MISD discusses transition plan
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met May 15 at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson, presiding. Board Managers present were Misty Ehlers, Byrleen Terry, and Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools.
The Lone Star Governance recognitions included Student of the Month – fifth grader Da’Las-Don Lang; Teacher of the Month – first grade teacher LaTonya Johnson; and Safe Employee Honor Roll Award - Angie Mason.
After returning from closed session in deliberation of personnel matters to include the recommendations to hire and/or the reassignment of Chief Academic Officer, Executive Director of Technology, Executive Director of Human Resources, Director of Federal and State Programs, Director of Human Resources, Academic Facilitators, Marlin Elementary School Principal, Associate Principal, and Dean of Students, Superintendent’s Reports followed.
Jesse Bustamante, Director Of Human Resources and Special Projects, provided Bond 2022 updates. It was recommended for Symmetry to install 24-hour surveillance at Legion Field during construction time frame. To upgrade the turf to Level A Turf, the district gave up a home game with Itasca on Aug. 30 to allow time for the proposed completion date for Legion Field. Several field designs were presented. Turf Inspiration will oversee the recommended design. The Bond Advisory Committee met immediately after the Board meeting.
Dr. Henson introduced the 2023-2024 Marlin Elementary (MES) and Marlin Middle/High School Transition Plan. MES grades Pre-K through sixth (537 students), Life Skills and Central will be at the 602 Donohoo St. location. With a staggered bed schedule, the Marlin Middle School at 678 Success Drive will house grades seventh through 12th, TLC/JDAEP, Central Office and Gymnasiums. The now Marlin High School, 1400 Capps St, will be closed to students. The gymnasium will be available with caution area under construction. All Career Tech Education and Fine Arts (including Band) will be housed at MMS. Action Plan included safety and security, facility use, classroom locations, master schedule, transportation, bell schedules and stakeholder communication.
Niki Edwards, Executive Director of Academics, updated the Board with Lone Star Governance Goal Progress Measures which states that 80 percent of students will be on or above grade level in reading at the end of Pre-K and First Graders. The Circle and mClass are the universal screeners and progress monitoring tools used to assess academic performance and how students are responding to instruction. Dr. Henson shared accolades for focusing on childhood literacy to Ms. Jefferson and Ms. Milton. Math and Reading indicators were also shared. Dr. Henson noted, “Our students are capable, they just need instruction.”
In other matters, Marlin ISD Board of Managers passed a resolution to initiate the process of designation as a District of Innovation (DOI). Becoming a DOI provides an opportunity for more local control and autonomy as districts seek to meet the needs of the students, staff, and communities they serve.
Dr. Parker Knight suggested Marlin ISD extend Cadence Bank as its Depository Bank 2023-2025. The district agreed to nearly $8,000 to an Interlocal Agreement for collecting taxes. Career Craft will oversee the Technical Assistance for colleges and universities and Career Pathways. Stacy Parker Knight, Chief Operating Officer, presented the Finance report. ending April 23. With 86 percent of revenue received, she noted the Marlin ISD “Is still in for the good.” The 2023-2024 Stipend Schedule was discussed noting the district offers competitive salaries, stipends and benefits for all.
Additional items noted were TEKS certifications and approval of Policy Updates. Completing the consent agenda items, Byrleen Terry moved to accept, seconded by Misty Ehlers, the motion carried. The May 2023 newly elected Board of Trustees were installed: District 1 and At Large (2), Billy Johnson, Byrleen Terry and Rosalyn Dimerson. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.