Board Meeting Recap
The Burnet CISD Board of Trustees convened Monday evening for their regular July meeting. Our goal is to keep you informed and up-to-date on board activities through these brief recaps. As always, complete minutes from each meeting are publicly posted upon approval for your reference.
OPEN MEETING
A community member expressed a concern during the Open Forum section of last night's board meeting, claiming that Burnet High School students are not reading any novels in their English classes. This information is incorrect. English teachers are encouraged to plan instruction as a team, and this often includes reading novels. However, most English teachers at BHS choose to include student preference and reading level as considerations for novel selection rather than assign one novel to the entire class. We encourage community members to first seek accurate information by contacting an administrator who can provide assistance and answer any questions.
REPORTS
Financial Reports: The monthly financial report was provided by Mr. Goehring. The District is nearing the end of the fiscal year. The Administration is projecting some savings on the expenditure budget for the year. It will all be finalized in August.
Preliminary STAAR Scores: Dr. Jones presented an overview of STAAR results from Spring 2024 test administrations. Several tested areas reported lower percentages of students passing than in past years, although a few cohorts of students did show gains. Dr. Jones emphasized the need to ensure alignment of both classroom instruction and student work to State standards throughout the year.
Local Policy Update Overview: The Administration highlighted a few significant changes in the TASB Local Policy recommended updates and entertained questions prior to the request for approval later in the agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
The Board approved the following consent agenda items:
- Election Services Contract with the Burnet County Elections Administrator and Joint Election Agreement for 2024-2025.
- List of T-TESS Appraisers.
- Resolution Affirming the Investment Policy and Designating Investment Officers
- Resolution Adopting Authorized Broker List
- Authorizing the Superintendent the Authority to Obligate Burnet CISD Under Chapter 49
- for the Purchase of Attendance Credit (Netting Chapter 48 Funding)
- 2024-2025 Meal Prices - All student and staff meal prices remain unchanged for 24-25.
- Local Policy Update 123
BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Meeting Set: The Board approved to establish the proposed 2024-2025 tax rate and set a date for a public meeting to discuss 2024-2025 budget and proposed tax rate. THe public meeting will be August 26th as part of the regular meeting. The proposed tax rate is $0.8719. The Board will adopt the official tax rate at the August meeting. That rate cannot exceed the proposed rate.
Student Code of Conduct: The Board approved the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct, which remains unchanged from the prior year since we are between State Legislative sessions.
Support Teacher Stipends: Due to the large number of first-year teachers in the upcoming year, the Board approved a $1,000 stipend for designated Support Teachers who will complete monthly check-in activities with assigned new teachers. Teachers must meet criteria for demonstrated classroom and professional success to be designated as a Support Teacher.
TASB Endorsement: The Board voted unanimously to endorse Brian Holubec, Thrall ISD Board President, for the Region 13, Position C, seat on the TASB Board of Directors.
Personnel Report: The Board heard reports on professional hirings approved by the superintendent and other professional and at-will staff resignations, transfers, and hirings.
The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. The next Board of Trustees Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 26 at 6:00 p.m.