September 3, 2024 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 Tuesday, September 3, 2024 with any corrections/deletions.

VI. Recommend approving the minutes with any corrections:

VI.A. Special Called Board Meeting was held on March 20, 2024.

VII. Superintendent's Report:  

VII.A. Conference Presentations:

VII.A.1. Recognition of the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band Results, Vela and Faulk Middle School Bands.

VII.A.2. Brownsville Independent School District Financial Report for the period ended August 31, 2024.

VII.A.3. Open Public Hearing on 2024-2025 Proposed Tax Rate.

VII.A.4. Presentation on the 2024-2025 Proposed Tax Rate.

VII.A.5. Close Public Hearing on 2024-2025 Proposed Tax Rate.

VIII. 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.
  

IX. 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)

* SB 1566 Agenda items related to instruction
**  Categorical funds are financial support from state and federal governments that is targeted towards particular categories of students, special programs, or special purposes.

X. Consent Agenda:

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

X.A.1. Discussion consideration and possible action adopting Resolution #19/24-25 of Defeasance for the Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2020B.

X.A.2. Recommend approval of Resolution #020/24-25 for the adoption of the 2024-2025 Proposed Tax Rate. Recommend to adopt a tax rate of no more than $1.028664 per $100.00 valuation with a Maintenance and Operations tax rate of $0.78690 and a Debt Service tax rate of $0.241764. The 2023-2024 total tax rate was $1.030964.

X.A.3. Recommend approval to contract Region One to provide staff development and instructional coaching, as required by Federal Law, for the 2024-2025 school year to support private school instructional needs based on identified needs and funding. Contracted Services will not exceed $124,900.00 **

X.A.4. Recommend approval for Region One Education Service Center of Edinburg, Texas, to provide contracted services to BISD administrators and teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.  Categorical Fund: 167-Teacher Incentive Allotment $48,500.00.

X.A.5. Recommend approval to revise page 5 and 6, of the 2024-2025 Employee Compensation Plan, BAC and Lincoln Park Campus Staffing Guidelines.

X.A.6. Recommend approval to revise page 9 and 34 of the 2024-2025 Employee Compensation Plan, Non-Teaching Positions, removing Theater Advisor and replacing it with Dance/ Theater Arts Advisor(Existing FTE).

X.A.7. Recommend approval to revise page 12 of the 2024-2025 Employee Compensation Plan, Administrator Educator Pay Plan, adding Director, Resolution/RtI/504 (Existing FTE).

X.A.8. Recommend approval to revise page 26 of the 2024-2025 Employee Compensation Plan, Manual Trades Pay Plan, Pay Grade 6, adding new title of Supervisor, Custodial Services (New FTE).

X.A.9. Recommend approval to revise pages 34-36, 38, 39 & 41, of the 2024-2025 Employee Compensation Plan, Supplemental (Stipend) Pay.

X.A.10. Recommend approval to use Andrew Sharos, Village Project Consulting LLC, for a professional learning experience for Advanced Placement teachers and administration for a maximum of $12,500.00 for the 2024-2025 school year based on District needs and funding. (Sole Source) *

X.A.11. Recommend approval to accept the 2024-2026 Interactive Online Learning Grant, Cycle 1, from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) of $300,000.00 to support the implementation of effective interactive online learning model(s); at no cost to the District. *

X.A.12. Recommend approval to use Region One Office of School Improvement, Accountability, and State Initiatives for a maximum of $1,600.00 for the 2024-2025 school year based on campus needs and funding. **

X.A.13. Recommend approval to contract consultants to support District-wide initiatives and practices that include priority campus support for elementary and secondary educational staff, for the 2024-2025 school year, based on District needs and funding. **

X.A.14. Recommend approval to upgrade the BISD Athletic subscriptions to Gold to increase cloud storage space for all athletic sports at the six high schools.  Included is the Hudl Focus Camera to allow live streaming for practice and games at each main gym.  The BISD Athletic Department has budgeted for the purchase (Sole Source) at a cost of $87,000.00.

