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Board Meeting - May 26, 2015
Layne named principal of Navo Middle School
Mario Layne, principal of Baxter Junior High School in Everman ISD, is the new principal of Navo Middle School making him only the second principal of the campus. Shaun Perry, who opened Navo as principal in 2005, will be principal of Guyer High School beginning in the fall.Mr. Layne has been a principal for three years, serving as principal of Baxter Junior High since 2013 and principal of Everman Academy High School the year before. A native of Barbados, Mr. Layne has always been fascinated by the educational opportunities that abound students in the United States and cited that as one of his main attractions for joining Denton ISD.
“I always want to be a part of places and systems that are cutting edge when it comes to education and student opportunities,” said Mr. Layne. “I’m amazed at how progressive Denton ISD is with this – from standards-based grading to not accepting zeroes and making students accountable for their learning – and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Mr. Layne has a reputation for building a school-wide culture of excellence through the creation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC). He has infused the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program into his campuses, even sending 90 percent of his core teachers to the AVID Summer Institute. The training translated into record setting achievement for all students, including those considered at-risk.
His first administrative position was serving as an assistant principal at North Crowley High School for four years. From 2002-2006, Mr. Layne taught classes and coached basketball with Fort Worth ISD.
Board swears in incumbents, elects new officers
Kim Stevenson, executive administrative assistant to the superintendent, administered the oath of office to Trustee Jeanetta Smith and Trustee Barbara Burns who will serve an additional three year term on the Board. Both ran unopposed and were elected by affirmation.Following each May election, the Board elects new presiding officers per Board Policy.
In a unanimous vote, Ms. Barbara Burns was elected president; Dr. Jeanetta Smith, was elected vice president and Dorothy Martinez, was elected secretary
“I would like to thank Dr. Glenna Harris for her outstanding work and leadership as president during the past year,” said Barbara Burns.
Energy management report presented to Board
Paul Andress, executive director of maintenance and operations, and Bob Wilken, from TD Industries, provided the Board the mid-year report on the district’s energy consumption and utility management.According to the report, the district’s utilities cost per square foot has increased by only two cents to $1.52 since the 2010-11 fiscal year despite the addition of more than 349,000 square footage in new facilities. Overall the district saw an increase of 9.4 percent in electricity prices, a 7.7 percent increase in natural gas prices and a decrease of 3.4 percent in domestic water usage.
The Board’s decision to incorporate geothermal HVAC into its newest facilities has paid off, with Adkins Elementary (59 cents), Myers Middle School (61 cents) and Gonzalez School for Young Children (80 cents) factoring as the most energy-efficient buildings in the district.
Legislative update provided by Dr. Wilson
Dr. Jamie Wilson, superintendent, led a discussion of the latest actions of the Texas Legislature.He shared that the passage of the bill including funding for early childhood programs and mentioned that the pre-k coalition will enable the district to apply immediately for the grant. The majority of the proposed education reform bills have died, but the grading of schools with an A-F rating remains in play and is proposed to take effect in 2017. There is a consideration in the Bill which requires the Commissioner to consult with trustees, superintendents, principals, teachers and parents before adopting the final accountability system.
The new Construction of Facilities Allotment is still viable and would provide additional funding for facilities to school district that are deemed fast growth. SB 66 is still under consideration, and it stipulates that all schools have an Epi-Pen on campus.
HR presents compensation plan for 2015-16 school year
Dr. Richard Valenta, deputy superintendent, shared a recent study that compared the district’s pay to 15 districts in the area of similar size and demographics. The district is competitive in compensation when compared to other districts similar in size.
The proposed starting teacher salary for 2015-2016 is $50,000. The proposal includes at least a $1,250 increase for every current teacher, with the entire plan proposing a two percent increase of the mid-point for employees.
Board continues 2015-16 school year budget discussions
Debbie Monschke, assistant superintendent of administrative services, outlined the affects recent legislation will have on the budget for the 2015-2016 school year.She pointed out that under the current funding formula as local property taxes increase, state funding for the district will decrease. The proposed budget contains an increase of $3.9 million for the related cost increase due compensation and benefits. The final total of the proposed budget is $223 million with an excess of $2.1 million.
Board receives update on “What we value” survey
Chris Shade, director of school improvement and support, reported preliminary results of the recent survey “What we value.” The survey was administered from April 24 – May 14 with more than 3,500 responses from employees, parents and community members.
The results of this first survey will be disaggregated to determine community values, which will drive the construction of a second, more detailed survey in the areas emphasized by survey results. The district will develop measurements of key performance indicators, which will impact the daily work of district employees.
In other action
- Recognized the Guyer High School BPA Financial Analyst Team, which finished third in the nation, and the Ryan High School BPA Parliamentary Procedure Team, which finished in the top 10 for the 10th consecutive year.
- Recognized Guyer senior Eliza Price on her selection to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principal’s All-State Academic Excellence Team, an honor annually bestowed upon only 50 students from across the state.
- Recognized the district’s state-qualifying track and field athletes including: Denton High’s 4X100 meter relay team, Guyer long jumper, Ethan Toy, and Ryan pole vaulter, Avery Stuchell. In swimming, Ryan’s Austin Pyrch competed in the 50 meter free style.
- Approved the district’s agreement of a depository contract for banking services with BBVA Compass on April 21, 2015 for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017.
- Approved Liberty Mutual as the provider for student accident and health insurance until 2016.