June 22, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement
Background: A public meeting is required under Education Code 44.004 to discuss the proposed 2023-2024 budgets and tax rates.  The 2023-2024 proposed budgets are presented for consideration and possible approval.  Tax rates will be presented for consideration on September 28, 2023.  In addition, the Board may approve the listed expenditures within the proposed budgets as line items. This process will reduce the number of items presented to the Board throughout the year and provide a more efficient method of acquiring needed items. 
 

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement
Background: The District will hold a public hearing as required for the 2023-2024 Preliminary Planning Amounts and Proposed Uses for all Federal Grants including the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) entitlement grant. The Public Hearing and discussion is designed to keep stakeholders informed of the grant allocations and maintain compliance with the requirements of the Federal Entitlement Grants.
 

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement   
Background: Various vendors from the Comal ISD approved pool of professional service providers will provide required services for Bond 2021, Bond 2023 and capital projects.  On September 24, 2015, District staff presented a process to help expedite design work related to Bond and other approved capital projects. Under the approval, administration was delegated the authority to execute agreements ranging from $50,000 to $350,000 with Board ratification at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  

Description:  Goal #1: Maximize Academic Performance
Background: In accordance with the Texas State G/T Plan as well as 19 TAC §89.5, local school boards of trustees are encouraged to pursue professional development in gifted/talented education to ensure program accountability. Administration will be presenting an orientation of the current G/T identification processes and services.

Description:  Goal #1: Maximize Academic Performance
Background: Administration is providing an update on 2023 STAAR EOC (end-of-course) performance for Comal ISD. Spring 2023 was the first administration of STAAR 2.0 - a redesign that includes online testing, new question types, cross-curricular passages, and evidence-based writing. STAAR EOC assessments include Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II and US History. STAAR measures the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum standards and provides districts with analytical resources to support the teaching of the state mandated TEKS curriculum.
 

Description:  Goal #1: Maximize Academic Performance
Background: Administration is providing an update on the review and development of the CISD Student Parent Handbook. The process for reviewing and editing the 2023-2024 student dress code will be outlined. The student dress code does not require board action. The 2023-24 Student Code of Conduct will be an action agenda item in August, after the state legislature meets.
 

Description:  Background: The Board will discuss Board Meeting Agenda Topics and Calendar.

Description:  Description:  Goal #1: Maximize Academic Performance
Background: TASB Policy Update 121 includes revisions to LEGAL policies based on updates to the Texas Administrative Code. Most of the LOCAL policy recommendations from TASB in this Update are intended to clarify current policy language and are reflected in the following LOCAL policies:
CFB(LOCAL): ACCOUNTING - INVENTORIES
CKE(LOCAL): SAFETY PROGRAM/RISK MANAGEMENT - SECURITY PERSONNEL
CKEC(LOCAL): SECURITY PERSONNEL - SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
CLB(LOCAL): BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE
CRF(LOCAL): INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES MANAGEMENT - UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
CVA(LOCAL): FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION - COMPETITIVE BIDDING
CVB(LOCAL): FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION - COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS
DEA(LOCAL): COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - COMPENSATION PLAN
FD(LOCAL): ADMISSIONS
FFI(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - FREEDOM FROM BULLYING
 

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement
Background: Board policy CDA and the Public Funds Investment Act of Texas Government Code require the Board of Trustees to review annually the investment policy and strategy as adopted by the Board and approve any changes.  The policy and strategy were approved on June 20, 2022 and no revisions to the policy have been made this year.

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees adopt the annual investment policy/strategy and resolution as presented. 
 

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement
Background: Board policy CDA and the Public Funds Investment Act of Texas Government Code 2256.008 require annual approval of investment officer training from independent sources. Each investment officer is required to attend 8 hours of training per a two-year period. This training shall include education in investment controls, security risks, strategy risks, market risks, diversification of investment portfolio, and compliance with the Government Code, Chapter 2256 from an independent source approved by the board. 

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the following independent sources for investment training: Region XIII, Region XX, TASBO, TASB, Linda Patterson & Associates, Government Finance Officers Association, University of North Texas, Tex-Pool, and PFM Asset Management LLC.
           

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement
Background: Board policy CDA and the Public Funds Investment Act of Texas Government Code require annual adoption of qualified brokers and dealers that are authorized to engage in investment transactions with the district.  On June 20, 2022, the following brokers/dealers were approved: First Public LLC, Frost National Bank, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Hilltop Securities, Inc., Multi-Bank Securities, Inc., UBS Financial Services, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., and Principal Bank.

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the following brokers/dealers as authorized to engage in investment transactions with the District: First Public LLC, Frost National Bank, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Hilltop Securities, Inc., Multi-Bank Securities, Inc., UBS Financial Services, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Principal Bank, and Mischler Financial Group.
 

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement
Background: Board policy CDA and the Public Funds Investment Act of Texas Government Code (2256.005) require annual adoption of authorized individuals that can perform investment functions for the District.  On June 20, 2022 the following employees were approved as investment officers:  Crystal Hermesch, Jennifer Hale, and Nicole Blanchard.

