Board Updates

BOARD NOTES 07-25-05

BUDGET WORKSHOP/REGULAR MEETING
The JISD Board of Trustees met for a Budget Workshop at 5:00pm and a Regular Meeting at 6:30pm on Monday, July 25,2005 in the Board Room at the JISD Administration Building. All board members were present except Sean McRight.
BUDGET WORKSHOP
Dr. Folden called the workshop to order. Lindy Finley presented the preliminary 2005-2006 proposed budget to board members and explained changes in the proposed budget from the previous year. She also explained to the Board that the proposed budget is a rough draft contingent upon state funding which has not been resolved.
There being no further business concerning the proposed 2005-2006 budget, the workshop was adjourned.
REGULAR MEETING
Dr. Folden called the meeting to order. The Board took the following action at the meeting:
	approval of the consent agenda consisting of: 1) minutes from the June 16, 2005 Regular Meeting, July 7, 2005 Summer Board Retreat, and July 11, 2005 Special Meeting with one correction to those minutes on page 1; 2) investment report and financial statements; 3) application for tax refund in amount of $1,380.04; and 4) application for tax refund in amount of $665.55
	adoption of a Resolution Making a Covenant with the Voters Regarding the September 17, 2005 Bond Election and stating its intent to issue a portion of the bonds contingent upon state assistance
	tabling of any action relative to setting a date for an additional Budget Workshop until public school funding laws have been decided by the state legislature in the current special session
	tabling of any action relative to setting a date for a Public Hearing to Discuss the Proposed 2005-2006 Budget and Tax Rate until public school funding laws have been decided by the state legislature in the current special session but with the intent to comply with the ten day notice requirement
	approval to purchase of a surveillance system for the Compass Center from Kane Security Company in the amount of $30,158
	approval of professional personnel recommendations by the superintendent (Executive Session: 7:24pm - 8:03pm)
DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
Jacksonville ISD Foundation Mr. Jeff Austin III presented to board members a power point presentation reflecting information on how an educational foundation works and benefits the local school district. He added that he has formed a steering committee and is working to re-activate the Jacksonville ISD Foundation that had been formed years earlier but had become inactive. Mr. Austin stated that, although the formation of this foundation is separate from the District and needs no action by the Board of Trustees, he hopes that the Board will welcome the Foundation and its benefits to the District.
2004-2005 Testing Information Judy Terry presented board members with 2004-2005 testing results and information. She indicated that final accountability ratings will be announced by August 1st and AYP (Average Yearly Progress) results by August 9th. The Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) given to grades K-3 improved in all areas. TAKS, SDAAII, and TELPAS scores showed improvement in all areas as well. The Stanford 9 test given to 2nd graders only revealed that our district is right in line with the average scores of the nation.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 07-11-05

SPECIAL MEETING

The JISD Board of Trustees met in a Special Meeting at 12:00 noon on July 11, 2005 at the new Field House. All board members were present.

To Consider and Adopt an Order Calling for a School Bond Election and Take All Necessary Action Thereof

Phase I will consist of $40,000,000 of projects and will require a 33¢ I&S tax rate increase but will not be contingent on receiving any additional Instructional Facilities Allotment or Existing Debt Allotment state assistance for the payment of bonds. Phase II will consist of $22,500,000 of projects and will be contingent on the first $40,000,000 of bonds receiving state assistance.

Board members voted unanimously to adopt the Order Calling for a School Bond Election for September 17, 2005 and to take all necessary action thereof. Board members also requested to adopt at the next meeting a Resolution Making a Covenant with the Voters Regarding the September 17, 2005 Bond Election and stating its intent to issue a portion of the bonds contingent upon state assistance.

BOARD NOTES 07-07-05

SUMMER BOARD RETREAT

The JISD Board of Trustees met for a Summer Board Retreat on July 7, 2005 at 6:00pm in the Board Room of the JISD Administration Building. All board members were present. Dr. Folden called the meeting to order.

Preliminary Presentation of Recommendation of Facilities Committee

Local Policy and Orientation of New Board Members

Board members met in an Executive (closed) Session from 8:50pm until 9:15pm. At the conclusion of the closed session the board voted to approve professional personnel recommendations from the superintendent.