X.A.15. Recommend approval for Patricia Valenzuela - Human Development, of Brownsville, TX, to provide consulting services for BISD parents and parent liaisons for the 2024-2025 school year. Categorical Funding: 211 for $8,000.00.

X.A.16. Recommend approval of the Annual Review Statement of Investment Policy and Strategies in accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, Texas Government Code, Section 2256.005(e).

X.A.17. Recommend approval to authorize CSP #23-154A Perkins M.S. HVAC Phase I Package 2 Project as substantially complete.

X.A.18. Recommend approval to authorize CSP #23-162 Garcia, Stillman and Stell Middle Schools Four Lane Tracks Project as substantially complete. 

X.A.19. Recommend approval of Change Order #002 to amend the Owner/Contractor Agreement with Central Air and Heating Service, LLC., for the CSP #23-178 ESSER Hanna ECHS HVAC Upgrades Group II Project. The Project time will be increased by (64) sixty-four days. The new date of substantial completion will be October 18, 2024.

X.A.20. Recommend approval to use Patricia Valenzuela to deliver a monthly leadership training for BISD FNS in the amount not to exceed $5,400.00 for the 2024-2025 school year.

X.A.21. Recommend approval to contract Dr. Gregorio Garcia for the 2024-2025 school year to support District initiatives based on District needs and funding.  Will not exceed $20,000.00.

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

X.B.1. Recommend approval of payments for construction services and/or engineering services throughout the District in the total amount of $1,794,795.08.

X.C. Recommend approval of Budget Amendments:

X.C.1. Recommend approval of Budget Amendment #010 in the amount of $4,203,639.00 for Local Funds.  (Carryover Budget of $4,092,639.00 and Additional Funding of $111,000.00).

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

X.D.1. Recommend approval to enter into agreement with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to continue Policy Service Subscription Agreement at a cost of $4,600.00.

X.D.2. Recommend approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the Brownsville Independent School District and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program under the coordination of Region One ESC to provide services for qualifying infants, toddlers, and their families for the 2024-2025 school year. At no cost to the District. *

X.D.3. Recommend approval to renew the Memorandum of Understanding between Brownsville ISD and Mesquite Treatment Center LLC, to provide outpatient chemical dependency treatment services, intervention, and counseling to Brownsville Academic Center students during the school day for the 2024-2025 school year.  No cost to the District. *

X.D.4. Recommend approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PowerSchools Professionals Services Project for deploying PowerBuddy Learning, hosted within the PowerSchool cloud environment through Schoology.  The pilot program will be offered to the District at no cost for the 2024-2025 school year. *

X.D.5. Recommend approval to renew the Memorandum of Understanding between the Brownsville Independent School District and Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas Youth Prevention Program for implementation of their educational programs for reducing alcohol and substance abuse among youth during the 2024-2025 school year.  No cost to the District. *

X.D.6. Recommend approval to enter into an agreement for professional learning and consulting services for the 2024-2025 school year in the amount of $108,500.00. Services to be purchased are subject to the District’s needs and funding. **

X.D.7. Recommend approval of a contract between MajorClarity by Paper Inc., and Brownsville ISD for the 2024-2025 school year to support college and career readiness goals and objectives by providing an online platform for career exploration for BISD 7th – 12th grade students in the amount not to exceed $39,000.00. *

X.D.8. Recommend approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between PSJA ISD and the Brownsville Independent School District to provide professional products and services to BISD in the area of informational systems.  A total estimated fiscal implication not to exceed $109,850.00 from Local Funds of August 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025 school year is anticipated. *

X.D.9. Recommend approval to enter into an agreement with Cameron County Community Service Centers and School Districts to provide Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education, High School Equivalency, English as Second Language, and certification for in-demand occupations classes for the 2024-2025 school year at no cost to the District.

