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Board Meeting - Sept. 13, 2016
Board receives update on bilingual/ESL services
Teresa Taylor, Director of Bilingual/ESL and Migrant Programs, reviewed the teaching and learning practices of bilingual and English as a Second Language teachers across the district. The data shared revealed that 15 percent of all students or 4,261 are non-native speakers, and of those they speak 41 different languages. The largest increase this year has been of students who speak Arabic.
STAAR testing data shows that while district students who are non-native English speakers are not keeping pace with their native English speaking peers, they are outpacing their peers across the state by 7-10 percent.
“We are above the state and meeting standard, but we are not where we want to be and obviously will be a focus for us,” said Ms. Taylor.
The need for additional training that will help teachers target these students for success was also shared. The department has a plan with 27 opportunities for professional development already planned for this year.
“This data affirms a really good argument for adding a growth measurement within the state accountability system,” said Charles Stafford, trustee. “Rather than measure our programs on a handful of students, we should be measuring the progress we are making with students based on a year of academic growth - meeting them where they are and moving them forward.”
Tax rate for the 2016-17 school year discussed
Debbie Monschke, assistant superintendent of administrative services, discussed the repayment of debt based upon the outstanding bonds the district will pay for building and renovating school facilities. She also noted that the $0.50 is the maximum allowable amount under the guidelines from the state.
The district remains with the majority of districts in our area who are already at the cap for debt service. Ms. Monschke proposed paying down more debt through escrow in an estimated amount of $8.8 million.
District receives a superior rating on state financial accountability
Mrs. Monschke also hosted a public hearing on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The state's school financial accountability rating system ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve those practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
Denton ISD received a superior rating or the highest designation possible.
“We as a district should take great pride in this report’s findings,” said Dr. Jim Alexander, trustee.
Board receives 2nd quarter growth report
Rocky Gardiner of Templeton Demographics presented detailed information regarding home sales and development within the district for the second quarter of 2016. This quarter’s report revealed that home sales are up 20 percent over the same period in 2015 and the average sale price has increased by 15 percent in one year.
Of the homes sold in 2015, 30 percent were brand new, and accounted for the most new home closings the district has experienced in five years. The highest growth is currently in a subdivision that is currently served by Cross Oaks Elementary.
The attendance zone that serves Borman Elementary has 30 percent of the planned future lots. By the 2020-21 school year, enrollment within the district is expected to exceed 30,000 students.
Board discusses attendance and boundary modifications for new developments
Gwen Perkins, area superintendent of academic services, shared the proposal to designate neighborhoods within the Savannah, W.S. Ryan and Houston Elementary schools attendance zones to be changed. All three areas discussed do not currently have houses or occupied residences, but the district does expect development to begin soon. The recommended changes include:
Moving Azalea Village into the Savannah zone
Moving Teasley Trails Phase I & II into Houston Elementary
The changes will only affect families who purchase homes in those areas.
Board holds discussion on Senate Bill 507
Board members reviewed the Texas Senate Bill 507 which requires districts to maintain audio and video records of events in classrooms that serve special needs students should a request be made.
Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, upon request by a parent, trustee or staff member, a school district must provide video equipment, including video cameras with audio recording capabilities, to campuses. The campuses that receive such equipment must place, operate and maintain video cameras in certain self-contained classrooms or other special education settings. Video recordings are confidential under the section and may only be released for viewing to certain individuals.
Board received update on construction projects
Glen Martin, director of construction services, reported on the progress of the three major construction projects underway in the district.
Plans are being finalized for the additions and renovations to Guyer High, which will reach substantial completion by July 2018. The school will receive a new main entrance for visitors and students which will strengthen security procedures and a two story classroom addition. The fine arts area will also be expanded. Out buildings that support both boys and girls athletics will also be addressed. The renovation will boost the school’s capacity to 3,000 students.
Braswell High School is reaching total completion. While the school is functional, the main competition gym, auditorium, baseball and softball fields and one classroom wing are not complete. They will be turned over on a month by month basis with total completion by January.
Construction is underway on Middle School No. 8 with 90 percent of piers for the foundation compete. Geothermal and water wells have been drilled. Underground drainage and utilities are almost complete. The school faces Martop Road in the Town of Oak Point and will open in August 2017.
Board approves certification of tax rates, collections and appraised rolls
The Board approved the certification of tax rates, collections and appraisal rolls. The average market value of a home in the district is year is $237,530 with a taxable value of $205,170. Due to an increase in property values, taxpayers will pay an average increase of $316.30 more than last year. Taxes will be generated based on a tax rate of $1.54 per $100 assesses valuation.
The Board also approved the rollback rate for 2016. This year’s rollback tax rate was calculated at $1.5401 and the effective rate was $1.462401. The Board reviewed preliminary values for the 2016-2017 school year as part of its budget presentations. These preliminary values are subject to change after the appraisal district conducts its appraisal review board hearings.
In other action the Board:
· Recognized three band students from Ryan High for being honored as Texas Music Scholars by TMEA
· Recognized the Ryan Raider Band for representing Texas in the National Memorial Day Parade