A. CLOSED MEETING (551.071/.072/.074/.082)

1. Resignations/Terminations/Non-Renewals

2. Appointments/Reassignments

3. Requests for Leave of Absence

4. Consultation with Board Attorney

5. Other Items Concerning Personnel

EXPLANATION

Specific information regarding the above personnel is included in the “Personnel” section of your document. Information on personnel recommended after the online delivery, but prior to Tuesday night's meeting, will be distributed to you at the meeting.

If you have any questions regarding the personnel information, please contact me prior to the board meeting so that I can discuss it with you.

ACTION

The Board is requested to approve all personnel items as presented.

CONSENT ITEM # 1

Approval of Minutes for July 25, 2006 and August 8, 2006

EXPLANATION

The Board of Trustees met in regular session on July 25, 2006 and in special session on August 8, 2006. On the following pages, please find the minutes for the July 25^th session and the August 8^th session for your review.

ACTION

The Board of Trustees is requested to approve the minutes of July 25, 2006 and August 8, 2006 as presented.

WHITE SETTLEMENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

OFFICIAL MINUTES

JULY 25, 2006

The Board of Trustees of the White Settlement Independent School District met in regular session on July 25, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the WSISD Administration Building.

Members Present

Ms. Lori Ball, Mr. Jimmie Barrett, Ms. Melissa Brown, Mr. Kent Evans, Mr. Phil Jennings, Mr. Tony Keeton, and Ms. Becky Simmons

School Officials Present

Dr. Susan J. Simpson, Ms. Audrey Arnold, Mr. Bret Jimerson, and Mr. Robb Welch.

Following roll call, the Board convened in closed meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Mr. Phil Jennings was dismissed from the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

The Board convened its regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., following closed session.

Opening prayer was led by Ms. Lori Ball.

Consent Items

The motion was made by Ms. Lori Ball and seconded by Ms. Melissa Brown to approve the consent items listed on the agenda. The following items were approved:

Minutes of June 20, 2006 and June 28, 2006

Monthly Expenditures

Construction Contracts

Amendments to the 2005-06 Budget

Bid/Proposals

Citation Agreement with the City of Fort Worth

Increase in Education Tuition Reimbursement

Increase in Travel Expense Reimbursement

Change in DEC (Local) Policy

Student Code of Conduct

Interlocal Agreement with Tarrant Hospital District

Motion carried with 6 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Consider Scheduling Board Budget Work Session

Following the recommendation by the superintendent, the motion was made by Mr. Tony Keeton and seconded by Ms. Becky Simmons to schedule a special board meeting for the purpose of a budget work session and to change the regular August 15, 2006 Board Meeting date to August 29, 2006. Motion carried with 6 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Dale Brock, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, reported that the Transportation Department received good reviews from their recent audit and they are now in the process of working on schedules to accommodate the Ninth Grade Campus and the new Fine Arts Academy. Mr. Brock stated that as part of the bond program, the district was able to add several new buses and upgrade the existing fleet. He also reported that additional training regarding safety measures and student management will be provided throughout the year.

Mr. Larry West, United Educators Association representative, addressed the Board and reported that WSISD teacher salaries fall into the average range compared with other districts in this area. Mr. West stated that UEA would like to take the opportunity to suggest that the district consider $3500 raise for all teachers in the district. Dr. Simpson thanked Mr. West for the suggestions from UEA and commented that the district had planned a $3,000 raise per teacher, pending approval of the 2006-07 budget, along with the $500 salary adjustment to be given to each district employee in December.

Mr. Eric Horstman, Corgan Architects, showed aerial views of the new Brewer High School campus and interior views of the Fine Arts Center and the Ninth Grade Center. He stated that the certificate of occupancy has been received for the Ninth Grade Center, which includes the Fine Arts Center, the site of the district-wide convocation to be held on August 8, 2006. Mr. Horstman also reported that the renovation of Blue Haze Elementary School is under way and Mr. Tony Innmon, The Staubach Company, commented that as the new wing at Blue Haze Elementary is completed, classes would be moved in and then renovation would begin in the existing building. Mr. Innmon also reported that the Administration Building renovation is proceeding on schedule.

