May 16, 2023

Here are the highlights from the May 16, 2023, School Board meeting:

 

The meeting opened with a call to order by President Aletha Kruse at 5:30 p.m. with a quorum present. The GHS NJROTC presented the colors. 

 

Dr. Greg Anderson gave the invocation.

 

Reading of Vision Statement

  • Lamar second grader Cali Osuna read the vision statement, shared how her teacher goes above and beyond to challenge her.

 

Action & Discussion Items:

  • The board approved a donation of $500 each to be presented to the district Elementary & Secondary Teachers of the Year given by an anonymous donor from the community.

 

Recognition

  • Recognition of GHS spring athletes: GHS Senior Golfer Harper Waddle, Senior Track runner Kamron Neal and the GHS Lions Soccer Team (Bi-District Champions)
  • Recognition of KGJ STEM @ Crockett VEX IQ teams.
  • Recognition of GHS Robowranglers team 148
  • Recognition of GHS VEX Robotics teams
  • Recognition of Early College High School Class of 2023 seniors
  • Recognition of 2023-24 GISD Teachers of the Year and announcement of the District Elementary & Secondary Teacher of the Year.
  • Recognition of Extra Mile recipient – Lamar teacher Danielle Park
  • Recognition of Hunt Regional Healthcare as an Impactful Partner
  • Recognition of May Hero of Hope – GHS Art Teacher Bill Shiflet

 

Open Forum and Public Comments for agenda items

  •  There were no comments from the public.

 

Comments from Individual Board Members

  • Trustee Mike Rackley expressed his pride in our students and staff that were recognized this evening.
  • Trustee Bonnie-Jean Stewart congratulated the “shining stars” of GISD, our students, and our educators who give tirelessly every day. Congratulations to all!

 

Reports/Discussion Items

  • Finance
    • Interim CFO Jim Schiele presented the quarterly financial report.
    • Interim CFO presented the second reading of 2023-24 budget
    • RFQ
      • External Board legal services (item was tabled)
      • External board audit services – Interim CFO Jim Schiele reported that three firms submitted an RFQ for audit services. He also recommended the board form an audit committee. Trustees Roger Livingston and Mike Rackley volunteered to serve on an audit committee and Bonnie-Jean Stewart as alternate.
      • The board voted 6-1 to appoint Rutherford Taylor CPA to do the annual audit for the district and appoint Mike Rackley, Roger Livingston and Bonnie-Jean Stewart as alternate for an audit committee.
    • The board voted 7-0 to authorize the administration and its financial advisor to proceed with moving forward with utilizing maintenance tax notes to fund expansion and repairs to move forward with intent to reimburse.
    • The board voted 7-0 to approve a budget amendment to transfer funds to pay for fuel for district transportation in the amount of $65,000.
    • The board voted 7-0 to approve the expenditure not to exceed $110,000 to repair the elevator at the GHS Stadium
  • Governance
    • Specified Donation
      • The board voted 7-0 to approve a donation from L3Harris in the amount of $1500 for Hope’s Heart Community Closet

Consent Agenda:

 

The board voted 7-0 to approve the following items on the consent agenda.

  • Monthly financial report
  • Vendor list
  • Board minutes:
    • Regular meeting on April 18, 2023
    • Called meeting on May 2, 2023

 

Open Forum and Public Comment for Non-Agenda Items

  • Melissa Williams spoke about the GISD Suzuki Strings program being paused for the upcoming year.

 

Closed Session

  • The board voted 7-1 for the approval of professional new hires and ratification of employment contracts as recommended. 

 

Future Agenda/Information Items:

  • Board Secretary report
  • Convene and form a board operating procedures subcommittee

Future meetings

  • 5:30 p.m. June 6, 2023 – called board meeting
  • 5:30 p.m. June 20, 2023 – regular board meeting
  • Called board meeting for Superintendent Summative Evaluation (TBD-June)

 

Adjourn at 8:02 p.m.