There being no further business, the retreat was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 06-16-05

REGULAR MEETING

The Jacksonville ISD Board of Trustees met in a regular meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2005 (an alternate date decided upon and approved by the Board at the May meeting). Dr. Folden called the meeting to order. All board members were present except Garry Minton.

ACTION

The board took the following action at the meeting:

approval of the consent agenda consisting of 1) minutes from the May 16, 2005 Special and Regular Meetings, 2) investment reports, and 3) financial statements

approval of increase in meal prices as follows:

Campuses	Meal	Old Price	New Price
Elementary campuses	Breakfast	$.75	$1.00
Elementary campuses	Lunch	$1.10	$1.25
Middle School	Breakfast	$.75	$1.00
Middle School	Lunch	$1.25	$1.50
High School	Breakfast	$.75	$1.00
High School	Lunch	$1.25	$1.75
Faculty	Breakfast	$1.00	$1.50
Faculty	Lunch	$2.00	$2.50
Visitors	Breakfast	$1.50	$1.75
Visitors	Lunch	$2.25	$2.75

approval of the purchase of a communications system for the Transportation Department from Brown Communications in the amount of $50,535

approval of the purchase of a surveillance system for the Compass Center from Kane Security Company in the amount of $30,158

acceptance of bid from Bill McRae Ford in the amount of $14,997 for the purchase of a 2005 Ford Cargo Van

approval of the scope of work with WRL Construction to include a new parking lot at JHS

approval of Budget Amendment #05-04 as presented

approval of the purchase of a batting cage enclosure from Tyler Building Systems in the amount of $19,692

adoption of an Order Authorizing the Issuance of Refunding Bonds and take all necessary action thereof

acceptance of the bid for 2005-2006 student accident insurance from the Achieve Agency for the Premier Plan in the amount of $71,719

adoption of TASB Policy Update 75 with one change to DAA(LOCAL) policy changing the name of the 504 Coordinator from Anita Johnston to Dr. Leslie George

adoption of 2005-2006 Student Code of Conduct with one typographical correction on page 40

election of James Houser as delegate and Sean McRight as alternate delegate to the TASA/TASB Annual Convention in Houston in September

rescheduling of the date of the July board meeting from July 18th to July 25th at 6:30pm and setting of the Budget Workshop for July 25th at 5:00pm

approval of professional personnel hiring, reassignment, termination, and resignation as presented (Executive Session)

DISCUSSION/INFORMATION

The following items were discussed at the June 16, 2005 board meeting:

District-Wide Purchase of Heart Defibrillators

Facilities Update – Bond Update
Mr. Bird advised board members that the Facilities Committee plans to meet on July 13th to finalize their recommendation for presentation to the board at the July 7th Summer Board Retreat. He added that the committee chairman, Rose Ann Cunningham, along with subcommittee chairman, Ricky Richards, will present the recommendations to the Board at the Retreat.

Budget Preparation 2005-2006
Mr. Bird advised the Board that the 2005-2006 budget is being prepared but that certain preparation is contingent upon pending results of the Special Session of the Texas Legislature, particularly with regard to the teacher pay scale.

Virtual School Presentation

The Board of Trustees met in a closed (Executive) session from 8:54pm until 9:55pm and, there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 05-23-05