The superintendent announced that the WSISD Board of Trustees has been selected as the Region XI Outstanding School Board. Dr. Simpson congratulated the Board and also thanked Ms. Desiree Coyle, Director of Communications, for her assistance to the Board in the application process. The Board will now be placed into consideration as a finalist for the Texas Honor Board of the Year to be announced at the TASA/TASB convention in October.

Personnel

Upon recommendation by the superintendent, the motion was made by Mr. Jimmie Barrett and seconded by Mr. Tony Keeton to approve the appointment of Candace Summerhill as Assistant Principal at Brewer Middle School.

Motion carried with 6 Ayes, 0 Nays.

The motion was made by Mr. Jimmie Barrett and seconded by Ms. Melissa Brown, following the recommendation of the superintendent, to accept the resignations of Rocky Buchanan, Ray Butler, Cassie Crabtree, Jorge Hernandez, Keira Koslowsky, Ricky Lindsey, Shannah Lockhart, Terry Massey, John Rhodes, Melissa Scogin, Jennifer Shinn, Andrea Stevens, and Thomas Vanderburg.

Motion carried with 6 Ayes, 0 Nays.

The motion was made by Ms. Lori Ball and seconded by Mr. Tony Keeton to approve the appointments of Patricia Cook, Erin Estep, Jennifer Green, Jennifer Greer, Toni Harkrider, Krista Hooten, Kyle Jones, Troy Roberts, Tori Rubinson, Leigh Sheppard, Constance Stoneman, and Shad Whiteley as recommended by the superintendent. Motion carried with 6 Ayes, 0 Nays.

The motion was made by Ms. Becky Simmons and seconded by Ms. Lori Ball to grant a request for a leave of absence for Marilyn Barron as recommended by the superintendent. Motion carried with 6 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55

WHITE SETTLEMENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

OFFICIAL MINUTES

August 8, 2006

The Board of Trustees of the White Settlement Independent School District met in special session on August 8, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the WSISD Administration Building.

Members Present

Ms. Lori Ball, Mr. Jimmie Barrett, Ms. Melissa Brown, Mr. Kent Evans, Mr. Tony Keeton, and Ms. Becky Simmons

School Officials Present

Dr. Susan J. Simpson, Ms. Julie Spears, and Mr. Robb Welch

Following roll call, the Board convened in closed meeting at 6:07 p.m.

The Board reconvened into open session at 6:35 p.m.

Mr. Phil Jennings took his place at the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Approve Public Meeting Date on Budget and Proposed Tax Rate

As recommended by the superintendent, the motion was made by Mr. Tony Keeton and seconded by Ms. Becky Simmons to approve August 29, 2006 Board Meeting as the date to hold the Public Meeting on Budget and Proposed Tax Rate. Motion carried with 7 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Approve Proposed Tax Rate to be Published in Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate

Following the superintendent’s recommendation, the motion was made by Mr. Tony Keeton and seconded by Ms. Melissa Brown to approve the proposed tax rate to be published in Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate. Motion carried with 7 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Personnel

As recommended by the superintendent, the motion was made by Mr. Jimmie Barrett and seconded by Mr. Tony Keeton to approve the appointments of Michelle Bryant, Martina Doan, Susan Durant, Kara Erickson, Roger Garrett, Maria Gartland, Joy Howard, Cynthia Johnson, Adrienne Moretti, Elizabeth Thompson, Jennifer Wright, and Christa Zimmer and to accept the resignation of Terri Weber. Motion carried with 7 Ayes, 0 Nays.

The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 2

Approval of Monthly School Expenditures

EXPLANATION

The monthly listing of school expenditures is presented for the Board’s review in the “FINANCIAL REPORTS” section.

ACTION

The Board of Trustees is requested to approve monthly expenditures as presented.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 3

Approve Construction Contracts

EXPLANATION

Each month this item will be placed on the agenda in order to approve any contracts that are pending regarding the building program.

