Board Notes

A Summary of the January 24, 2008, Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Meeting

Superintendent Recognizes Trustees

January is School Board Appreciation month and Tyler ISD Superintendent Randy Reid took a moment to recognize the efforts of each board member and acknowledge the tokens of appreciation from various campuses for the board members.

Board Recognizes Students and Schools

The Board of Trustees recognized the following students and campuses for special achievements:

Cameron Staton at Robert E. Lee (Contra Bass Clarinet) and Demarcus Walker at John Tyler (Tuba) for making the Texas All State Band.  The All State Band is the highest and most prestigious individual honor for band students in the state of Texas.  Both students will travel to San Antonio in February to participate in the All State clinics and concert.

Abby Halbrook, a student at Moore MST, was one of 32 national finalists out of 4 million competitors in the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick program in Indianapolis, Indiana. She kicked a football 203 feet to win second place in the nation for this competition.

The Class 5A All-State high school football team has been decided by The Associated Press Sports Editors.  The selections are based on regular-season performance. Sean Raney, the punter for Robert E. Lee has been selected for first team and Defensive Back Maurice Hood also for Robert E. Lee has been selected for second team.

Rice Elementary and Andy Woods Elementary for their International Baccalaureate Programs.  Last spring, Rice Elementary became TISD’s first authorized PYP School.  Last week, the District received word that Andy Woods Elementary had accomplished the same distinction.  The IB Program at each school has received formal authorization from the IB Organization in Geneva, Switzerland to be recognized as an IB World School.  This recognition came after more than 3 years of work and an onsite visit and evaluations from the IB Organization. 

Board Authorizes and Accepts Donations

The Board of Trustees authorized and approved the acceptance of the following donations totaling $85,000:

$35,000 from Tyler ISD Foundation to Tyler ISD for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

$35,000 from Tyler ISD Foundation to Tyler ISD for Projectors for Secondary Science Teachers

$10,000 from Tyler ISD Foundation to Tyler ISD for Pilot project for Raptor (campus visitor monitoring)  

$5,000 from Watson Wise Foundation to Andy Woods Elementary for instructional programs.

Board Approves  Order for Calling an Election

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Order for Calling an Election on Saturday, May 10, 2008, for the purpose of filling Single Member Districts No. 2 and 4.

The election is for the purpose of electing trustees to fill Single Member Districts No. 2 and 4. Single Member District 2 is currently held by Rev. Orenthia Mason, and Single Member District 4 was held by Kristen Baldwin until she resigned on June 25, 2007. The seat has remained vacant since that time. Terms of office are for three years.

The first day to file for a position on the ballot for TISD is Saturday, February 9th. The administration offices will not be open on Saturday; therefore, the first day applications will be accepted is Monday, February 11th. The last day to file for a position on the ballot is Monday, March 10th. The Administration building will be open from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on

March 10th to accept any applications.  

Board Authorizes and Approves Pre-Bond Management Firm

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved and accepted the agreement of The Facility Group and Eubanks Harris Roberts Craig in the amount of $195,000 as the pre-bond development firm. Funding will be provided with savings from the 2004 Bond Program.

Facilities Department Provides Update on School Construction Projects

Project Manager Johnny Owens, with The Staubach Company, provided the Board of Trustees an update on the progress of the school construction projects.  This is the last monthly presentation by Staubach.

All schools are complete at this time.

Peete Elementary is  near 100% complete accept for a wet area in the landscaping.  The punch list items are being completed as well.

Austin and Douglas and Bonner elementary schools are completing warranty work.