MISD reports on student academic performance
The Marlin ISD Board of Managers met on Jan. 23 at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Misty Ehlers, Byrleen Terry, Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools and Dr. Jim Vaszauskas, TEA Conservator.
Niki Edwards, Executive Director of Academics, presented the 2021-2022 Texas Academic Performance Report.
Marlin Elementary Students (MES) showed significant improvements in Reading, Math, and Science. Overall focus in third through fifth grades in Math, and Emergent Bilingual/English learners (EBL) in all testing areas will continue.
Marlin Middle School (MMS) students demonstrated significant improvement in Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science.
At MHS, significant improvement was seen in English I, Algebra I, and Biology with a focus on English I/II, EBL to be continued.
The entire Texas Academic Performance Report may be found on the TEA website. Accolades were given to Kathy Crear and Dr. Stacy Parker Knight for the increase in graduation rates 2020-2021.
In pursuant to Texas Government Code Sessions, the Board went into deliberation of personnel matters and consultation with attorney. After returning from closed session, the Lone Star Governance recognitions included Student of the Month was senior Zha’Mauryon Lofton, son of Faren Grant and Brandon Lofton; and Teacher of the Month was Andrew Ensley, Algebra I teacher and Boys Basketball Head Coach.
In recognition of January as School Board Appreciation month, Campus administrators presented School Board members with Appreciation Baskets for their leadership, guidance, vision, and dedication.
John Ensley, MHS Principal, presented the Nov. 17 Intruder Detection Audit Report which evaluates whether a campus is accessible to unauthorized individuals. One exterior door was broken and one or more doors were not closed or locked. A plan of development to train all campus staff, especially substitutes, on safety policies will be addressed. Corrective action was not required for the weekly exterior door sweeps. After a safety training workshop for teachers, the State granted the district as sufficient.
Dr. Stacy Parker Knight reported the Lone Star Governance goal progress. Fifty-three seniors are on track to successfully complete the College Prep English/Math Exams. The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) is utilized by colleges/universities to determine readiness for college level courses for reading, writing, and math. TSIA-2 will be taken in the spring. Vision 2025 Career Readiness was presented outlining career pathways at MHS. There is a need to develop a timeline for completion of pathways. TEA has provided new 2022-2024 Industry-Based Certification manuals.
J Adam LeJeune, Director of Technology, presented updates on Wi-Fi/Internet uptime and shared the need for server equipment and separate AC. He noted Linda Mitchell was hired as Technology Coach to assist/monitor use of technology in the classrooms. Some teachers also need Tech training as well.
Marquita McCullum, Director of Elementary Education, reported on District of Innovation. She listed examples of exemptions that can be changed by the district such as the calendar. McCullum included areas that are prohibited for change at the district level such as Bilingual Education, Special Ed, and certification alleviations. Due to the teacher-student ratio (22:1), a class size waiver was submitted.
Niki Edwards spoke on Fall Semester Academic Data denoting a decline in MES fifth grade mastery and gains in sixth and seventh grade Math. Dr. Henson added based on statistics, students are surpassing in Math, Science and Social Studies where they were last year. There is a concern regarding Literacy and Reading.
Grant funded Literacy Coaches was discussed by Niki Edwards. To ensure all students read on grade level, the district applied for and was awarded 2021-2022 the Texas Reading Initiative Literacy Coaching and Professional Development Grant. The goal is to identify, train, and support/monitor outcomes in all grade levels.
Bond 2022 Update was presented by Jesse Bustamante, Director Of Human Resources and Special Projects. Prop. A (MHS) development stage will start 2023. The Bond Advisory Committee met Jan. 10 in regard to Proposition B, Legion Field Renovation and New Construction. A few changes were made including renovating bleachers, upgrading and keeping the location of the press box. The next meeting is Feb. 6 after the school board meeting.
Additional Superintendent’s Reports included the December 2022 District’s Financial Report by Dr. Stacy Parker Knight. On Jan. 23, 2023, $32 million in bonds were sold resulting in less of tax burden for the community. Projections are based off 3.9 percent rate. The Food Service budget is anticipating State revenues not received yet. The Investment Report indicated that due to the revenue in money-market account wasn’t yielding, $3 million was move to a tax pool which within a month $795 generated $7665.03.
The 2023-2024 School Year Calendar was announced. School will start Aug. 7, 2023, and end May 23, 2024. Misty Ehlers moved to approve the consent agenda items A-E only. Seconded by Billy Johnson, motion carried. Meeting adjourned.