June 10, 2008

The Granbury ISD Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2008, and heard an extensive presentation on the Career and Technology Education programs offered to Granbury students.  Consultants from the R4 Group explained that an effective program will raise student academic performance overall and lead to a greater high school completion rate.  Course offerings will allow students to better prepare for post-secondary opportunities, to have a more informed idea of a college major or career choice, and to more effectively relate regular academic classes to career preparation.

The presentation was made by Dr. Linda Anderson, who oversees career and technology programs for Birdville ISD.  Dr. Anderson explained how the school district could expand opportunities and increase participation in these programs.  She provided several recommendations based on a review of the current programs and on interviews with staff.  Some courses can be moved to the ninth grade center and middle schools in order to expand higher-level course offerings available at the high school.  Dr. Anderson also proposed to build on current partnerships with local businesses, to boost student participation in leadership organizations, and to increase certification and training for teachers involved in the program.

Board members also heard a presentation by Lynn Moak, a school finance expert with the Austin-based firm of Moak, Casey & Associates.  Moak explained that, although Granbury ISD is in good shape financially compared to other school districts in the state, there would be little new revenue due to low student growth and to the district sending money back to the state.  Moak indicated that he did not expect the Texas Legislature to quickly pass any changes to the current school finance system.  The information and data presented will be used by the school board during consideration of the 2008-09 budget and tax rate later this summer.

The trustees approved salary schedules for the 2008-09 school year following a presentation by Ann Patton, a compensation specialist with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).  Under the new schedules, the beginning salary for a teacher or librarian with a bachelor’s degree will increase to $43,500.  Those with a Masters degree will receive an additional amount of $2,160.  Each step on the teacher-librarian schedule will increase by $1,600, as the flat increase stemmed from a recommendation by the Salary Committee of the District Advisory Council.  Most other district employees will see general pay increase of 3% to the midpoint of their salary schedules, while the administration/professional schedule will have a 2.85% increase to the midpoint of that schedule.   The board asked that Superintendent William Harris review the stipend schedules and bring them back for consideration at a future meeting.

In personnel actions, trustees approved the appointment of Alicia Hernandez as the district’s new Director of Child Nutrition.  Hernandez currently serves as the Assistant Director of Food Service Finance at Northside ISD in San Antonio.  Her previous school experience includes stints with San Antonio ISD, Somerset ISD, and San Rosa ISD in capacities for both food service and finance.  In other personnel matters, the board approved the hiring of several individuals to fill open positions, received notification of retirements and resignations, and approved a resignation agreement with a teacher.  The trustees also authorized the Superintendent to bring forward a candidate for the director’s position to oversee the career and technology programs.

Financial reports were reviewed by Executive Director of Finance Sharay Boynton.  In addition, a representative of the Buford-Thompson Company updated the board about the construction progress of the new agriculture science complex as well as the canopies for parent drop-off and pick-up at elementary and intermediate campuses.

In other action, board members approved operating procedures and the 2008-09 meeting calendar.  Trustees approved minutes from the last regular meeting as well as budget amendments.  Purchases and bids were approved for technology items; library books, reference material, class sets, and video media; letter jackets and athletic letter awards; office supplies and equipment; football supplies and equipment; renovation of AMS and Pirate Stadium football fields; band and choir supplies and equipment; ground supplies; building materials and supplies; general maintenance supplies and equipment; plumbing supplies and equipment; and vehicle fuel.  The board also renewed insurance through the Texas Association of Public School Property and Liability Fund and approved the district’s joining the ESC Region 10 Multi-Regional Child Nutrition Cooperative.

Following a recommendation from the Superintendent, the board took no action on local district policy regarding academic achievement and grading.  District and campus administration will continue to review these policies for possible action.

Trustees will next meet on Monday, July 21, 2008.  The annual budget workshop will be held the following day on Tuesday, July 22, 2008.

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