Board Notes: April 23, 2024

Presentations and Recognitions

Community Spotlight – New Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Each year, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) honors businesses and organizations for their support and exceptional advocacy of public schools. This statewide honor, as part of “Stand Up for Texas Public Schools,” recognizes local businesses, community organizations and individuals that partner with school districts, making a difference in the lives of public-school students. 

The New Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has been incredibly active throughout Denton ISD, volunteering their time and resources to support students and staff. Sigma Gamma Rho volunteered at Denton ISD’s Back to School Fairs in 2023 and has also donated school supplies to Rodriguez Middle School and Ann Windle School for Young Children.

In addition, Sigma Gamma Rho is also passionate about mentorship. Sigma Gamma Rho has made a profound impact on students at Ann Windle by taking time to volunteer and interact with them on multiple occasions, including most recently at their field day. 

For the unique way Sigma Gamma Rho has assisted our district, and for going above and beyond to assist our students and staff, we wish to thank them for their continued support.

Discussion of Child Nutrition Community Eligibility Provision
Chris Bomberger, Executive Director of Child Nutrition and Risk Management, and Liz Raftery, Director of Child Nutrition, provided an update on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which enables eligible schools to provide breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost. 

Ms. Raftery noted that schools must have an identified student percentage (ISP) of 25 percent to be considered. The ISP eligibility summary includes students enrolled in SNAP/TANF or Medicaid. The recommended campuses for the CEP include: Ann Windle, Rivera Elementary, Gonzalez School for Young Children, Borman Elementary, Ginnings Elementary, Hodge Elementary, Alexander Elementary, Evers Park Elementary and Stephens Elementary. 

The impact of CEP for Denton ISD and families include reducing unpaid meal balances by approximately $40,000 while providing families with an average savings of $774 per child for providing breakfast and lunch. Ms. Raftery also noted participating in CEP does not impact Title I funding for selected campuses. 

Discussion of 2024-2025 Budget
Dr. Jeremy Thompson, Deputy Superintendent, provided an update on the 2024-2025 budget. Dr. Thompson noted average daily attendance currently through the 5th period attendance reporting is 30,713.22. 

Dr. Thompson also detailed the linear property value growth over the last eight years. Additionally, he explained the total revenue for the 2023-2024 amended budget was $322,340,274, as compared to the 2023-2024 adopted budget of $315,229,362. For 2024-2025 revenue assumptions, Dr. Thompson noted those will be made assuming a 10 percent growth in property values and an average daily attendance (ADA) of 31,000. The estimated total revenue for 2024-2025 based on those assumptions is $320,641,132, which is $1,699,142 less than total revenue of the 2023-2024 amended budget. 

Denton ISD Utility Management Audit
Paul Andress, Executive Director of Operations, and Brandon Hoke, TD Industries Engineer, provided an update on Denton ISD’s utility usage from July 2023 to December 2023. Mr. Hoke noted a 16 percent increase in total usage, which directly correlates with a 14 percent increase in district square footage. Denton ISD maintains 7 million sq. feet of building under roof.  Mr. Hoke explained that compared to July-December 2022, electric cost increased 5.1 percent, representing $184,669, while gas cost decreased 29.2 percent, representing $66,595 in savings. 

In addition, Mr. Hoke detailed each utility rate for electric, gas, potable water, irrigation water and well water. Texas electric rate trends were also explained, which have risen sharply over the past year, while Texas gas rates have decreased. A solar update was also provided for Union Park, Sandbrock Ranch and Shultz Elementary Schools. Combined, each of those three schools’ solar panels have saved the district $117,582.81 over the last year. 

5th Reporting Period Attendance Report
Dr. Lesli Guajardo, Director of District and Student Support Services, provided an update on the 5th period attendance report.

Intruder Detection Audit
Denton ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jamie Wilson provided an update on the recent Intruder Detection Audits conducted by the Texas School Safety Center. Further detail was provided to the board in executive session for safety and security.

Discussion of Board Operating Procedures
Dr. Deron Robinson, General Counsel, reviewed changes to the board operating procedures.

2024-2025 Salary Recommendations
Jason Rainey, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, discussed the 2024-2025 salary recommendations. As Denton ISD has received no state funding increase in the per pupil allotment, this proposed recommendation includes: no pay increase for employees and an adjustment to decrease the starting pay from $59,340 to $59,000 for beginning teachers. Mr. Rainey explained this change will maintain the current 2023-2024 pay for all employees for the 2024-2025 school year.