ACTION

The Board of Trustees is requested to approve the construction contracts as presented.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 4

Approve Amendments to the 2005-06 Budget

EXPLANATION

End of year amendments to the 2005-06 budget will be presented at the meeting. The amendments will include adjustments to local and state revenue for changes in attendance and property values. The expenditure budgets will be adjusted for the leveling of payroll costs between functions and the additional accrual of 2006-07 year salaries earned before September 1.

ACTION

The Board is requested to approve the amendments to the 2005-06 Budget as presented.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 5

Consideration of Bids/Proposals

EXPLANATION

The district has accepted proposals from prospective vendors and created approved vendor lists for the 2006-07 school year. Vendor lists for the following categories are attached on the Excel files.

Building Maintenance, Repair, Operation Supplies, and Equipment
Automotive Parts/Tires/Equipment

The district has accepted proposals for Printing Services covering September 1, 2006 thru August 31, 2007.

VENDORS

GT Press, Inc.

Harcourt Outlines

The Imaging Bureau

MGM Printing

Print One

Print Rite Inc.

River Oaks Printing, Inc.

Sumner Group, Inc. (DBA Datamax)

Western Forms, Inc.

ACTION

The Board is requested to approve the bids/proposals as presented.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 6

Approve changes in Local Policy EIA, EI, EIF

White Settlement ISD
220920

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

EI
(LOCAL)


CERTIFICATES OF COURSEWORK COMPLETION	Certificates of coursework completion shall be issued to senior students who successfully complete state and local credit requirements for graduation but who fail to meet all applicable exit-level testing requirements. The student's academic achievement record shall indicate the date on which the certificate was issued. [See EIF, EIG]
	In order to earn a certificate of coursework completion, the student shall: Attempt mastery of the exit-level TAAS test each time it is offered during the school year. Complete all state requirements for the minimum number of approved credits. Participate in all available remediation activities. If the student refuses to participate in the TAAS remediation class, he or she shall sign a contract stating this denial of remediation. Have an academic committee certify that the requirements above have been met in order to be granted permission to participate in the graduation exercises.
PARTIAL CREDIT	Credit for an individual semester shall be earned by a student who earns a passing grade for one semester, but whose combined grade for the two semesters is lower than 70. In this circumstance, the student shall be required to retake only the semester in which the failing grade was earned.

DATE ISSUED: 12/30/2002
LDU-52-02
EI(LOCAL)-X

This online presentation of your district's policy is an electronic representation of TASB's record of the district's currently adopted policy manual. It does not reflect updating activities in progress. The official, authoritative manual is available for inspection in the office of the Superintendent. [See BF (LOCAL) for further information.]

White Settlement ISD
220920

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
GRADING/PROGRESS REPORTS TO PARENTS

EIA
(LOCAL)

RELATION TO ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The District shall establish instructional objectives that relate to the essential knowledge and skills for grade-level subjects or courses. These objectives shall address the skills needed for successful performance in the next grade or next course in a sequence of courses.

Assignments, tests, projects, classroom activities, and other instructional activities shall be designed so that the student's performance indicates the level of mastery of the designated District objectives. The student's mastery level shall be a major factor in determining the grade for a subject or course.

GUIDELINES FOR GRADING

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each campus or instructional level develops guidelines for teachers to follow in determining grades for students. These guidelines shall ensure that grading reflects student achievement and that a sufficient number of grades are taken to support the grade average assigned. Guidelines for grading shall be clearly communicated to students and parents.

PROGRESS REPORTING

Grade reports shall be issued every three weeks on a form approved by the Superintendent or designee. Performance shall be measured in accordance with this policy and the standards established in EIE.

INTERIM REPORTS

Interim progress reports may be issued at the teacher's discretion; however, notice of a student's consistent unsatisfactory performance shall be issued in accordance with law.

CONFERENCES

In addition to conferences scheduled on the campus calendar, conferences may be requested by a teacher or parent as needed.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students.

