The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting on Monday, November 11, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The session was called to order by Board President, Michael Cloy. Coggin Avenue Baptist Church Discipleship Pastor, Daniel Attaway, gave the invocation. East Elementary third grade students, Stone Bishop, Jackson Clark, and Ella Krischke led the Pledge of Allegiance. East Elementary music teacher, Jennifer Gwathmey, led third grade students as they performed a song in honor of Veterans Day.
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
BISD Superintendent, Dr. Joe Young, presented the Instructional Focus update. Dr. Young highlighted increased student participation in advanced BHS classes including Pre-AP, AP, Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment courses over the last four years. Courses and programs that are new this year include OnRamps Algebra 2, Computer Science, Robotics, Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness, Principals of Technology, Veterinary Medicine, Welding, Advanced Floral, Graphic Design, AP Music Theory and Music Production. Dr. Young noted that the additional offerings give students more opportunities and enrollment in these advanced courses have increased from 156 students in 2016 to 500 students in 2019.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Young provided information regarding the formation of a Safety and Security Committee, which will include two board members and is a new requirement this year from the Texas legislature. Dr. Young also provided a brief budget summary and House Bill 3 financial update.
DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Technology Report: A technology report was provided to the board that gave an overview of the technology within Brownwood ISD as well as an update on technology projects that are taking place in the district. Dr. Young noted that the Technology Department, led by Mark Stanley, currently provides support for 3,742 computing devices. The department continues to offer great service and support for technology throughout the district including rollouts, upgrades, and maintenance on laptops, desktops, ActivBoards, iPads, and security technology.
Gifted & Talented Report: The Gifted & Talented program provided a report that included the number of students in the program at each grade level and campus, as well as other data, initiatives, and goals for the program. It was noted that the Gifted and Talented Showcase is scheduled for February 24, 2020.
School Safety Report: A list of security measures that have been added on each BISD campus was provided. The list noted technology updates and installations including security cameras, door access controls, as well as the new secure vestibule at Northwest Elementary, and the expansion of the Watch D.O.G.S. program, which now includes all elementary campuses. Plans for a new road and point of entry at Northwest Elementary were also among the items listed.
FIRST READING OF TASB-INITIATED BOARD POLICY 114 UPDATE
Update 114 includes revisions to BISD policy (LOCAL) language in various areas including board meetings, public participation, investments, technology resources and more. Details for this and any other TASB-initiated policy updates are available in the Policy Book on the Brownwood ISD website. This was the first reading. Consideration for approval will be presented at the Board of Trustees meeting in December.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF TARGETED IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR WOODLAND HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY, COGGIN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, BROWNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND BROWNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Woodland Heights Elementary, Coggin Intermediate School, Brownwood Middle School and Brownwood High School have developed targeted improvement plans to show gaps, root cause, goals, strategies and activities. BISD Trustee, Eric Evans, made a motion to accept the targeted improvement plans as presented. BISD Trustee, Dr. Lisa Fowler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board moved into executive session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss personnel. They returned to open session at 8:58 p.m. No additional action was needed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.