MISD discusses back to school, STAAR, tax rate
A regular meeting of the Marlin ISD Board of Managers was held Aug. 17 at the Marlin Middle School Library.
Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson presented the 2021-2022 Back to School Report emphasizing an extremely strong start using electronic registration and students receiving free school supplies and backpacks. News coverage included KWTX and Waco Tribune.
Patrice Woodson, Director of Curriculum, presented the 2021-2022 Early Childhood Literacy Plan, which would ensure scholars are reading on level or higher by the end of second grade. Teachers, K-3 and K-5 Special Education, will be required to receive phonics training at reading academies which will impact Student Literacy Achievement thus closing the reading gap.
Dr. Stacy Parker, Executive Director of Academies and Student Services introduced the Universal Screener IREADY K-8, a comprehensive assessment and instruction program monitoring where students are academically and will assist with best classroom practices.
Another program NWEA will be implemented providing assessment solutions to measure growth and proficiency at the high school level in reading math and science. Parker reported on the 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct and Handbook established to encourage student responsibility and provide an environment conducive to teaching and learning. They were distributed via the district’s website.
Correll Roofing System made a short presentation on how to temporary repair pre-existed roof damages in addition to damages from the May 2020 hailstorm at the high school and Administration Office. Correll Roofing System was recommended by Pearson Legal, P.C. who are representing Marlin ISD in an ongoing claim. Leaks were noted focusing on the high school campus. The company has materials in place to replace at least 6,000 sq. ft of panels within seven-day period. The panel replacements will allow accessibility to evaluate further damages. The company asked to move forward with estimate of repairs around $24, 956.
Henson applauded the phenomenon job of the students as he presented TEA STAAR Domain 1 and Domain 2B results. In both domains, MISD passed with a D rating. Dr. Henson presented the CCBG Local Ad Valorem Taxes/Economic Development report. The Board must first vote to adopt a policy to accept, review and consider applications Tax Code 313.
The Copperhead Solar L.L.C. 313 agreement was presented by company reps who are seeking use of school district property to include 16 acres and storage of 378,000 panels. The company would provide energy and capacity for transmission networks and cost-effective alternatives to fossil fuels in Falls County resulting in a direct economic impact.
In other matters the board also: approved the renewal of the current PCAT Property and Casual Insurance was proposed; Bancorp South Depositary contract rates will be lowered due to movement of funds to money market with $700 service fee waived; heard the July 2021 Finance Report presented by Henson. The district will be reimbursed for the July summer school Child Nutrition Food Service. According to Public Fund Investment Act, Marlin ISD Investment Policy is compliant.
Director of Technology, J Adam LeJeune, requested the approval to purchase 25 additional iPads (K-2) and 25 iMacs to facilitate Career Tech Education projects and products not feasible with Chromebooks. Dr. Henson followed with an overview of the Hellas Construction of the Marlin ISD Multipurpose Activity Complex, a potential project to improve student safety and alternatives for PE and other activities. It would include resurfacing and relocating existing basketball court.
Additional agenda items included Patrice Woodson who requested the approval to purchase StemScopes, a supplemental resource and learning activities parallel with TEKS (Science). Also requested was the purchase of Lakeshore Learning which would include re-branding a makeover of the Pre-K classrooms. Jesse Bustamante, Director of HR, sought approval updates for the Legion Field track repair and striping. Bill Jackson was recommended for hire as the Falls Education Cooperative JDAEP/TLC.
Henson stated the 2021 Proposed Tax Rate Adoption of 0.95440 which is lower than 2020.
Except for the Copperhead Solar 313 Application, Byrleen Terry moved to approve all agenda items; Billy Johnson seconded with the motion carried.
Closed session was conducted to deliberate personnel matters to include the 2021-2022 employee contract for Bill Jackson, Falls Education Cooperative JDAEP/TLC.
The Board approved the June 21 minutes followed by adjournment.