RECORDING FAILING GRADES

GRADES 1-8

Students shall not receive as an average grade for the first, second, fourth, or fifth six-week period any grade below 50 on a scale of 0-100. This policy shall not preclude students from earning individual daily, weekly, or other grades recorded within the grading period that are below 50. For the third and sixth six-week periods, students shall receive the actual grade earned.

GRADES 9-12

For grades 9-12, each student shall be given a three-week average grade. Credit shall be granted or denied at the end of each quarter.

DATE ISSUED: 12/02/2002
UPDATE 69
EIA(LOCAL)-X

White Settlement ISD
220920

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
GRADUATION

EIF
(LOCAL)

MINIMUM PROGRAM

In addition to the 22 credits required by the state for graduation under the Minimum Program, the District shall require 3 credits, for a total of 25. The additional credits shall be electives chosen in the spring semester from the following:

Athletics
Choir
Drill team
Driver's education

Students shall not be placed in the Minimum Graduation Program unless a parent makes such a request in writing on a form provided by the District.

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM

In addition to the 24 credits required by the state for graduation under the Recommended Program, the District shall require 1 credit, for a total of 25. The additional credit shall be an elective chosen in the spring semester from the following:

Athletics
Choir
Drill team
Driver's education

EXITING

During the third year of high school or thereafter, a student or parent may request a meeting to have the student removed from the Recommended Program. A committee comprised of a counselor administrator, parent, and two teachers shall review student records to determine appropriate placement for their graduation program. The following items shall be considered:

TAKS/EOC scores
Grades
Attendance
Age
Other extenuating circumstances that might prevent graduation on the Recommended Program.

The final decision shall be made by the District members of the committee.

At the end of the last semester of a student's senior year, an administrative committee may meet to determine placement to the Minimum Graduation program should circumstances dictate a need in the best interest of the student, e.g., allowing the student to graduate.

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

In addition to the 24 credits required by the state for graduation under the Distinguished Achievement Program, the District shall require 1 credit, for a total of 25. The additional credit shall be an elective chosen in the spring semester from the following:

Athletics
Choir
Drill team
Driver's education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUBSTITUTIONS

The District shall allow students to substitute certain physical activities for the 1.5 required credits of physical education. Such substitutions shall be based on the physical activity involved in:

Drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
Athletics
Dance I-IV
Two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses

OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS

The District shall award state graduation credit for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted either on or off campus, upon approval by the Commissioner of Education.

READING CREDITS

The District shall offer up to 3 credits of reading for state graduation credit. The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for establishing procedures to assess individual student needs and evaluate student progress, and shall monitor instructional activities to ensure that student needs are met. Students shall be identified as eligible to earn reading credit based on:

Recommendation by teacher or counselor
Scores on assessment instruments and/or achievement tests

DATE ISSUED: 12/30/2002
LDU-52-02
EIF(LOCAL)-X

EXPLANATION

For several years, Brewer High School students were on an accelerated block schedule which allowed students to earn as many as 32 credits. Currently, students have a 7 period day which allows for the accumulation of as many as 28 credits. The following changes are recommended to better address the instructional needs of high school students:

EIF (Local) Beginning with the freshman class of 2006-07

· Reduce the required number of credits from 25 to 24 for all graduation plans. The state plan currently requires 24 credits for the recommended and distinguished plans

· Require a third year of science for all students including those on the minimum plan

· Students who take Algebra I in grade 8 shall be required to take three math credits in grades 9 – 12

EI (Local) In a full year course, students shall be awarded one credit if the student passes both semesters or attains a second semester grade of 70 or above and an average of 70 or above for both semesters.

EIA (Local) The district shall record a 50 for the first, second, fourth, or fifth six week period for any grade below 50 on a scale of 0 – 100. For the third and sixth six week periods, the District shall record the actual grade earned.

The District shall record a 50 in the permanent cumulative record for any

average numerical grade that is lower than 50.

