Board Notes

A Summary of the April 19, 2007 Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Meeting

Board Approves John Tyler Football Coach

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Derek Rush as the new Head Football Coach/Campus Coordinator for John Tyler High School.  Rush begins his new role on Friday, April 20, 2007.

Facilities Department Provides Update on School Construction Projects

Tyler ISD Director of Facilities Tim Loper presented a 2004 Bond Update to the Board of Trustees.  Loper thanked the Board and the taxpayers for their dedication and support for Tyler ISD.  He said the 2004 Bond Program has enhanced the learning environment for students and staff.

The report included an overview of the six replacement schools (Austin, Bell, Bonner, Douglas, Peete, and Ramey elementary schools) and one new campus (Jack Elementary).  Loper explained to the Board that the efforts of the 2004 Bond affect more than 19% of the total Tyler ISD student population.  More than 80 portables are eliminated from some campuses because of the new construction.

Loper also mentioned several benefits to the Tyler community.  One benefit is the E-Rate program that provides discounts to public schools for telecommunication and internet access products and services.  Tyler ISD’s average discount was 73% for the current fiscal year.  This is a total savings of more than $1.7 million dollars for the District. 

Other benefits to the Tyler Community include additional technology features, lower energy costs, and increased security and safety measures.

Loper explained to the Board that to protect these new investments as well our current facilities, two maintenance programs are in place - a preventative maintenance program and an on-going operational maintenance program.

School Health  Advisory Council (SHAC) Provides Update on Efforts

SHAC Chairman, Scott Wiley of First Baptist Church of Tyler, presented the report to the Board of Trustees.  The annual report describes the activities of each sub committee’s work including Fitness, Nutrition, and Sanitation; Drugs, Alcohol, and Violence; and Sexual Health.

SHAC is composed of public school teachers, administrators, students, health care professionals, business community members, law enforcement, senior citizens, the clergy, and non-profit health organization members. The committee meets on a regular basis throughout the year.

Board Authorizes and Accepts Donations

The Board of Trustees authorized and approved the acceptance of $8,300 from the Tyler ISD Foundation.  The donations include the following:

Board Authorizes and Approves Extension of Services of Construction Program Manager

The Board of Trustees approved the extension of the service agreement with The Staubach Company for Pre-Bond Services and Program Manager Services for the 2008 Bond.  The scope of services to be provided by TSC includes but is not limited to the following:

·         Assist Tyler ISD in Developing the Program Plan

·         Develop a Scope of Work for Projects

·         Requests for Qualifications or Proposals for Architectural and Engineering Services, Construction Management Services, and Support Elements.

·         Management/Coordination of Design Teams

·         Value Engineering

·         Education Adequacy (Analyze, Review and Update)

·         Existing Facility Assessment Update (Based on Demographic Study)

·         Construction Administration