Technology expansion possible for MISD
Marlin Independent School District vowed to create a one to one technology ratio for its students in third through twelfth grades this year.
This mission has been accomplished and now the district may have the means to go above and beyond.
The Texas Education Agency partnered with Region IV to create an interlocal agreement that introduces state-level purchasing of technology at a much lower rate in order to combat connectivity issues within the state. The program, called Operation Connectivity, allows districts to purchase equipment at that lower rate.
Marlin ISD Officials have proposed utilizing the opportunity to connect their second graders as well. Funds from the Cares Act would allow for 126 additional chromebooks to be purchased for the grade level, as well as an additional 100 hotspots for households who require them.
Second graders are expected to be more used to touch screen apparatuses, such as ipads, but Marlin ISD recognizes that in the age of digital advancement, technology should also be taught.
“As a district, we do feel that it is important to begin transitioning our lower elementary students to keyboards, while still allowing them to use an iPad as an instructional resource,” explained Dr. Daryll Henson, MISD Superintendent.
The project will cost the district about $24,000 with all discounts, if they decide to proceed.
Along with that, the district is set to be reimbursed for up to 75% of their earlier coronavirus-related expenses. The Texas Department of Emergency Management is funding a reimbursement program, called the Coronavirus Relief Fund, that is providing funding to Local Education Agencies for COVID-19-related expenditures that were incurred between March 1 and May 20, 2020.
According to the district’s calculations, they could receive up to about $69,000, which would take the total expenses down to about $40,000 for the initial technology purchases. The excess money would go back into the fund for future use, according to presentations at the Aug. 17 meeting.
Expanding CTE Program
Marlin ISD has seen an influx of Career and Technical Education enrollments this year, more than doubling the total student enrollment.
“As a part of the Takeoff Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, we will be expanding our CTE and Fine Arts offerings,” said Henson.
Previously, there had not been CTE available to Marlin Junior Academy students, but now, with the introduction of a new business course, students can begin engaging in CTE courses earlier.
Principles of Business is the only class available at MJA, with Principles of Business and Finance w/ Microsoft certification(s) available at the High School level.
Henson says that the additional enrollments can be attributed to the business classes.
The additional students allow for an increased allotment of state funding to the tune of nearly $50,000. That 12.74 percent increase, along with one less staff member for CTE subjects, show a projected revenue of about $2,500.
Other classes offered at Marlin High School include Principles of Agriculture, Agriculture Mechanics, Livestock Production, Introduction to Cosmetology, Cosmetology I & II, Anatomy & Physiology, and Money Matters.
Virtual Academy
Marlin Virtual Academy is a program started because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas Education Agency is requiring all schools to provide an option for distance learning during this time. It is not considered another campus, so all grading systems and standards remain the same as those on campus, with daily participation and assignment required. All MHS virtual courses will count towards the student’s GPA. The option to learn virtually will be revisited at the end of each grading period and changes cannot be made midway through any grading period.
Employee Recognition, Contract Approvals
Robert Kunkel was recognized as Marlin ISD’s Safety Employee of the Year for his performance during the 2019-2020 school year.
Employee contracts for alternatively certified teachers were approved: Ashley Hunter (Special Education 9-12); Anita Davenport (Kindergarten); Eula Jones (3rd Grade); Cherrelle Judie (9th Grade Biology, 12th Grade anatomy); Milagros Rodriquez (2nd Grade); Tameka Sumter (10th and 11th Grade Chemistry and IPC); and Monet Washington ( 6th - 8th Grade Reading.)
Falls County 4-H
Requirements for student attendance accounting for state funding purposes allows public school students to be considered “in attendance” when participating in off-campus activities with an adjunct staff member of the school district. Because of this policy, adding Falls County Extension Agents Rosandra Hartsfield and Pasquale Swaner to the Adjunct Faculty list would allow students participating in Falls County 4-H/Agrilife Extension Program activities to be counted as in class or as doing educational activities.
Other:
The following Action Items were approved: consideration of Board Meeting minutes held July 23, 2020, July 13, 2020, June 22, 2020, June 8, 2020 and May 29, 2020; consideration of TEKS approval; the Financial Report, Check Registry, and Budget Amendments from July; Board policies GBAA (LOCAL), EIA (LOCAL), and AE (LOCAL).