Board Notes
A Summary of the October 19, 2006 Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Meeting

Board Authorizes and Approves Rewards for Success Pay Scale

The Board of Trustees approved incentive pay for the Rewards for Success Program.  This program rewards all eligible campus employees if the campus met the district, state or improvement criteria as outlined.  The Rewards for Success pay scale will award more than $600,000 to eligible employees.  Tyler ISD Superintendent, David Simmons, said he hopes to increase the incentive pay on an annual basis to provide additional incentives.

Board Authorizes and Approves Math Software Purchase

The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of Destination Math.  This web-based software package in the amount of $548,000 will be paid during the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school year to assist teachers in providing individual and small group

instruction in order to increase student achievement in mathematics.

Advance Studies Provides Update on Performance Indicator Goals

Deputy Superintendent, Gary Mooring and Director of Advanced Studies, Chalna Trawick, provided the Board of Trustees an update on the progress of the performance indicator goals for advanced studies.  Advanced Placement (AP) includes college-level courses taught at high school. Scores of at least 3 of a possible 5 on AP exams can receive credit at universities across the nation. International Baccalaureate (IB)-Diploma includes college-level courses taught at high school. Scores of at least 4 of a possible 7 on IB exams can receive credit at universities across the nation/world. The performance goal for advanced studies program is to increase participation in Pre-AP, AP, IB-Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma courses.  The program also hopes to increase the number of students taking and passing AP and IB Exams with 3 or higher on AP Exams and 4 or higher on IB Exams. Increases should be 10% annually.

Facilities Department Provides Update on School Construction Projects

Project Managers Randy Rayford, with the Staubach Group (TSG), and Tim Loper, Tyler ISD Director of Facilities, provided the Board of Trustees an update on the progress of the school construction projects. 

The projects at Bell and Ramey elementary schools will be finalized in November.  This includes completion of the final punch list items.  Rayford explained there is a one-year warranty on any issue that may arise on these two campuses.  Denson Construction is responding to the needs of each campus in a timely manner.

Rayford also updated the Board of Trustees on the four elementary schools under construction at this time (Austin, Bonner, Douglas, Jack):

Austin Elementary is in the process of completing slab work.

Bonner Elementary is in the structural steel phase and moving along on schedule.

Douglas Elementary is approximately 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

Jack Elementary School is in the punch-out stage and preparing for completion in November as scheduled.  Landscaping is in progress on the surrounding grounds.