December 14, 2010

The Granbury ISD Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on December 13, 2010, and heard a report on student performance under the Texas state accountability system.

The Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) reports for the district and campus during the 2009-10 school year were reviewed by assistant superintendent Carol Howard.  The reports were recently released by the Texas Education Agency to summarize and provide additional data regarding accountability ratings announced in August.  In 2010, Granbury ISD had three Exemplary and six Recognized campuses.  The district and eight schools also received Gold Performance recognitions. 

Howard highlighted increased academic performance among Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, special education, and limited English proficient students.  Among all students, she reported that the district is near reaching the Exemplary level in all subject areas.  The district will be emphasizing college readiness through increased enrollment in Advanced Placement and dual credit courses.  The reports are available on the district’s website at www.granburyisd.org/parentcenter under State and Federal Reports.

Curriculum director Sharon Williams followed with a report on High School Allotment funding that has been utilized to increase college readiness, student enrollment in advanced academic classes, students on the recommended and distinguished graduation plans, and the student completion rate.

Also in academics, trustees approved course catalogs for students in grades 6-12 at Granbury High School, Crossland Ninth Grade Center, Acton Middle School, and Granbury Middle School.  The board made a determination that expansion of Brazos River Charter School would have a negative effect on GISD. 

Board members approved the technology plan for the 2011-12 school year.  Director Amy Wood reviewed the district goals of improving academic achievement through innovation, promoting growth in educator effectiveness with technology, enhancing communication with parents and the community, and maintaining an effective technology infrastructure.  Campus technology committees and the District Advisory Council provided input into the plan.

A representative of the accounting firm of Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. reviewed the audit report for the year ending August 31, 2010.  The board approved the report, which offered an unqualified opinion – the highest available – regarding the district’s financial condition.  A copy of the report is available on the school district’s website at www.granburyisd.org/business.

In personnel matters, trustees conducted an evaluation of the superintendent.  The board also filled one position at Crossland Ninth Grade Center and received notification of two resignations and three retirements.

The board heard several reports:

• Sharay Boynton, executive director of finance, presented financial statements for October 2010.
• Technology purchases were reviewed by director Amy Wood.
• Board president Barbara Herrington reported on board members’ continuing education hours.
• An overview of new state accountability guidelines was presented by superintendent Ron Mayfield.  The provisions are part of the implementation of House Bill 3.  The legislative act, which passed in 2009, included several changes to the state school accountability system.
• Mayfield also reported on upcoming legislative action on school finance and other areas of current education law.

In addition to approving budget amendments and minutes from the last regular meeting, purchases and renewals approved were charter bus services.  The board also adopted amendments to local policy regarding employee contracts as well as continuing payroll during a catastrophic event.