Board Notes

A Summary of the January 18, 2007 Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Meeting

 

Public Participation Request

A Tyler citizen asked the board to consider naming the library or cafeteria at Austin Elementary after Gladys Johnson, a former retired TISD principal.  Ms. Johnson also served on the Board of Trustees.  Andy Bergfeld, Board President, said the Board of Trustees would take the request under advisement.

 

Board Terminates Agreement

The Board of Trustees approved the resolution (5 to 2) to terminate the Interlocal Agreement for Assessment and Collection of Tax with Smith County. 

 

Board Authorizes and Approves Tax Collection Resolution

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolution to require Smith County to collect property taxes for Tyler Independent School District. 

 

Board Authorizes and Approves Delinquent Tax Attorney

The Board of Trustees approved a Delinquent Tax Attorney for Tyler ISD.  The firm selected is Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott, LLP in a vote of 5 to 2.

 

Board Authorizes and Approves Board Election

The Board of Trustees approved the order for calling an election on Saturday, May 12, 2007, for the purpose of filling Single Member Districts No. 1, 3, and 6.  Single Member District 1 is currently held by Andy Bergfeld; Single Member District 3 is currently held by Therelee Washington; and Single Member District 6 is currently held by

Michelle Carr. Terms of office are for three years.

 

Board Authorizes and Approves Purchase of Video Surveillance

The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a transportation video surveillance system.  The contract is with Ad Comp Systems in the amount of $317,525.00. The Board also amended the purchase to add funds not exceed $7,000 to include audio capabilities in the purchase of this surveillance system.  This purchase will be paid for from the general fund balance. The project will be split into two phases with the priority buses installed this fiscal year and the remainder in the 2007 – 2008 fiscal year.

 

Board Authorizes and Approves Redesign and Restructuring Grant

The Board of Trustees approved the acceptance of the Texas High School Redesign and Restructuring Grant to John Tyler High School in the amount of $300,000.  The purpose of the Texas High School Redesign and Restructuring Grant is to provide high school campuses with the resources to build capacity for implementing innovative, school-wide initiatives designed to improve student performance on the campus. Additionally, this grant seeks to create a demonstration project that will provide case studies and models for successful practices in turning around low-performing high schools.

 

District Receives E-Rate Discounts

John Orbaugh, Tyler ISD Director of Technology, presented to the Board of Trustees E-Rate discounts received for Dogan Middle School and Bell Elementary School.  The E-Rate program was established under federal law to provide discounts to public schools and libraries for telecommunications and internet access products and services.  The district has received notice that it has been approved for the following discounts:  $ 51,480.75 Dogan Middle School for VoIP Telephone and Network Electronics, and $ 335,294.07 Bell Elementary School for technology related bond construction projects.

 

This funding brings Tyler ISD’s yearly total refund from the E-Rate program to $2,249,112.41. This amount represents 4.03 cents on the district’s tax rate and a significant savings to our district’s tax payers.

 

Facilities Department Provides Update on School Construction Projects

Project Managers Randy Rayford and Johnny Owens, with The Staubach Company, and Tim Loper, Tyler ISD Director of Facilities, provided the Board of Trustees an update on the progress of the school construction projects. 

Four elementary schools are under construction at this time (Austin, Bonner, Douglas and Peete):

Austin Elementary is on schedule and on budget. Approximately 60% of the roof is dried-in.  Wall and above ceiling rough-in is installed for plumbing, electrical, ductwork for HVAC, and fire protection. 

 

Bonner Elementary is on schedule and on budget.  Building concrete work is complete as well as the structural steel.  Brickwork continues on the north side of the building.  In addition, wall and above ceiling rough-in is installed for plumbing, electrical, ductwork for HVAC and fire protection.

 

Douglas Elementary is ahead of schedule, at this time, and under budget. All structural steel erection is complete.  Drywall framing continues at the Gym/Music Room/Cafetorium and brick work is approximately 45% complete. 

 

At Peete Elementary rain has caused delays at the start of this project.  Project scheduled to complete November 2007.  Approximately 40% of the storm drainage is complete.  Concrete footings at kitchen, storm drainage, underground rough-in for plumbing and electrical are in progress.

 

Board Reviews Class Ranking System

The Board of Trustees reviewed recommended changes for the Tyler ISD grade weighting system for class rank.  The purpose of awarding additional points for grades in advanced courses is to encourage students to take rigorous coursework in order to be prepared for education beyond high school.  The Board of Trustees will vote on whether to adopt the policy changes at the next regular school board meeting on Thursday, February 15.