ACTION

The Board is requested to approve the changes in Local Policy EIA, EI, EIF as presented.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 7

Approve the offering of Introduction to Veterinary Science at Brewer High School

EXPLANATION

INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY SCIENCE (N1102230)

PLACEMENT: 10-12

CREDIT: 1/2

PREREQUISITE: None

This introductory course provides training in the unlicensed veterinary assistant field. This course includes animal handling, animal restraint, health & safety, sanitation, surgical preparation, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, infectious diseases, instrument & equipment identification, vaccine preparation, laws & ethics, and veterinary office procedures. This course is designed to be the entry-level course in a future pathway leading to veterinary assistant certification.

ACTION

The Board is asked to approve the offering of Introduction to Veterinary Science at Brewer High School as presented.

E. CONSENT ITEM # 8

Amended Board Resolution ratifying the Trillion Contract

EXPLANATION

Trillion Partners, Inc. (the district’s WAN provider) has entered into a financing arrangement with Tatonka Capital Corporation. Under the agreement, Trillion has named Tatonka as the assignee of the district’s Trillion Service Agreement. Trillion will continue to provide all services under the Services Agreement. The amendment allows the Assistant Superintendent of Business, along with Superintendent, to act on behalf of the district.

ACTION

The Board of Trustees is requested to approve the Amended Board Resolution ratifying the Trillion contract.

Board Resolution

A resolution authorizing the negotiation, execution and delivery of the Services Agreement (the “Agreement”), between WHITE SETTLEMENT ISD and Trillion Partners, Inc. Austin, Texas; providing for periodic payments of as set forth in the Agreement, each from legally available funds; and prescribing other details in connection therewith.

WHEREAS, WHITE SETTLEMENT ISD, (the “Customer”) is a public organization duly organized and existing pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, and

WHEREAS, Customer is duly authorized by applicable law to acquire such items of personal property and services as are needed to carry out its governmental functions and to acquire such personal property and services by entering into services agreements, and

WHEREAS, Customer hereby finds and determines that the execution of a Services Agreement for the purpose of leasing the Equipment and acquiring the services designated and as set forth in the Exhibits to the Agreement is appropriate and necessary to the function and operations of the Customer; and

WHEREAS, Trillion Partners, Inc., Austin, Texas (“Trillion”), duly organized, existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, shall act as vendor under said Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Agreement shall not constitute a general obligation indebtedness of the Customer within the meaning of the Constitution and laws of the State;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD OF CUSTOMER:

Section 1. The Assistant Superintendent of Business acting on behalf of Customer, is hereby authorized to negotiate, enter into, execute, and deliver the Agreement and related documents in substantially the form as presently before the Board, which Agreement is available for public inspection at the offices of Customer.

Section 2. The Customer’s obligations under the Agreement shall be expressly subject to annual appropriation by the Governing Board; and such obligations under the Agreement shall not constitute a general obligation of Customer or indebtedness of Customer within the meaning of the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas.

Section 3. All other related contracts and agreements necessary and incidental to the Lease are hereby authorized.

Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and approval.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this _____29th____day of ___August______, 20_06____.

CUSTOMER

By: _____________________________________________

Printed Name: _Kent Evans__________________________

Title: __WSISD, Board President______________________

Date: ___08/29/2006________________________________

F. SEPARATE ITEM # 1

Adopt 2006-07 Budget

EXPLANATION

The 2006-07 budget will be presented as part of the public hearing to discuss budget and proposed tax rate.

ACTION

The Board is requested to approve the 2006-07 budget as presented.

F. SEPARATE ITEM # 2

Adopt Tax Rate Resolution

EXPLANATION

In conjunction with the 2006-2007 budget, the district proposes a 2006-07 tax rate of $1.37 per $100 valuation for maintenance and operations (M&O) and $0.398 per $100 valuation for interest and sinking (I&S). The total proposed tax rate would be $1.768 per $100 valuation.

ACTION

The board is requested to approve the 2006-07 tax rate as presented.

F. SEPARATE ITEM # 3

Consider changing the regular November Board Meeting Date

EXPLANATION

Due to Thanksgiving Holiday scheduled on the school calendar, the Board is requested to change the regular November Board Meeting date from November 21^st to Tuesday, November 14, 2006.

ACTION

The Board is requested to change the regular November Board Meeting date to Tuesday, November 14, 2006 as presented.