Here are the highlights from the Aug.16, 2022 School Board meeting:

The meeting opened with a call to order by President Aletha Kruse at 5:30 p.m. with a quorum present. Trustee Mike Rackley delivered the invocation and pledge of allegiance.

Recognition

• Recognition of the 2022-2023 GISD birthday card artist Angel Griggs, who is a senior at Early College High School
• Recognition of GISD Impactful Partner ONE Church, whose members generously donated time and supplies to paint, supply furniture and make improvements to L.P. Waters and Carver Elementary  

Closed Session

Action on Closed Session Items

• The Board approved professional new hires and ratification of employment contracts as recommended.
• The Board upheld the Level 2 decision regarding a grievance. 

Open Forum and Public Comment for Agenda Items

• Brooke Jones expressed her opposition to a bond issue for November.

Comments from Individual Board Members

• Trustee Bonnie-Jean Stewart thanked all the community members who attended the recent facility design meetings. She also said she enjoyed attending the New Teacher Luncheon. She also remarked on how delightful it was to see students perform at this year's convocation program.
• President Aletha Kruse said this year's convocation program was amazing and expressed how much she is looking forward to the new school year.

Reports/Discussion Items

• Superintendent's Report - Superintendent Sharon Boothe reviewed the many back-to-school activities that led up to the beginning of the school year.

Transportation/ Finance 

• Bus Loan Update - Assistant Superintendent of Finance Sherry Dodson reviewed the possible benefits of refinancing a bus loan.

Human Resources 

• Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Heath Jarvis reviewed changes to the GISD Employee Handbook.
• Jarvis shared an overview of the 2021-22 employee exit survey. 

Teaching and Learning 

• Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shazzma Crooks presented an update on the Special Education program. 

Accountability 

• Executive Director of School Improvement Stephanie Hensley presented the 2021-2022 STAAR data and accountability report. 
• Campus Action Plans: Principals presented detailed action plans for their campuses.
• Hensley reviewed progress on HB3 early childhood goals and objectives.

School Leadership and Student Support 

• Superintendent Boothe reviewed 2022-2023 student handbook and student expectations, which have not changed since last school year. 

Policy 

• Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Greg Anderson presented the first & final reading of policy updates and proposed administrative changes. 

Maintenance and Operations 

• Anderson presented the facilities plan update.
• Corgan Vice President Lance Melton presented schematic designs for a new L.P. Waters Early Childhood Center and a new Greenville Middle School.
• The board approved the building designs as presented and authorized Corgan to move forward with design and development. 

Action and Discussion Items

• The Board elected President Aletha Kruse as the delegate and Vice President Roger Livingston as the alternate delegate for TASB convention.
• The Board approved recommendations for the board operating procedures manual from the subcommittee.
• The Board approved a purchase over $50,000 for New Horizons High School serving line
• The Board approved an increase to breakfast and lunch prices.
• The Board approved a tax rate of $1.103081 for the 2022-2023 school year. This represents a decrease of $0.0174.
• The Board approved the certification of the appraisal roll for the 2022-2023 school year received from Hunt County Appraisal District. 
• The Board approved a purchase of over $50,000 - Edmentum (previously APEX) ($68,680)
• The Board approved a purchase of over $50,000 for property, casualty, auto, legal liability, cybersecurity, and worker's compensation insurance.
• The Board approved a budget amendment to transfer funds from fund balance to construction account for Corgan design of new L.P. Waters and new middle school ($4,400,000)
• The Board approved a purchase over $50,000 - Corgan ($4,400,000)
• The Board approved a budget amendment to increase revenues and expenditures for the Tech Department ($50,485)
• The Board called for a bond referendum for the Nov. 8 election.  

Consent Agenda

• Monthly financial report
• Consider approval of vendor list
• Consider approval of the 2022-2023 Student Code of Conduct
• Consider approval of board minutes July 19, 2022, July 21, 2022 (called board meeting) and July 21, 2022 (policy training)
• Consider Approval of Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support(T-TESS) list
• Consider approval of purchase over $50,000 for Chromebook lease ($222,417.15) 

Future Agenda / Information Items

• Board Secretary report

Future Meetings/Workshops

• Called board meeting (Team of 8) - Strategic Planning - August 25, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
• Regular Board Meeting - September 20,2022 at 5:30 p.m.
• TASA/TASB Conference- September 23rd-25th in San Antonio, TX 

Adjournment