SPECIAL MEETING
The Board of Trustees of Jacksonville ISD met in a Special Meeting to Canvass Election Results on May 16, 2005 at 5:15 pm in the cafetorium at Fred Douglass Elementary School. All board members were present. Messrs. Al Chavira and Sean McRight volunteered to canvass the votes and handed the results to Dr. Folden who announced that the results of the 2005 school board election stand as announced on May 7, 2005:
Place 3 - Ann Chandler (incumbent) Place 4 - James Houser
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
REGULAR MEETING
OATH OF OFFICE
The Board of Trustees of Jacksonville ISD met in a Regular Meeting on May 16, 2005 at 6:30 pm in the cafetorium at Fred Douglass Elementary School. All board members were present. Newly elected trustees, Ann Chandler and James Houser, were sworn in by The Honorable Dwight Phifer, District Judge. Dr. Folden welcomed Mr. Houser to the Board and presented Jim Tarrant with a plaque thanking him for the knowledge and outstanding service he brought to the Board from 1998 to 2005.
REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
Dr. Folden asked Al Chavira, Chairman of the Nomination Committee, to state the names of the nominees for the offices of President, Vice President, and Secretary. Mr. Chavira announced Larry Folden for President, Ann Chandler for Vice President, and Al Chavira for secretary and then asked if there were any other nominations. After no additional nominations were received, it was moved by Garry Minton and seconded by Roy Darby to approve the nominees as presented. The motion was carried 7-0.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
The JISD Employee Service Awards were presented for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 35, and 40 years of service. Subsequently, the JISD Retirement Awards for 2004- 2005 were also presented.

ACTION
The board took the following action at the meeting:
	approval of the consent agenda consisting of 1) minutes from the April 18, 2005 Regular Meeting; 2) investment and financial reports; and 3) donation of one computer and two monitors for the new field house valued at $1,075
	acceptance of the proposal for auditor from Robinson & Williams as presented
	approval of the purchase of two modular buildings to be located, along with others provided by Head Start, at the East Side Elementary and Fred Douglass Elementary campuses
	setting of a target savings level of $375,000 for the refunding program of the 1998 bond issue
	approval of the depository bid from Austin Bank as presented
	certification of Stuart Bird as the district representative to the Region VII Regional Advisory Committee for 2005-2006
	approval of the selection process for summer students for the ASAP Grant in the form of policy EHBC(LOCAL)
	adoption of the Resolution Opposing the Establishment of a National Wildlife Refuge Along the Neches River in Cherokee and Anderson Counties
	changing of the date of the regular June board meeting from June 20th to June 16th
	setting of the Summer Board Retreat for June 7th at 6:00 p.m. at a place to be determined
	approval of professional personnel recommendations
	approval of wording change in Superintendent's contract

DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
Results of 2nd Testing of 3rd and 5th Grade Reading TAKS Judy Terry advised board members of the results of the 3rd and 5th grades TAKS Reading 2nd testing results. 94% of the 3rd grade students mastered the reading test while 78% of the 5th grade students mastered the reading portion of the TAKS. All 3rd and 5th grade students who have not passed the reading test will be offered summer school and the 3rd chance to take the reading test in the summer.
Kronos Update Lindy Finley advised board members that she had purchased an upgrade to the JISD Kronos timekeeping system that will increase capacity from 250 to 1000 users. A larger capacity will enable the entire district to use this electronic method of keeping up with hours worked and also enable the business and human resources offices to more efficiently gather necessary information.
Attendance Incentives Garry Minton reminded fellow board members that he had requested this item to be added to the agenda for discussion because he liked the idea of encouraging perfect attendance. Mr. Bird responded that he and Mrs. Finley had researched other districts who had utilized variations of such a plan and that these districts had experienced no improvement in employee attendance.
Facilities Update – Bond Issue Mr. Bird advised the Board that he had recently spoken to two civic organizations in town about JISD facilities and a possible bond issue and had received good questions from the groups. He also reported that Swain Mayo of WRA Architects had visited with principals and other groups within the district to gather more information with regard to specific functions and needs. Mr. Bird related to board members that he has been discussing the idea of taking some of the existing JISD structures, such as the old field house and Joe Wright Elementary, and turning them into possible storage facilities for the district as storage space in the current warehouse has become quite crowded. Mr. Bird stated that construction on the new Field House is going well and will be completed within a few weeks. He added that the parking lot is currently being graded and that the sprinklers are being installed as well as the grass donated by WRL Construction. Mr. Bird hopes to hold an Open House for the new facility sometime in early to mid June.
Budget Preparation for 2005-2006 Mr. Bird informed the Board that 2005-2006 budget preparations are progressing ahead of schedule and that he is waiting on the Texas Legislature to see how their decisions will impact educational funding.
The Board of Trustees met in Executive (closed) Session from 8:45 pm until 9:40 pm to consider and discuss personnel recommendations, 1st and 2nd grade benchmark math results and a wording change in the superintendent's contract.
There being no further business, the meeting wad adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 04-18-05

