The Granbury ISD Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on June 10, 2013, and discussed a possible bond election to fund several facility and technology improvements.
The board approved a working calendar for a possible election in November. Possible items to include a ninth grade center at the high school campus, a career and technical education center, safety and security enhancements to all campuses, and improved technology throughout the district.
In conjunction with Huckabee Architects, a bond steering committee composed primarily of parents and community members will convene to consider facility options to include in a package. Included is a telephone survey that will gauge the opinion of the community regarding various projects.
After this information is gathered, the board will make the final determination in mid-August whether to call the election.
Board members adopted a resolution allowing for the reappraisal of properties in and around the Rancho Brazos subdivision affected by the May 15 tornado. This will allow those homeowners to have a proration of their 2013 property taxes due in January 2014.
The board approved a bid from Granbury TV to have exclusive broadcasting rights of district athletic events. The initial period is for the 2013-14 school year with the option to renew for two additional one-year terms.
Trustees approved funding for band instruments at Granbury High School, Acton Middle School, and Granbury Middle School. The funds will allow for the replacement of several specialty instruments during the current budget cycle and the next budget year. An ongoing budget allowance will be provided to establish a regular replacement schedule.
Board members adopted a waiver to be submitted to the Texas Education Agency to allow for accelerated instruction for fifth and eighth graders needing assistance with state reading and math tests. This instruction will begin in August after the third administration of the exams in late June.
Trustees called a regular election for Tuesday, November 5 for Places 5, 6, and 7 for three-year terms on the school board. Board members also approved a contract with the Hood County Elections Administrator to conduct a joint election with municipalities and other local governmental entities. General information about the upcoming school board election is available on the district website at www.granburyisd.org/election.
In personnel action, the board approved several staff appointments and also received notification of employees resigning or retiring.
Other reports delivered to the board were:
- Superintendent Dr. James Largent reported that the Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 5 into law, decreasing the number of state exams required for high school graduation and creating new pathways for a high school diploma.
- The board heard a report regarding the district’s Community Schools Health Advisory Council. Topics included a district wellness policy, campus dental visits, an abstinence program, hand sanitizer stations, “Growing Up” videos, changes to the Texas Administrative Code regarding medical conditions and head lice, and standing orders.
- Executive director of finance Sharay Boynton reviewed estimates for the upcoming 2013-14 budget. The preliminary budget includes a step increase for teachers and a 1% midpoint increase for other employees. It is expected to have a deficit of $900,000, but the district will likely still retain 20% of operating costs in reserves.
Board members approved minutes from the last regular meeting, budget amendments, and several bids and purchases: vehicle fuel and pizza and other ready-to-serve items. Also approved were a resolution changing authorized representatives for local government investment cooperative, a nomination of Dr. Ann Callahan to serve on the Texas Association of School Boards board of directors, a board meeting calendar for the next year, and a settlement with SuccessEd regarding a software purchase.
Budget amendments included one donation: $5,000 grant from Lowe’s for Baccus Elementary School.
