member from the Club will travel to an additional school. The Club will provide an after-school snack, then begin practice, which will include five minutes of warm-ups, 10 minutes to introduce a new skill, 15 minutes to practice the skill, 20 minutes to use the skill in a competitive environment, and 15 minutes for a cool-down and a quick nutrition lesson. Saturdays, all the players will gather at a central location for games.
Consider Request from Girl Scouts. Upon recommendation from Lee McNair, the Board of Trustees approved the request from the Girl Scouts to use the B. McDaniel gymnasium on Saturday, September 11, 2010 for the purpose of their annual recruitment rally, and that the rental fee be waived.
Report – Munson Stadium Committee. Cody White, Denison ISD Athletic Director, and John Parker, Denison High School Assistant Principal and stadium manager, updated the Board of Trustees on the Munson Stadium issues, noting that a group of interested patrons had visited other facilities to determine likes and dislikes/pros and cons of other stadiums, in anticipation of the time when engineers say the stadium must be renovated or rebuilt. Both stated that they looked at the issues with both affordability and needs in mind, noting that when the time comes, the project should be able to be completed economically and feasibly. The group visited stadiums in Paris, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, Mt. Pleasant, Prosper, Van Alstyne, Princeton and others. White pointed out that Princeton presented a general design that everyone really liked and thought was feasible and fitting for Denison. He pointed out three benefits that will come from a new/renovated west stadium: 1) Denison, both the community and DISD students, deserve the advantages and pride that will accompany a new/renovated stadium; 2) Denison will be able to market itself for playoff competitions; and 3) it will be easier to schedule games, as some people/schools simply don’t want to come here because of the lack of good facilities. White listed the negatives/lack of good facilities as: poor home stands, restrooms, dressing rooms, press box. He pointed out other positives as: great location, good visitors’ stands, a great playing field. John Parker pointed out that Munson Stadium serve more than just football players: it also serves cheerleaders, band students, drill team members, flag corps members, soccer players and other athletes and performers --- in ways that sometimes mean the difference between a college scholarship or no college at all. He offered additional details regarding the positives of Princeton’s stadium: it seats 3500 to 3800 people with a capacity to around 7,000, has a double-deck press box with filming area, VIP area, media area and other great features. Mr. Parker also pointed out that a 20-sheet waiting list for Denison people who want seats (but can’t get them because they’re not available) is an indication that a renovated or new west stands is needed. He also noted that the project, when launched, would have to comply with ADA rules and guidelines.
Summer School Report. Dr. George Hatfield reported that summer school programs for the 2010 summer sessions were conducted at B. McDaniel Middle School and Mayes Elementary School, and that the summer schools were very successful in helping many students pass core subjects and course work, pass TAKS and advance to the next grade level.
Personnel. Dr. George Hatfield noted that all new staff members are hard at work and ready for the start of school. He presented the following resignations, effective immediately: Saundra Hess Hinsley – Girls Athletic Coordinator/DMC at DHS, Brenda Pool – Diagnostician in Administration, and Randy Reid – Director of Business in Administration. Dr. Hatfield also announced the following employments for the 2010-2011 school year: JoAnn Bilderback – Science at B. McDaniel, and Stephanie Paulson – Diagnostician, Administration Building.
TASA/TASB Convention. Jay Watkins reported that the Joint Annual TASA/TASB Convention will be held September 24 through 26, 2010 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Delegates have been appointed and will arrange dates of arrival/departure with Dr. Scott’s office. All board trustees who wish to attend need to confirm plans with Dr. Scott’s office: 903-462-7012 by August 18th to allow time to arrange travel plans and finalize registration. It was also noted that a complete schedule of events is available at http://www.tasa.tasb.org/2020/
Board President Jay Watkins adjourned the regular meeting, with board members going into executive session. Following executive session, Jay Watkins called the regular meeting back to order.
There being no further business, Board President Jay Watkins adjourned the meeting.