The JISD Board of Trustees met in a Regular Meeting at 6:30pm on April 18, 2005. All board members were in attendance.
OPEN FORUM
A community member addressed the Board with concerns about safety issues on the campuses and expressed his opinion that portable buildings pose a safety risk to students. Transportation Director, John Keller, introduced Clemmie Whitaker to the Board as an outstanding employee as an example of his program of rewarding employees through the "Employee of the Month" system.
Action
The Board took the following action:
	approval of the consent agenda consisting of: 1) minutes from the March 17, 2005 Special Meeting and March 21, 2005 Regular Meeting; and 2) business reports including investment reports, financial statements and Budget Amendment #05-03
	approval to apply for the Tobacco Compliance Grant through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
	calling of a Special Meeting to Canvass Election Results for May 16, 2005 at 5:15 p.m. at the Fred Douglass Elementary Cafeteria
	adoption of a preliminary budget for 2005-2006 not to exceed the 2004-2005 budget (done annually to accommodate certain custom orders to upcoming budget year)
	approval of professional personnel recommendations

The following items were discussed at the Board meeting:
	Trustee Election Information: Mr. Bird reminded everyone that the 2005 Election will begin in two days with the start of early voting. He advised that early voting will be held at the Senior Citizens Center and will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20th and end at 5:00 p.m. on May 3rd and that early voting will occur weekdays only during this two week period. Election Day will be from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th at the Jacksonville Public Library. He added that Places 3 (held by Ann Chandler) and Place 4 (held by Jim Tarrant) are up for election with the following candidates running:
		Place 3: Ann Chandler, Robert Douglas
		Place 4: James Houser, Sarah Jane Robinson
	Information: May 16th: Special Meeting to Canvass; Retirement Dinner; Regular Meeting: Mr. Bird informed the Board that on May 16, 2005, the Regular Board Meeting will be held at the regular time of 6:30 p.m. but at the location of Fred Douglass Elementary Cafeteria. He added that the Special Meeting to Canvass Election Results will begin that evening at that location at 5:15 p.m. immediately followed by the JISD Retirement Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
	Region VII Board of Directors Election Data: Mr. Bird informed board members that the Region VII Board of Directors Election had been cancelled due to the candidates running for each of the two seats being unopposed.
	Facilities Update: Bond Issue: Mr. Bird advised board members that contract negotiations are continuing with the architect and should be resolved soon. He added that once this has been accomplished the architect will be able to furnish JISD with projected costs at which point the Facilities Committee will meet again, consider all available information gathered at this point and go forward with the possibility of making their facilities recommendation in June to the Board.
	Budget Preparation for 2005-2006: Mr. Bird briefly discussed some of the house bills being currently discussed and proposed in the Texas Legislature that will affect school districts.
	Discussion/Information Items for Future Agenda: Garry Minton requested that a discussion item regarding attendance incentives be placed on the May agenda.


Board members convened in Executive (closed) Session from 7:17pm until 8:15pm. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 03-21-05

The Board of Trustees of Jacksonville ISD met in a Regular Meeting with all board members present on March 21, 2005 at 6:30pm in the Board Room of the JISD Administration Building.
OPEN FORUM
The Board was addressed by a concerned citizen regarding a possible bond proposal for JISD. He stated that he feels this is the wrong time to burden taxpayers with a new bond issue while educational financial issues are still outstanding in the Texas Legislature.
Bulletin Board Acknowledgement
Dr. Folden recognized the bulletin board decorated by East Side Elementary School honoring “Texas Public School Week” and “Texas Music Month” with a musical theme. Some of the students from Mrs. Barone’s 2nd grade class at East Side entertained board members with their rendition of “Deep in the Heart of Texas”.
Action
The Board took the following action at the meeting:
	approval of the consent agenda consisting of: 1) minutes from the January 13, 2005 Winter Board Retreat and February 21, 2005 Regular Meeting; and 2) business reports
	adoption of the proposed 2005-2006 Textbook Selection
	approval of the following Academic Incentive Plan for District-Wide Administrators not included in the original Academic Incentive Plan approved by the Board in December of 2004:
		Each “Exemplary” Campus - $200 per district-wide administrator
		Each “Recognized” Campus - $100 per district-wide administrator
	approval of the Student Transportation Hazardous Routes (These routes are connected to State funding and will be reviewed annually.)
	acceptance of the bid of $27,306 from Affordable Asphalt Paving in Tyler for the resurfacing of the parking lot at the JISD Support Center
	approval of the selection of JML/WRA Architects as architects for a possible bond proposal pending contract negotiation and execution
	approval of professional contracts as presented and other professional hirings, resignations/retirements, and transfers

