Marlin ISD board gets update on bond construction
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met Monday, Sept. 23, at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Byrleen Terry, Marsha Ridlehuber, Rosalyn Dimerson, Misty Ehlers, and Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools. Managing Conservator Dr. Rolando Trevino was in attendance.
Special recognitions awarded were Lone Star Governance Student of the Month - 4th grader Xavier Brown and Teacher of the Month - Miranda Humphrey, Art Teacher. Representatives from the Region 12 Education Service Center and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance sponsors recognized Dr. Henson as the regional nominee and one of the top five finalists as Superintendent of the Year.
The Board of Managers went into closed session to deliberate personnel matters to include consideration of possible appointees to Marlin ISD Board of Trustees single member districts 2,3,4, and 5. They also went into consultation with an attorney regarding the pending dispute resolution and legal remedies related to the defects of the track and field. After returning from closed session, regarding the deliberation regarding current litigation, Dr. Henson announced correspondence was received specifying four of seven claims were dismissed by the Federal Judge on Sept. 17.
The Superintendent’s Reports followed with Jesse Bustamante, Chief Operating Officer, who presented the Bond 2022 update.
Press box structural steel columns and beams are installed, and concrete work continues. The High School gym design contract with vendor MRB Group was presented for consent. The design phase will take 4-6 months for completion.
J. LeJeune, Executive Director Of Technology, reported 90 percent of students are enrolled in instructional programs prior to the first day of school. Using the vendor, ClassLink for Rostering/Single-Sign-On services, the total number of enrollments increased by approximately 40 percent from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025.
Dr. Stacy Parker, Chief Financial Officer, continued with the Superintendent’s Reports. Presently, the district has received local and state revenue but little federal. Balances were presented from various accounts. A total of $56,041.32 has been budgeted for the 2025 Falls County Appraisal District cost share amount. CareerCraft was submitted as software to track student college and career readiness and provide technical assistance to support the Falls County Rural Collaborative. The Region 12 ESC will provide a Director for the FCRC and provide support services related to the mission of FCRD. The LASO School Action Fund grant will fund the 2024-2025 billing account.
Additional recommendations for approval were presented by Mr. Bustamante including: for branding with high quality custom graphic designs at the baseball and softball fields, Hot Shots Photography; improve the learning environment eliminating and protecting against airborne virus, allergies mold and spores through the purchase of ProtectED; to seek consent to authorize the Superintendent or delegate to coordinate with legal counsel to proceed with legal remedies under the contract for the construction of the track and field (MAC), including but not limited to mediation; and contract Renegade Construction for electrical feed service proposed scope of work for the Maintenance & Transportation Operations Facility.
LeJeune recommended the purchase of 250 Chromebooks instead of the option of leasing. Funds will be from the general fund for instruction. Niki Edwards, Chief Academic Officer, shared the District’s Vision 2025. Core values are students first, transparency, excellence, goal-oriented, fiscally responsible, communication and self-accountability (not rated as listed). Campus and District Improvement Plans were presented.
Byrleen Terry moved to approve the consent items, seconded by Rosalyn Dimerson, the motion carried.