MISD moving along with high school construction
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met Monday, Dec. 11, at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Misty Ehlers, Byrleen Terry, and Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools. Conservator Dr. Cynthia Wilson was on site.
Special recognitions awarded were: Lone Star Governance Student of the Month - 8th grader Tyson Watkins; Teacher of the Month - Leila Jones, 7th and 8th grade Math teacher; and Employees of the Month - Lesley Sanders, MMS Dean of Students and Ortega McDavid, Dean of 9-12 Students and Asst. Athletic Director.
The Board of Managers went into closed session several times throughout the meeting to consult with the district’s attorney on a matter to conduct Level III Grievances filed by District parents; deliberate appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignments, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee and conducting Level III Grievances filed by District parents. In addition, a session to conduct Level III grievances regarding public school students if personally identifiable information about the students would necessarily be revealed by the deliberation.
After returning from closed session, Superintendent Reports followed.
Jesse Bustamante, Executive Director of Human Resources, reviewed Bond 2022 updates. Assuming favorable weather conditions, the Legion Field track surface should be completed by the end of the week. Dates to formalize contract negotiations with the selected vendor are in the final stage for Marlin High School. The scope of work with the selected vendor is in the active stage for the Marlin High School Gym. Architectural illustrations of the new Legion Field Press Box were viewed. The vendor contract will be presented at the BOM meeting for approval.
Niki Edwards, Chief Academic Officer, continued the Superintendent’s Reports by sharing the 2023-24 Academic Supports and Communication highlighting District Actions & Commitments.
Marlin ISD Parent and Student Expectations included completing weekly assignments/assessments with a 70 on all assignments; students communicate immediately with the in-class facilitator if assistance is needed; meet 90 percent attendance requirement and parents/guardians must login to their student’s online course portal to monitor student’s progress and communicate with campus administrators. Region 12 removed the Elementary Mandatory Intervention Plan to monitoring. Because of the stellar rating, Marlin Elementary is no longer under a plan.
Dr. Henson addressed active coverage and media mentions and number of district news appearances. Within the past six months, based on sentiment analysis, the district has overwhelmingly more positive than negative sentiments. He projected a more professional photographer services and boosting the district’s public perceptions.
Dr. Stacy Parker Knight, Chief Operating Officer, noted steady rate of local and state funds are received and revenue exceeds expenditures. Because the project is ahead of schedule, amendments to the District’s Value Limitation Agreement with Copperhead Solar, LLC were recommended. Effective 2024, annual supplemental payments will begin the new tax year and revenue protection payments will be estimated at 1.2 million. Dr. Henson confirmed the 2024-25 Falls County Appraisal District nomination resolution as Jesse Martinez, Linda Mitchell, and Shirley Melton.
Highlighting changes in policies, the Texas Association of School Boards Policy Update 122 was included in the BOM packets. The calling of a May 2024 Election for the Marlin ISD Board of Trustees District 3 and 4 is to be considered. Byrleen Terry moved to accept the consent agenda items. Seconded by Misty Ehlers, motion carried.
Additional action items included: the Board hearing the Level III Grievances of two parents, Misty Ehlers moved to deny the Level III grievance, seconded by Byrleen Terry, the motion carried; Billy Johnson moved to deny the Level III grievance of a parent, seconded by Byrleen Terry, the motion carried; Johnson moved to deny the Level III grievance of a parent, seconded by Byrleen Terry, motion carried. The Board met by Zoom with parents and legal representatives. Grievances were associated the 2022-2023 school year.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.