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the attached resolution naming Jennifer Hale and Nicole Blanchard as authorized employees to perform investment functions for the Comal Independent School District.
 

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement 
Background: The District desires to assure the success of the Bond 2021 program and the Bond 2023 program. A request for qualifications was issued to obtain the services of a qualified firm to perform a construction audit of the District’s bond program(s). The District’s overall objective is to maximize value from its construction investment, while minimizing overall risk to the District. The most qualified firm is being presented for consideration and approval.

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the submitted ranking and authorize the administration to enter negotiations according to final ranking and delegate authority to the Superintendent to enter into an agreement pending successful negotiations.

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement  
Background: Specht Elementary School will require drainage improvements to adequately install the new playground. This additive Change Order allows the playground contractor to address the necessary drainage work.  Board Policy CV (Local) establishes the authority for facilities construction change orders.  Change orders totaling $50,000 or more, or that exceed the contract sum, may be approved only by Board action and may be signed by the Superintendent.  

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve an additive Change Order to the construction contract for the Specht Elementary School playground.

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement  
Background: The winter storm that occurred in February 2023, downed aerial fiber lines that provide communication access to portable building at SVHS.  The Technology Department proposes replacing the aerial fiber lines and burying them underground to mitigate future damage.  The recommendation for consideration will be from an awarded vendor through a District subscribed purchasing cooperative contract.   

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustess approve the Smithson Valley High School fiber installation with Alterman as presented.

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement 
Background: The Purchasing Department is planning for the purchase of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment needed for the new elementary campuses.  These purchases will include many items necessary to complete the interior of the campuses once the construction is substantially complete.  The recommendation for consideration will be from awarded vendors through District subscribed purchasing cooperative contracts. 

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the purchases of library books for the new elementary schools as presented.

Description:  Goal #3: Embrace Choice 
Background:  The Texas Education Agency maintains a list of innovative courses and allows a district to offer these courses with approval from the local board of trustees. These courses enable students to master knowledge, skills, and competencies that are not included in essential knowledge and skills of the required curriculum (Texas Administrative Code [TAC] Section 74.27) and are eligible for state elective credit. Administration is requesting approval of the list of state-approved innovative course offerings for the 2023-24 school year.  

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the TEA Innovative course Practicum In Entrepreneurship for the 2023-24 school year.

Description:  Goal #1: Maximize Academic Performance 
Background: The Staff Development Minutes Waiver allows districts to train staff on various educational strategies designed to improve student performance in lieu of student instruction during the school year In May, the board of trustees approved the 2022-23 Academic Calendar that included 2,100 staff development minutes in lieu of student instruction. Administration is recommending filing the Staff Development Minutes Waiver for the 2023-24 school year to claim instructional minutes for the five district staff development days. 

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees to approve filing the Staff Development Minutes Waiver for the 2023-24 school year to claim instructional minutes for staff development.

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement  
Background: Valero Energy Foundation is proposing to donate $17,000 to Canyon High School.  The basketball team picked up trash during the Valero Texas Open.  This is a one-time donation in support of the basketball program.

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees accept a $17,000 donation from the Valero Energy Foundation for the Canyon High School Boys Basketball Program.

Description:  Goal #5: Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement 
Background: The District engaged Dawson Construction to act as the construction manager at risk for the construction of playgrounds at 14 elementary schools as part of the 2021 Bond. A key component of the CMaR delivery method is the development and presentation of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for each bid package that makes up the contract documents for the project. The engineer of record (MTR Engineers, LLC) has provided Bid Package 4 (BP4), the fourth of seven expected bid packages for this project, and Dawson Construction has responded with GMP4. 

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustess review the attached information related GMP package and approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Bid Package 4 as presented. 

Description:  Goal #5 - Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement. 
Background: On May 24, 2023, the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Brad Howell and authorized the Chief Appraiser to notify each taxing unit entitled to vote by resolution to fill the vacancy.

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that nominations are deferred to the Board of Trustees.

Description:  Goal #5 - Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement.    
Background: Bond proposition A was approved for $560,564,863 and proposition C was approved for $28,000,000 by voters on May 6, 2023.  

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the Order Authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of the Comal ISD Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds in one or more series at one or more times as presented.

Description:  Goal #5:  Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement 
Background: A public meeting was held as required under Education Code 44.004 to discuss the proposed 2023-2024 budgets and tax rates.  The 2023-2024 proposed budgets are presented for consideration and possible approval as attached.  In addition, the Board may approve the listed expenditures within the proposed budgets as line items.  This process will reduce the number of items presented to the Board throughout the year and provide a more efficient method of acquiring needed items. 

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve of the 2023-2024 budgets and line items as 
presented.

Description:  Goal #5:  Allocate resources in the most effective manner to maximize student achievement 
Background: On August 22, 2022 the Board took action to declare approximately 73.6 acres of land adjacent to I-35 and Hubertus Road in Comal County as surplus property.  The district requested best and final offers from the 2 bidders and the administration will be bringing those offers back to the Board for consideration. The terms are confidential until discussed with Board in closed session and acted on in open session. 

Recommendation: It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Trustees approve the resolution for sale of the subject property.