Discussion/Information Items
	Results of 1st TAKS 3rd and 5th Grade Reading: Judy Terry informed board members that 63% of the 5th graders met standards compared to the State average of 75%, and 89% of the 3rd graders met standards comparing equally to the State average of 89%. She reminded the Board that these 3rd and 5th graders must pass this test to progress to the 4th and 6th grades respectively, and that they will have two more opportunities to take this test. She added that the scores from the 2nd test will count for the accountability ratings.
	Portable Buildings from Region VII Head Start Program: Jan Hill advised board members that the Region VII Head Start Program will be giving JISD 5 new portable buildings to be used exclusively for students in the Head Start Pre-Kindergarten program. She added that Region VII will be providing the buildings while JISD will be responsible for the installation and utility accessibility.
	Region VII Board of Directors Election Data: Mr. Bird informed board members that the Region VII Board of Directors Election had been cancelled due to the candidates running for each of the two seats being unopposed.
	Facilities Study - Bond Issue: Mr. Bird recapped for everyone the current status of the JISD facility assessment. He stated that the Facilities Committee (comprised of community members and district personnel) was formed in the Fall of 2004, has met four times, and has visited the campuses to learn their needs. Additionally, the facilities and demographic study was completed and presented by CQL (Center for Quality Leadership). Mr. Bird added that, in anticipation of a possible bond proposal to meet the district’s facility needs, the district has contracted with a financial advisor and is in the process of negotiating a contract with an architect. When this is complete, the Facilities Committee will meet again and begin formulating a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Bird stated that once the committee makes a recommendation to the Board it will be up to the Board to choose whether or not they wish to call for an election for a bond issue. If the Board approves such an election, then it will ultimately be decided by the community of voters and not the school district or its trustees.
	Budget Preparation for 2005-2006: Mr. Bird informed the Board that campus staffing assessments for 2005-2006 have begun as a part of the budget planning process.


There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 02-21-05

The JISD Board of Trustees met Monday, February 21, 2005, in a regular meeting.
OPEN FORUM
Two speakers signed up to address the Board in the Open Forum session. The first speaker informed the board that he had obtained the first semester grades of the freshman class at JHS and expressed his concern at the failure rate. The second speaker, a representative of the Circle of Ten, briefly described the collaborative workshop held by that organization in collaboration with school districts regarding certain grants.
Bulletin Board Acknowledgement
Board President, Dr. Larry Folden, acknowledged the bulletin board decorated with artwork from the JMS gifted and talented students in coordination with creative writing from the elementary gifted and talented students.
Action Items
The Board took the following action at the meeting:
	approval of the consent agenda with the exception of the January 13, 2005 Winter Board Retreat minutes (which is to be reworded and submitted for approval at the March board meeting with a motion made by Garry Minton and seconded by Ann Chandler with a vote of 6-0) consisting of: 1) minutes from the January 24, 2005 Public Hearings and Regular Board Meeting; 2) business reports; 3) donation by James F. Ray of uniforms in the amount of $1100 for the JHS Boys’ Soccer team; 4) donation by ETMC Jacksonville of $500 toward the JISD Family Walk Night; 5) donation by Trinity Mother Frances Jacksonville of $1000 toward the JISD Family Walk Night; and 6) donation by the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville of dental care paraphernalia valued at a total of $1205.17 for the Pre-Kindergarten Dental Program at the elementary campuses
	adoption of the Resolution to Accept Tax Foreclosure Inventory Property
	approval of a Class Size Waiver as presented
	adoption of the proposed 2005-2006 school calendar
	approval of amendment to wording in superintendent's contract
	approval of renewal of administrative contracts as presented
	approval of professional personnel recommendations as presented

