Marlin ISD accreditation status updated to Accredited-Probation
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met April 17 at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Misty Ehlers, Byrleen Terry, Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Conservator.
As a public comment, Dr. Henson announced that the Texas Education Association (TEA) has updated the Accreditation Status as “Accredited Probation” for Marlin ISD. Accredited-Probation means that the district exhibits deficiencies in performance that, if not addressed, will lead to revocation of the district’s accreditation status. Students who graduated 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 diplomas are now fully accredited. The district is monitoring the areas of identified deficiency.
The Lone Star Governance recognitions included Student of the Month Alondra Alvarado - 12th grade; Teacher of the Month - Coach Brandon Mugrage; and Employee of the Month - Eleece Hughes Weatherspoon.
After returning from closed session in deliberation of personnel matters, Superintendent’s Reports followed.
Jesse Bustamante, Director Of Human Resources and Special Projects, provided Bond 2022 updates. To plan scope of work for Legion Field, the Bond Advisory Committee will meet Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Bustamante presented an overview of the Legion Field proposals to include track and turf, fieldhouse renovation, stadium concessions, and building demolition. He also noted to increase interest in clubs and organizations, there will be an extra/co-curricular fair day, May 6. A student interest survey will be conducted. Two new offerings have been approved, Cooking Lab (Elementary) and Ladies of Distinction.
Niki Edwards, Director of Academics, presented the STAAR Interim Assessment Data, comparing Fall semester to the Spring for all grade levels. At the elementary level, there was an increase across the board in Math and Reading. Targeted students are pulled during electives for Eighth Grade Science and Social Studies and Algebra I schedules have been reconfigured by mastered skills at the high school.
During the Falls County Appraisal District Local Tax Value Financial Impact Report, Dr. Henson explained the district did not pass the 2022 Property Value Study. The Local Value is a difference/revenue at stake of $458,770.
Dr. Stacy Parker Knight presented the 2023-2024 Budget Workshop. She emphasized financial considerations including grant and bond management, property tax values and legislative updates. The district is looking forward to the windows of opportunities with funds from the Copperhead Solar Project. There are several legislative bills to watch that will benefit the district. The next Budget workshop is May 15.
Singleton, Clark & Company Certified Accounts were selected as auditors for the district. Due to inclement weather in January, also proposed was the approval of a resolution to waive penalty and interest on certain delinquent property taxes. The resolution will authorize Falls County Tax Assessor-Collector to exercise discretion as to which taxpayers are subject to penalty and interest waiver.
In other matters, additional consent agenda items included: the 2023-2024 4-Day Week School Year Calendar; employment contracts and types of contracts; Symmetry Sports Construction for the track and turf at Legion Field; investment Broker Dealers; budget amendments; due to the unopposed candidates for the May 6 School Board Trustee Election, cancellation for the May 6 School Board Trustee Election.
Byrleen Terry moved to approve the agenda consent items and the March 20 and April 3 Board Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Misty Ehlers, the motion carried. With no further business, President Billy Johnson adjourned the meeting.