Board Notes: April 25, 2023

Presentations and Recognitions

Denton ISD’s Board of School Trustees recognized several groups and individuals at Tuesday night’s meeting, including 49 Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) students who placed in the top 10 at the state contest and competition. 

Of those 49 students, 18 qualified for the national competition. The top 10 from each category can advance to nationals. 

“I am extremely proud of our Teach Denton TAFE students who have competed and placed at the state level and who are advancing on to nationals this summer,” said Leah Zavala, Denton ISD’s Teach Denton District Coordinator. “This year was Denton ISD’s first time to have middle school students compete. We are one of three districts in Texas to have middle schools compete in TAFE. I am proud of all the students’ hard work and dedication and the teachers that lead them at each campus.”

TAFE is a co-curricular statewide non-profit (501-c3) student organization created to allow young men and women an opportunity to explore the teaching profession. The organization was created in 1984 to provide the best and brightest high school and middle school students in Texas with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about pursuing careers in education. 

TAFE is sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and is governed by a board of directors composed of teachers, students and principals.

Denton ISD’s TAFE state winners include Crownover Middle School’s Mia Allgood, Ella Brown, D’asia Fuqua-Smith, Jerry Yang, Sophia Gallamore, Morgan Singleton, Drake Shesler, Elizabeth Gormley and Valeria Zaragoza-Gonzalez; Myers Middle School’s Shahid Bouyadjera, London Laurent, Giselle Calderon, Yaretzi Borja, Julliana Rivera, Isabella Warren, Shelby Hartman, Aniyah Flores, Aaliyah Crawford, Arely Campos, Melody Fernandez, Aubrey Stevens, Jade Dickson, Kai Williams, Alexys Downs, Tiona Rohrer, Emily Landeros and Renata Fernandez.

Other winners include Braswell High School’s Payton Glutsch and Abbigail Swierczynski; Guyer High School’s Matthew Spivey, Aubrie Benton, Abigail Cannedy, Alivia Christensen and Christian Cruz-Sotelo; and the LaGrone Academy’s Rylee Risdon, Madison Mallouf, Sam Gist, Ava Smethers, Evdokia Papanikolaou, Brilynn Hatten, Torrin Best, Emery Allen, Paige Hammons, Viana Columna, MaKenna Justin and Kendall Justin. 

Lastly, as part of the district’s Community Spotlight, Trustees recognized Jostens. 

Each year, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) honors businesses and organizations for their support and exceptional advocacy of local schools. This state-wide honor, as part of “Stand Up for Texas Public Schools,” recognizes local businesses and community organizations that partner with districts, making a difference in the lives of local public school students.

For more than a decade, our partnership with Jostens has been one of longtime support and philanthropy. As a corporation that is known worldwide for elevating memories and special moments in time, they continually celebrate education and Denton ISD Teachers of the Year.

As a prominent locally operated organization employing many of our parents, Jostens provides a personal connection to the award of excellence.

For their continued support and the unique way they assist our district as we honor our local public educators, we wish to thank them for their renewed partnership year after year.

 

Workshop Items

Discussion of 2023-2024 Budget 

Denton ISD Executive Director of Budget Jennifer Stewart gave an update on House Bill 100, average daily attendance (ADA) and basic allotment increase scenarios. Ms. Stewart noted HB 100 would increase the basic allotment from $6,250 in 2024 to $6,300 in 2025, and it would require 50% of the gain be used for salary increases for teachers, counselors, nurses and librarians. HB100 also would increase transportation funding. Additionally, Ms. Stewart highlighted the district’s ADA for the fifth six weeks of the current school year is 30,341.53. 

Legislative Updates for the 88th Legislative Session 

Denton ISD General Counsel Deron Robinson, Blanton Elementary School Principal Landon Turrubiarte and McNair Elementary Principal Djenane Bolton  gave an update on the 88th Legislative Session. As of April 21, 8,267 total bills have been filed, and of those, 1,301 have been education-related. To date, 106 education bills have passed out of committee. May 8 is the last day for House committees to report out House bills, and May 29 is the last day of the Legislative session. Mr. Robinson noted the district is watching several bills, including House Bill 681, which is relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program. This bill removes sunset provisions from SB15 and was passed by the House on April 20. Other bills the district is watching include HB100, HB1416, HB4402, HB4514, HB4656, HB4522, HB669, HB13, HB3, SB2117, and SB2205. 

Discussion of Board Operating Procedures

Board of Trustees Vice President Barbara Burns reviewed changes to the board operating procedures. Ms. Burns noted that it is now recommended for a trustee to serve one full term before serving as a board officer. To be eligible for a board officer position, a minimum of one full term of board service is preferred, as well as TASB Board Officer training, among other changes. 

Discussion of Compensation Plan

Denton ISD Executive Director of Professional Personnel Jason Rainey provided information regarding salary increases for Denton ISD staff for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Rainey presented models for 2%, 3% or 4% increases of each pay grade midpoint for all employees. 

 

Report Items

5th Reporting Period Attendance Report 

Denton ISD Superintendent Dr. Jamie Wilson gave a summary of the district’s ADA and reporting 5th period update for the 2022-2023 school year in comparison to past year’s data.

Intruder Detection Audit Report Update

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