Smithville ISD Board Meeting October 24

Smithville ISD Board Meeting – 10/24/22

Meeting called to order at 6PM, followed by prayer and Allegiance Pledges to the Flags

Present at Meeting – Superintendent, Cheryl Burns, Board President, Grant Gutierrez, and Board Members, Michael Hancock, Chris Hinnant, Alan Hemphill, Josh Magden, Candice Parsons and Nancy Towery. All Board members were present.

Character Education – Two grade school students read essays written about “compassion,” the character trait of the month.
Student Recognitions – Four middle school and high school students selected for outstanding student awards for the first nine-week session. Five high school students recognized for academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program, Rural and Small Towns. Four elementary, middle school and high school students won Tiger Awards.
Public Comments – None.

Consent Agenda – The following consent agenda items passed unanimously:
F.1. Minutes from 9-19-22 Board meeting
F.2. Financial Statements – General Fund Summary and Special Revenue Fund Report for 9/2022
F.3. Investment Reports
F.4. State Aid Comparison Budgeted vs. Earned 2022-23 F.5. State Aid Comparison Earned vs. TEA Payments 2022-23
F.6. Tax Collection Report
F.7. Budget Amendments

Information Items:

G.1. CFO Jean Ann McCarthy reviewed financial disbursements for previous month
G.2. Superintendent’s Report
G.3 Instructional/Curriculum Update by Dr. Logan on “Close Like a Boss” and “CATCH” programs
G.4 Security Update – Dr. Caudill reported two unannounced safety audits performed/passed.
G.5 Current Bond Finance – Chris Allen, RBC Capital Markets, gave tax rate impact/analysis
G.6 Child Nutrition – Candy Biehle, Child Nutrition Director, reviewed Nutrition Dept. activities
G.7 Bilingual Report – review of ESL content based studies for emergent bilingual students
G.8 Board Member Training – review of requirements
G.9 Tentative November Agenda Items;
a. FIRST Ratings – Public Hearing
b. Financial Report
c. Superintendent Report
d. Review and Approve 2021 School District Audit
e. Vote for Bastrop Central Appraisal District Board of Directors

Action Items:

H.1. Consideration of Certified Levy in Accordance with Texas Property Tax Code 26.09 from Ellen Owens (Total 2022 Tax Levy: $15,676,260). Approved unanimously
H.2. Approval of Expenditures in Excess of $50,000 – consideration of Option 1: $195,649 and Option 2: $387159, with $200,000 budget amendment for Smithville Elementary 3rd grade playground equipment upgrades. Option 1 was approved unanimously.

Personnel Items – Resignations/ New Employment – Two teacher resignations and one new teacher recommendation.