Discussion/Information Items
	Annual Review of Continuing Education Credits for Board Members: Dr. Folden announced that, upon completion of the March team-building training scheduled for the Board, all board members have met or exceeded their continuing education requirements for the 2004-2005 school year.
	Notice of Award from East Texas Tech Prep Consortium: In the absence of the Director of Career & Technology, D. Lynn Ward, Lindy Finley informed board members of a $2,000 award to Jacksonville ISD from the East Texas Tech Prep Consortium. Distribution of these funds will occur upon notification that the Board has been apprised of this award and invoices for expenditures and approved expenses have been submitted prior to the June 1, 2005 deadline. These funds will be used in accordance with the allowable uses of the funds as identified in the application. Other uses for the expenditure of these funds will require prior approval.
	Academic Incentive Plan for Administrators: Dr. Folden stated that the recently adopted JISD Academic Incentive Plan had omitted administrators at the district level. He proposed that an Academic Incentive Plan for Administrators in the amounts of $200 per administrator for each exemplary campus and $100 per administrator for each recognized campus be placed on the March board meeting agenda for action by the Board.
	Facilities Study and Bond Issue Update: Superintendent Bird advised board members that the Facilities Committee met on February 7th to review the facilities/demographic analysis and discuss sites and possible land acquisitions. He added that the District has begun interviewing architectural firms and will shorten the selection list after the interviews. At that point Mr. Bird plans to schedule a committee to tour some campus sites designed by these firms to help determine the final decision. Mr. Bird hopes to have these tours completed before Spring Break and have a recommendation for the Board at the March board meeting.
	Budget Preparation for 2005-2006: Lindy Finley informed the Board that the 2005-2006 budget process has begun and campus allocations have been distributed earlier this year. She added that final allocations will not be determined until the Texas legislators have made their decisions relative to educational funding.


The Board met in Executive (closed) Session from 7:54 p.m. until 8:55 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 01-24-05

On January 24, 2005, a Regular Meeting of the JISD Board of Trustees was held. This meeting was immediately preceded by two Public Hearings:
1.	Proposed Waiver for First Day of Instruction for 2005-2006 School Year;and
2.	Discussion of 2003-2004 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) Report.
REGULAR MEETING
The Board took action on the following items:
	approval of the consent agenda consisting of: 1) minutes from the December 13, 2004 Regular Meeting (approved with one wording change) and December 14, 2004 Special Meeting; 2) financial reports; 3) donation of $3500 from Steve Mostyn for Special Education Christmas Shopping Trip in December 2004; and 4) donation of $7000 from Azalea Sports Medicine to be used to purchase particular equipment for the new field house
	approval of the proposed Waiver for the First Day of Instruction for the 2005-2006 School Year
	approval of the custodial supply bids as presented
	adoption of the Resolution to Participate in a Commodity Processing Agreement with Northeast Texas Commodity Processing Cooperative
	adoption of the Resolution of the Annual Review of JISD Investment Policy
	approval of Southwest Securities as financial advisor for JISD
	adoption of the Order to Call A Trustee Election for May 7, 2005
	adoption of Special Education Policies and Procedures
The following items were presented for discussion at the meeting:
	2003-2004 TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) Report: This report was presented by Dr. Leslie George (Director, Special Ed.) in place of Marianela Bowen (Director, Special Languages) who was unable to attend. Under the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Act, all Limited English Proficient (LEP) students are monitored through TELPAS consisting of the RPTE (Reading Proficiency Test in English) and TOP (Texas Observation Protocols) assessment tests. Results are based on the number and percentage of LEP students who made at least one proficiency level of progress in English Reading proficiency from Spring 2003 to Spring 2004. For this period, JISD had 46% of the LEP students in grades 3-5 attain an Advanced High level; 28% attained an Advanced High level in grades 6-8; and in grades 9-12 an Advanced High level was attained by 7%.
	Field House Construction Update: Olen Morton reported that the Field House is approximately one-third complete and estimated a completion date for mid-May. He exhibited color samples to the Board that have been selected (carpet, paint, tile, etc.) and explained how they would be used in relation to each other in the new facility.
	Update on the Flood Damage Repair at Nichols Intermediate School: Olen Morton reported that repairs to the Nichols campus should be completed by the upcoming weekend. He added that the carpet replacement issue has not been resolved as yet but will very soon. Additionally, he reported that the restoration will not be complete until the fire alarm system can be considered totally reliable.
	Summary of the Facilities Study and Possibility of a Bond Issue: Superintendent Bird advised board members that the Facilities Committee will be meeting February 7th to consider the information gathered from the Facilities and Demographic Study recently completed and presented at the December board meeting. He summarized suggestions made from the study with regard to the instructional facilities:
	3 new elementary campuses will be built to replace the East Side Elementary, Joe Wright Elementary, and West Side Elementary campuses with additions to the Fred Douglass Elementary campus
	the Compass Center will be moved into the current West Side Elementary campus
	solve roof problems at Jacksonville Middle School
	comprehensive renovations and additions at Jacksonville High School
	Mr. Bird advised board members that now that the District has hired a financial advisor, the next step will be to bring to the Board a recommendation for an architect at the February meeting. He added that, at the earliest, the Facilities Committee may be ready to bring their recommendations to the Board in March or April. Mr. Bird targeted the May or June meeting for the possibility of calling a bond issue which must be approved at least 62 days prior to holding a bond election.