X.D.10. Recommend approval to enter into a contractual agreement with Texas Southmost College (TSC), to begin providing High School Equivalency instructional services along with Career Pathways and certification to adults in the Cameron County area in the amount not to exceed $60,000.00 for the 2024-2025 school year.

X.D.11. Recommend approval to enter into a contractual agreement with Texas State Technical College (TSTC), to begin providing High School Equivalency instructional services along with Career Pathways and certification to adults in the Cameron County area in the amount not to exceed $18,000.00 for the 2024-2025 school year.

X.D.12. 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. Categorical Fund: 206 and 212 $7,500.00. *

X.D.13. Recommend approval to accept the National Park Foundation grant in the amount of $6,900.00 to support educational field trips to Palo Alto Battlefield Historic Park at no cost to the District for 2024-2025 school year. *

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

X.E.1. Recommend awarding CSP #24-116 Procure TPA Service for the Self-Funded Workers Compensation & Excess Insurance to Tristar Risk Management Services, Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount not to exceed $206,000.00 for administrative fees, $65,625.00 for loss control services and excess insurance to Montalvo Insurance Agency/Star Insurance Company in the amount not to exceed $112,893.00 for the 2024-2025 Plan Year, for a total of a three (3) year term with the option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year terms. Year one (1) of a five (5) year contract.

XI. Board Member Request(s)

XI.A. Conference Presentation(s):

XI.A.1. Presentation and discussion on the revised application of the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) for the 2024-2025 school year. (Board Agenda Request Frank Ortiz/Board Support Carlos Elizondo)

XI.A.2. Presentation and discussion of the District student enrollment, vacancies and student/teacher class sizes districtwide. (Board Agenda Request Frank Ortiz/Board Support Carlos Elizondo)

XI.B. Action Item(s):

XI.B.1. Discussion and possible action on retaining an auditing firm to conduct a forensic audit of BISD. (Board Member Request Carlos Elizondo/Board Support Frank Ortiz)

XI.B.2. Discussion and possible action to direct administration to solicit requests for qualifications from auditing firms to conduct a forensic audit of BISD. (Board Member Request Carlos Elizondo/Board Support Frank Ortiz)

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

XII.A. LEVEL III GRIEVANCE(S):

XII.A.1. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Level III Parent Grievance No. 001/24-25 on Roman Perez on behalf of Student D.P.

XII.A.2. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Level III Grievance No. 001/24-25 on N.C.

XII.B. PERSONNEL MATTER(S):

XII.B.1. Presentation, acceptance and approval of Resignations. (5)

XII.B.2. Personnel Update with Superintendent (Dr. Jesus H. Chavez)

XII.B.3. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2024-2025 school year – Assistant Band Director. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.

XII.B.4. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2024-2025 school year – Assistant Choir Director. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.

XII.B.5. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2024-2025 school year – Nurse. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.

XII.B.6. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2024-2025 school year – Testing Coordinator. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.

XII.B.7. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2024-2025 school year – Speech Language Pathologist Assistant. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.

XII.B.8. Recommend approval of personnel for the 2024-2025 school year – Coordinator, 21st CCLC. Subject to receipt of all outstanding documentation.

XII.B.9. Recommend approval of Campus Professional Employee (V.H.) for change in days, change in salary for the 2024-2025 Fiscal School Year.

XII.B.10. Recommend approval of Campus Professional Employee (J.P.) for change in days, change in salary for the 2024-2025 Fiscal School Year.

XII.B.11. Recommend approval of Campus Professional Employee (E.G.) for change in days, change in salary for the 2024-2025 Fiscal School Year.

XII.B.12. Recommend approval of qualified administrators as Texas Teacher Evaluation Support System - (T-TESS) Appraisers for the 2024-2025 Fiscal School Year.

XII.C. ATTORNEY CONSULTATION

XII.C.1. Staff Attorney

XII.C.2. Board Attorney

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

XII.D. INTERNAL AUDITOR CONSULTATION

XII.E. BOARD SELF EVALUATION

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

XIV. Announcement(s):

XV. Adjournment.