MISD proposing four-day calendar for 2023-24
Marlin ISD has proposed a four-day calendar for the 2023-24 school year.
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met March 20 at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Byrleen Terry, Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Conservator. Misty Ehlers was not in attendance.
Two 2023-24 School Calendar options were presented by Superintendent Dr. Daryl Henson. Both options include the required 180 instructional days which is required to receive ADSY funding.
The District Calendar Committee consists of teachers and executive cabinet members.
Option A - First day of school will be Aug. 7 and last day May 23.
Option B - Four-Day Week Calendar starting July 21 and ending Friday, June 7. Resulting in a strong start and strong finish, students will attend school every Friday in August, January, and May only. The students will attend school the first Friday of every month.
The Lone Star Governance recognitions included Student of the Month - 8th grader Daiviyon Evans; and Teacher of the Month - Cyrus Evans. Employees of the Month were Kevin Smith and DeAundrae James.
2022-2023 Teachers of the Year recipients were (MHS) Kevin Smith, (MMS) John Elliott and (MES) Eula Mae Jones. Dr. Henson added the Teachers of the Year demonstrated 100 percent commitment and partnership putting the children first. The Property Casualty Alliance of Texas (PCAT) Bus Driver of the Year was awarded to Amos Brown. This award qualifies Brown to be placed in the running as Driver of the Year at the Regional level.
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. CEI Engineering was announced as architect. The design phase has started for Legion Field projects.
The Bond Advisory Committee agreed to demo the old fieldhouse. The proposed layout was presented to the Board. Phase I (March 2023 to August 2023) involves track and field, fieldhouse demolition, field house renovations (Title IX Compliance), restrooms/concession stands, electrical upgrades, lighting and parking. Phase II (September 2023 to February 2024) consists of grandstands, press box, and main entrance.
Dr. Henson noted for the second consecutive year, Marlin ISD was recognized by the Texas School Public Relations Association with 24 awards. Best in Class - Press release, Gold Star Awards - Image/Identity pkg., logo, calendar planner, handbook/manual computerized presentation. Silver Star Awards included booklet, flyer, original art and video. Marlin ISD was ranked number one in state for press release and smallest district to be recognized by the state.
Niki Edwards, Executive Director of Academics presented an overview of the 2023-2024 Marlin Elementary and Marlin Middle/High School Transition Plan. PreK through fifth grade (477 students) will be housed on 678 Success Drive and sxith through eighth grade and ninth through 12th grade will be housed at MHS. The Action Plan consist of safety and security, facility use, classroom locations, master schedule, transportation, bell schedules and stakeholder communication.
The Fourth Six Weeks Academic Data was given by Niki Edwards. Assessments are conducted in all STAAR tested grade levels and subjects. There were gains in reading and declines in Math. Intentional priorities are Math, English I and Algebra I.
Dr. Stacy Parker Knight presented the Marlin ISD Monthly Financial Report ending February 2023 as a consent agenda item. Seventy percent of funds were received from the Falls County Appraisal District. As of March, instructional calendar consists of 114 school days with an average daily attendance of 825.8. Twelve million dollars is anticipated for 2023-2024. Construction account has $32 million in the account. Next budget workshop is April 17.
Marquita McCullum, Director of Elementary Education, reported on the Process of Designation as a District of Innovation, HB 1842. Because of MISD’s most recent academic performance rating, the district is eligible to initiate. Districts designated may be exempted for number of state statutes.
Other consent agenda items included the purchase of Shade Pro purchases to improve student safety and accessibility between Marlin Elementary and Marlin Middle School and Vendor Selection for Soil Stabilization and site clearing re: Bond 2022. Symmetry was announced as Vendor Selection.
Billy Johnson moved to accept the consent agenda items. Seconded by Byrleen Terry, motion carried. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Following the meeting adjourned, there was a Town Talk at the high school auditorium. Attendees were given the opportunity to have input about the school calendar options, Marlin Elementary/Marlin Middle Schools Transition Plan, and Bond 2022 updates.