The Board of Trustees met in Executive (closed) Session from 8:30 p.m. to 9:41 p.m. to review 3rd Six Weeks Benchmark results and other pertinent personnel recommendations.

BOARD NOTES 12-13-04

The JISD Board of Trustees met in a regular meeting on Monday, December 13, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. in the Little Theater at Jacksonville Middle School. This meeting was held in conjunction with a Facilities Committee meeting in order that all parties hear the results of the JISD Facilities/Demographic Study performed by Dr. Don Hooper and Dr. Jerome Olson of the Center for Quality Learning. Dr. Hooper and Dr. Olson presented their results along with a Power Point presentation and then opened the floor for questions and discussion. (A summary of this Facilities/Demographic Report can be found by clicking the link on the JISD website home page.)

The Board of Trustees took the following action at the meeting:

approval of November 15, 2004 Regular Meeting minutes

approval of financial reports

approval of the purchase of tax resale property described as Block 139, Lots 1D, 2 & 3

acceptance of donation from Jacksonville Kiwanis Club of $575 to purchase shirts for JMS Spirit Squad

acceptance of donation from Whataburger of $500 to purchase shirts of JMS Intramural Soccer Program

approval of professional personnel recommendations

approval of TXU SESCO as the JISD vendor for electricity and related services

approval to change January board meeting date from January 17th (holiday) to January 24th

setting of January 13, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. for the Winter Board Retreat with a location to be determined

adoption of TASB Localized Policy Update 74

approval of an Academic Incentive Plan based on the 2004-2005 TAKS results and payable in the fall of the 2005-2006 school year to those pertinent employees returning for employment in the district in the following amounts:

Exemplary

$1,000 All Professionals on campus

$250 All support staff on campus

$75 District Wide Support Staff

Recognized

$750 All Professionals on campus

$200 All support staff on campus

$50 District Wide Support Staff

Discussion items for future agendas: The Board decided to do the annual Superintendent Evaluation at the Winter Board Retreat on January 13, 2005 and for each member to place 3 items on the retreat agenda that are of the most concern to them.

