October 3, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting

I. Regular Board Meeting Called to Order.

II. Moment of Silence.

III. Pledge of Allegiance.

IV. Roll Call:

V. Recommend approving the agenda of the Regular Board Meeting of October 3, 2023 with any corrections/deletions.

VI. Superintendent's Report:  * SB1566

VI.A. Conference Presentations:

VI.A.1. Recognition of Jesus Antonio Garcia, National Civics Bee State Qualifier.

VI.A.2. Recognition of National School Bus Safety Poster Contest Winner.

VI.A.3. Recognition of the Vela Band for being selected as a National Winner in the 2023 Mark of Excellence.

VI.A.4. Recognition of Pace student Michael Dominic Barron.  Actions taken in assistance of special needs child.  (Board Agenda Request - Eddie Garcia/Board Support Jessica Gonzalez)

VI.A.5. Brownsville Independent School District Financial Report for the period ended September 30, 2023.

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Persons wanting to address the Board during Public Comment shall before the beginning of the meeting print their names and the subject matter on the sign-in sheet provided at the entrance of the Board Room.  As per Policy BED (Local) all Board Meetings, Public Comment shall be limited to items on the agenda posted with notice of the meeting.  The Board allots 30 minutes for Public Comment.  Speakers shall limit comments to a maximum of 5 minutes or the allotted time, depending on the number of speakers that have signed up. Complaints or grievances on the following subjects; employee complaints, personnel matters, student complaints, removal of alternative education program, complaints against individual board members, and expulsions, shall be directed to the appropriate policy for attempted resolution before bringing the matter before the Board.  The Board President shall determine if the topic shall be redirected to the appropriate policy or redirected to Administration. Comments on issues shall be constructive and courteous.

The Board may deliberate or take action regarding the following agenda items.

Board policy BE (Local) and Robert's Rules limits debate to two opportunities.  A Trustee may debate a motion for three minutes on the first speaking opportunity and two minutes on the second opportunity.
 

VIII. Recommend approving the Consent Agenda. The Board has agreed to discuss the following items. All of the items below that are not called out will be approved by consent.

                                                  (All presentations limited to five (5) minutes)

IX. Consent Agenda:

IX.A. Recommend approval of the following General Function Item(s):

IX.A.1. Recommend approval to declare surplus/obsolete vehicles, supplies, equipment, furniture and portable buildings to be disposed in accordance with Board Policy CI (Local) School Properties Disposal.

IX.A.2. Recommend approval of Resolution #023/2023-2024 in support of the Brownsville Independent School District fully supporting and endorsing the passage of Proposition 9 and encouraging the Brownsville community to vote “yes” on Proposition 9 – COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustments).

IX.A.3. Recommend approval to authorize the Superintendent to submit to TEA a Board approved remote instruction homebound waiver for ten (10) special education students.  At no cost to the District.

IX.A.4. Recommend approval of 2023-2024 District Improvement Plan as required by the Texas Education Code.  The District Education Improvement Plan will serve as a guide to District and Campus staff for the improvement of student performance in order to attain and surpass state and federal standards.

IX.A.5. Discussion, consideration and possible action to adjust the Pay Scales for Non-Degreed, Degreed and Certified Substitute Teachers for the 2023-2024 School Year.

IX.A.6. Recommend approval of Stipend Payment to Early College High School Class Sponsors, $500.00 per Sponsor, up to two Sponsors per class, for the 2023-2024 School Year.

IX.A.7. Recommend approval to reschedule the Board Meeting of November 8, 2023 to November 14, 2023, due to elections.

IX.B. Recommend approval of the following Payment(s):

IX.B.1. Recommend the approval of payments for construction services and/or engineering services throughout the District in the total amount of $1,832,170.33.

IX.C. Recommend approval of Budget Amendments:

IX.C.1. Recommend approval of Budget Amendment #013 in the amount of $10,001,172.00 from Local Funds.   (Reallocation of $158,719.00 requested by campus/departments and additional funding of $9,842,453.00 for the Teacher Incentive Allotment).

IX.D. Recommend approval of the following Contract(s)/Agreement(s):

IX.D.1. Recommend approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Brownsville Independent School District and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol (USBP), Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department (CCJJD), 484th District Court (484th) & Cameron County Court at Law # 5 (CC#5) will provide a mentorship program for at risk youth, at no cost to the District. *

IX.D.2. Recommend approval to enter into Agreement with Cameron County Community Service Centers to provide Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education, High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language and certification for in demand occupations classes for the 2023-2024 school year at no cost to the District *

IX.D.3. Recommend approval of an MOU between BISD, Brownsville Community Foundation and Public Wireless for the 2023-2024 school year to provide students access to grant application to qualify for free internet services (for the grant duration of approximately 3 years) and a tablet at no cost to the students through the Educational Technology Program as provided by the Public Wireless Program.  No cost to the District. *

IX.D.4. Recommend approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Education Service Center Region 6 in Collaboration with Education Service Center Region 1 and the Brownsville Independent School District. The purpose is for the ESC to provide professional development and training to implement the Texas Lesson Study Program. The contracting period is from August 10, 2023 to June 30, 2024. There is no cost to the District. *

