Board Approves GMP Building Package for Griffin Elementary School
The Board of Trustees approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in the amount of $13,974,223.00 to Denson Construction Company, Inc. for the GMP Building Package for Griffin Elementary School. This amount reflects a total within the bond budget.

Board Approves Authorizing The Superintendent To Enter Into A Contract With A Security Specialist
The Board of Trustees approved authorizing the Superintendent to enter into a contract with a security specialist. The district wishes to have an outside service review campus security protocols and measures. Tyler ISD is looking to enter into contract with The Texas School Safety Center as the outside security specialist to assist the District.

Board Approves the Purchase for Two (2) Double Portable Buildings
The Board of Trustees approved the expenditure in the amount of $138,632 from the leftover operation fund for physical year 2009. Due to the expansion of the District Alternative Education Program and overcrowding at Hubbard Middle School, the District is in need of purchasing two (2) double portable classrooms.

Board Approves Funds For Personnel and Instructional Material Related To The Expansion Of The District's Alternative Education Program
The Board of Trustees approved the expenditure of funds in an approximate amount of $375,000 for the expansion of the District's Alternative Education Program. Projected costs include additional teachers/aides/security personnel as well as instructional materials and Plato site licenses. Estimated personnel costs are approximately $300,000 and other costs are approximated at $75,000.

Metal Detectors Discussed at Board Meeting
Tyler ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Randy Reid, presented to the Board of Trustees a discussion item about metal detectors. Dr. Reid explained that the three portable metal detectors have been delivered along with eight wands. The training still needs to be established. Deputy Superintendent, Cecil McDaniel, explained that it will take approximately three weeks to complete training. He explained the wands are to be used as aide when there is reasonable suspicion. Mr. McDaniel said the Tyler ISD Police Department, the campus principal and assistant principals are the employees who will complete the training. He explained that the purpose of these portal detectors is they can provide an impromptu search.

Dr. Reid also informed the Board about the new door installed at the main entrance doors of the John Tyler High School campus so that as guests and visitors enter the building, they must first check in the main office before entering the rest of the building.

Superintendent Presents District Challenges Report
Tyler ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Randy Reid, presented to the Board of Trustees a report about District challenges. He explained there are challenges in four areas facing the school district. The first challenge he recognized is academic challenges. He acknowledged that scores are improving but not as fast as the standards. He also mentioned how some schools are failing to meet AYP. He said the district sees failures increase significantly at 6th and 9th grades. According to our data, the gaps are closing, but they still exist. Dr. Reid recognized the financial challenges of the District. He explained that there is no more tax capacity. He explained we only receive new money as a district when we acquire new students to the District. Dr. Reid shared how additional schools require additional operating costs. He also stated that salaries in Tyler ISD are competitive to East Texas, but Tyler ISD is competing statewide for critical needs areas such as math, science, special education, administrators, and counselors. He also explained how bonds funds are different than operating funds and bond funds cannot be used to pay for district salaries. A facility and space challenge is the third issue facing the district. Both high schools have multiple portables with few recent upgrades to the building structures. He also said the middle schools are vastly overcrowded. Dr. Reid explained how are beautiful elementary school are at capacity because families are relocating to attend these wonderful schools

Superintendent Presents Report on Future Considerations Related to Academic Programming
Tyler ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Randy Reid, presented to the Board of Trustees a report about future considerations related to academic programming. Dr. Reid also stated there are opportunities we are missing as a district. He explained the District dropout rates and non completion rates continue to be a concern. He explained we continue to offer a one size fits all secondary program and he explained to the Board we need to look at alternatives as a district. A few examples of new types of programs offered in other school districts include: Career and Technology high schools, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academies, grade configuration changes, school combinations, school closures, and boundary changes. Dr. Reid explained the pros and cons to each of the options, but he also explained that tonight's presentation to the Board is a starting point to examine possibilities. He stressed to the Board that the District can't continue to do what we have been doing and expect to get dramatically different results. He explained we have to look at all options to meet the challenges we face.