The Board of Trustees met in Executive (closed) Session from 8:20 p.m. until 9:05 p.m. and then adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 11-15-04

The Board of Education of the Jacksonville Independent School District, State of Texas, met for a Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on November 15, 2004 in the cafeteria of East Side Elementary School located at 711 Fort Worth Street, Jacksonville, TX.
Open Forum
Cheyenne Newland, 2nd grade student at East Side Elementary School, was introduced as the winner of the 2004 JISD Christmas Card Contest by her teacher, Mrs. Mary Foreman.
Acknowledgement of “Exemplary” Status for East Side Elementary School
Dr. Larry L. Folden, Board President, acknowledged the “Exemplary” awarded by the Texas Education Agency to East Side Elementary School as a result of the 2003-2004 TAKS. He commended principal, Tammy Jones, and her entire staff for a wonderful job in preparing their students to take the exam.
Acknowledgement of “Recognized” Status for West Side Elementary School
Dr. Folden also acknowledged West Side Elementary School for the “Recognized” status awarded by T.E.A. as a result of the 2003-2004 TAKS. Again, he commended principal, Craig Weaver, and his entire staff for a wonderful job in preparing their students for the exam as well.
ACTION
Board members took the following action:
	approval of consent agenda consisting of: 1) minutes from the October 18, 2004 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting; 2) financial reports; 3) tax refund over $500; and 4) Budget Amendment #05-02
	approval of the appointment of the JISD Textbook Selection Committee for Proclamation 2002
	approval to purchase four 77-passenger type C school busses and one 30-passenger type C school bus from Capital Bus Sales based on bid results submitted
	approval to purchase of a ¾ ton truck from Bob Frances Ford and a mini-van from Peters Chevrolet based on bid results submitted
	resetting of the December board meeting from December 20th (school holiday) to December 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Little Auditorium on the JMS campus
	approval of recommended professional personnel hirings and resignations/retirements
	Discussion/Information Items
The following items were presented for discussion and/or information:
	Entitlements Report
	Judy Terry, Curriculum and Secondary Education Director, gave a brief report to board members on federal program entitlements to be received during the 2004-2005 school year. An annual report to the Board on these entitlements is required under the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Act.
	Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) Results
	Judy Terry also gave a brief report on the TPRI results for JISD. She explained that both the Statewide Reading Initiative and the Statewide Math Initiative provide money to school districts to be directly applied to those students targeted by the TPRI who need assistance with reading and/or math.
	Facilities Committee Update
	Superintendent Bird informed the Board that the Facilities Committee has met twice. He reported that committee members are visiting the facilities to see them first-hand and that campus principals had submitted campus wish lists that were presented and discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Bird added that the consultant, Don Hooper, has almost completed the facilities/demographic study and will be presenting it to the Board and Facilities Committee simultaneously at the December 13th board meeting.
	Academic Incentive Plan
	Mr. Bird had presented board members with financial scenarios developed by Lindy Finley that comply with the two proposed academic incentive plans previously presented to board members for review. Board members discussed the plans at length and decided to add a third plan for consideration. Mr. Bird advised board members that these plans will be placed on the agenda for consideration and action at the December board meeting.
The JISD Board of Trustees met in Executive (closed) Session from 8:04 p.m. until 9:09 p.m. With there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

BOARD NOTES 10-18-04

The JISD Board of Trustees met in a Public Hearing followed by a Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on October 18, 2004 in the Board Room of the JISD Administration Building.
PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS F.I.R.S.T. RATING FOR DISTRICT
Director of Finance and Business Operations, Lindy Finley, advised board members that the District had received perfect scores in all indicators of the F.I.R.S.T. (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating for the fiscal year of 2002-2003. There were no questions or comments from the public regarding the F.I.R.S.T. rating for JISD and the hearing was adjourned.
REGULAR MEETING
Board members took the following action at the meeting:
	approval of the consent agenda consisting of: 1) minutes from the September 27, 2004 Regular Meeting; 2) financial reports; 3) donation of $300 from Tracy Pugh for the purchase of a locker a the new JHS Field House; and 4) a construction budget amendment
	approval of the 2003-2004 Financial Audit as presented
	adoption of the 2004 Certified Tax Roll Levy as presented
	approval of the routine destruction of records as presented
	approval of the offer from Key Investments, Inc. to lease the oil and gas rights to a 31.06 acre tract owned by Jacksonville ISD
	approval of employment of professional personnel and acceptance of resignations as recommended