IX.D.5. Recommend approval to enter into an Affiliation Agreement between the Tri-Agency Convener and Brownsville Independent School District to remain in force until the end of grant. No cost to the District. *

IX.D.6. Recommend approval to enter into a new Affiliation Agreement with Valley Regional Medical Center and Brownsville ISD to provide students enrolled in the Junior Level Course, Health Science Technology, with clinical observation experience at no cost to the District. *

IX.D.7. Recommend approval to amend the Clinical Affiliation Agreement between Valley Regional Medical Center and Brownsville ISD.  CTE Categorical Funding: $5,000.00 is to be utilized for criminal background, drug and alcohol tests as per hospital policy.  *

IX.D.8. Recommend approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Texas Southmost College for contracted services to deliver non-credit Workforce Training and Continuing Education (WTCE) Training for the 2023-2024 school year. CTE Categorical Funds: $60,000.00 for Tuition and Certification. *

IX.E. Recommend approval of the following Bid(s)/Proposal(s)/Purchase(s):

IX.E.1. Recommend awarding RFP #24-177 Medicaid Finance and Consulting Services, to Onward Learning Texas Special Education Software Solutions from Austin, Texas, and to authorize administration to negotiate and execute a contract. Annual proposal with the option to renew up to two (2) additional one (1) year periods if all parties are in agreement.

IX.E.2. Recommend awarding CSP #24-113 Pharmacy Benefit Manager and Specialty Pharmacy as ranked by the Employee Benefits Committee on September 25, 2023, and allow Administration to negotiate a contract, subject to favorable terms and conditions or continue to the next responsible bidder. The term of this contract is effective January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Services will be rendered based on the needs of the District. The proposal is for a three (3) year term with the option to renew for a two (2) additional one (1) year term.

X. Board Member Request(s)

X.A. Action Item(s)

X.A.1. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the 2024 BISD High School Graduations Times For All High Schools.  (Board Agenda Request Minerva Pena/Board Support Frank Ortiz)

X.A.2. Discussion, consideration and possible action keeping Veterans Memorial ECHS and Porter ECHS Graduation Ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. at Sams Stadium.  (Board Agenda Request Frank Ortiz/Board Support Minerva Pena)

X.A.3. Discussion, consideration and possible action on the hiring of consultants to work with low-performing schools.  (Board Agenda Request Carlos Elizondo/Board Support Frank Ortiz)

X.A.4. Discussion, consideration and possible action to name the football field at Sams Stadium after Joe A. Rodriguez, for his lifelong dedication to Brownsville Independent School District.  (Board Agenda Request Daniella Lopez Valdez/Board Support Jessica Gonzalez)

X.A.5. Discussion and possible action to reprimand Trustee Elizondo for conduct at September 22, 2023 Board Meeting.  (Board Agenda Request Jessica Gonzalez/Board Support Eddie Garcia)

XI. CLOSED MEETING:  as pursuant to the Texas Government Code Sections: 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, 551.082, and 551.084.

XI.A. LEVEL III GRIEVANCE(S):

XI.A.1. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Level III Grievance No. 003/23-24 on J.R.

XI.A.2. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Level III Grievance No. 004/23-24 on S.C.

XI.B. PERSONNEL MATTER(S)

XI.B.1. Presentation, acceptance and approval of Resignations. (1)

XI.B.2. Personnel Update with Superintendent (Dr. Rene Gutierrez)

XI.B.3. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2023-2024 school year(s) – Athletic Coordinator. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation. (1)

XI.B.4. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2023-2024 school year(s) – Educational Diagnosticians. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.(2)

XI.B.5. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2023-2024 school year(s) – Coordinator, 21st Century CLC. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation. (1)

XI.B.6. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2023-2024 school year(s) – MCJROTC- Marine Instructor. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.(1)

XI.B.7. Recommend to approve the proposed termination of the Term Chapter 21 contract professional (M.V.) for good cause for the 2023-2024 Fiscal School Year.

XI.B.8. Recommend to approve the proposed termination of the Term Chapter 21 contract professional (D.G.) for good cause for the 2023-2024 Fiscal School Year.

XI.C. ATTORNEY CONSULTATION

XI.C.1. Staff Attorney

XI.C.1.a. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Cause No. 2019-DCL-06158-E; Jasmin Leal vs. Brownsville Independent School District, regarding Agreement for Mediation.

XI.C.1.b. Discussion, consideration and possible action concerning resolution of BISD v. D. Wilson Construction et al., Cause No. 02-DCL-04719, in the 357th District Court of Cameron County, Texas.

XI.C.2. Board Attorney

XI.C.2.a. Legal Update with Board Counsel.

XI.D. REAL ESTATE PROPERTY

XI.D.1. Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the  purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate property.

XI.E. INTERNAL AUDITOR CONSULTATION

XI.E.1. Status of past, ongoing and completed Board approved audits.

XI.F. BOARD SELF EVALUATION

XII. BOARD RECONVENES - Board action on agenda items discussed in Executive Session.

XIII. Announcement(s):

XIV. Adjournment.