August 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  The Governmental Accouting Standards Board Statement Number 54 requires that a resolution be used should a district's board of trustees desire to commit or "earmark'' a portion of its fund balance for a specific purpose.

Description:  In order to adopt the budget and tax rates on August 26, 2024, administration recommends the Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate be published in The Gonzales Inquirer on August 15, 2024. The notice must be legally published no less than ten (10) days and no greater than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
 

Description:  The district has received preliminary notification that its local revenue will exceed its entitlement for the 2024-25 school year (previously referred to as a "Chapter 41 district"). At this time, we are obligated to inform the Texas Education Agency (TEA) how we intend to reduce our local revenue.

Due to the district’s Chapter 48 state funding exceeding its Chapter 49 recapture costs, the administration recommends offsetting/reducing state aid by the amount owed for recapture in lieu of making payments to the state.

The contract submission process is now completed electronically through a module on TEA’s website. Therefore, contractual authority must be granted to the superintendent so that he can submit the data through the TEA module on behalf of the district.

 

Description:  Board Police BDD (Local) authorizes the Board to retain an attorney or attorneys, as necessary, to serve as the District’s legal counsel and representative in matters requiring legal services. The district is asking authorization from the board to allow the Superintendent to sign the Legal Service Retainer Agreement with Walsh Gallegos Trevino Russo & Kyle legal services for the 2024-2025 school year.
 

Description:  This is the final step in the 2022 SHARS settlement formal appeals process that we've been discussing for a fe months.

Ms. Smith shared during the June 2024 financial report that Walsh Gallegos recommended we accept the settlement.  Since that time, we learned that the board must act to do so.  The agreement that is included with this agenda item is required to move forward.  The settlement is valued at $251,822.04

Description:  GISD School Board Policy DNA (legal) requires that the Board annually adopt a calendar that designates dates for teacher observation used for the teacher appraisal process.  Attached is the Appraisers Calendar and Appraiser list for the 2024-2025 school year which needs board approval.

Description:  Accepting a training agreement between the district and Victoria College for Plumbing II, Electrical II, and Welding I offers several significant advantages:

Enhanced Skill Development: These advanced courses will provide students with specialized skills in high-demand trades, enhancing their employability and preparing them for successful careers.

Industry-Relevant Training: Victoria College's curriculum is likely aligned with current industry standards, ensuring that students receive up-to-date and relevant training.
Workforce Readiness: By offering these courses, the district can contribute to filling the skilled labor gap in the local economy, supporting community growth and development.

Pathway to Certification: The training can serve as a pathway to professional certifications, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.

Partnership Benefits: Collaborating with Victoria College can foster stronger ties between the educational institution and the district, potentially leading to more opportunities for student internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.

Cost-Effective Education: This agreement provides students with affordable access to quality education and training in these trades, which might otherwise be financially prohibitive.

By accepting this training agreement, the district can significantly enhance its educational offerings, support students' career aspirations, and contribute positively to the local workforce.
 

Description:  Each year, school districts participating in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs are required to set minimum student and adult meal pricing.  Since all our students receive FREE breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) we only have to update adult meal prices.

Adult meal prices are calculated by adding the free reimbursement rate for student meals, any additional severe need reimbursement, additional performance-based supplement (lunch only) and the per-meal commodity value received.  Since we use USDA commodities at breakfast and lunch, the commodity value is included in both calculations.

USDA's intention of districts reviewing and updating adult meal price (as necessary) is to ensure districts charge enough for adult meals so that they are not subsidized by funds received for student meals.  This year the base breakfast and lunch reimbursement rate reset to the inflation adjusted rate after a couple of years of temporary legislative increases.  We have included the pricing worksheet to calculate the required minimum adult meal pricing.

In order to stay compliant with minimal adult pricing, for 2024-2025 we recommend increasing the adult breakfast price from $3.10 to $3.30 and adult lunch price from $4.75 to $5.00

Description:  Education Service Center Region 13/Sledge Engineering will provide the Board a monthly update for the 2023 approved Bond Program.