MPISD Board of Trustees Meeting
October 26, 2009
MPHS Yearbook Presentation: MPHS
Yearbook sponsor Kathy Zwernemann and members of this year’s staff
presented copies of the 2009 Arrowhead Yearbook to Board members
and district administrators.
Student Recognitions: MPHS Art Teacher introduced students from his classes who had earned ribbons at the Titus County Fair: Raul Herrera, Ryan Smallwood, Morgan Luedke, Keziah Sanchez, Allye Grissom, Tori Renfro, Erly Zelaya, Josh Webster, Sol Sanchez, and Daniela Ramirez. Students brought their works with them to show to the Board and audience. MPHS Choir Director Luke Dean introduced the MPHS students who have qualified for Al-Region choir: Isabel Caldwell, Amanda Craig, Shelbye Reynolds and Robert Twaddell. MPHS Ag teacher Mike Thompson introduced area FFA students who, with their animals, placed at the Titus County Fair: for goats, Tracy Branch, Chessie Garrett and Wyatt Hinson; for chickens, Brittany Logan; for steers, Dulcie Fields, Grayson Russell and Chessie Garrett; and, for hogs, Kannon Carter and Sarah Nelson.
Child Development Center Presentation: Deborah Cody, Principal of the CDC, explained the new Early Reading First Grant to the Board. Project Director Michelle Huffman discussed the staff, curriculum, assessment tools, professional development and projected results. Huffman explained that the Center is using assessment to drive instruction, as on other district campuses, and that the projected result for the project will be increased value added to each child participating. The official start state for the grant will be January 4.
Board Business:
•Approved overnight trips for MPHS FFA to Greenhand Camp in Lindale (Dec. 11-12); for all 3rd & 4th Grade GT students in the District to Sky Ranch Camp in Van (May 12-14, 2010); and, for the MPJHS 8th Grade Academic Award Science Trip to Padre Island (May 19-22, 2010).
•Approved expedited TEA Waiver to modify the MPHS schedule for TAKS administration.
•Approved the Early Release schedule for December 18, 2009 and June 3, 2010.
•Approved the 2009-2010 Textbook Adoption Committee.
•Approved the MPISD Technology Plan.
•Approved the allocation of up to $140,000 to supplement funds from the DATE grant to cover awards to the 140 special program teachers not covered by the DATE grant this year.
•Reviewed the MPISD District Vision/Mission Statements proposed by the District Site-Based Committee. Board members will submit written comments to Mr. Myers and item will be discussed in November.
•Business Manager Stacie Thompson reviewed the district's FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) Report. The district again received a Superior Rating from the state.
•Approved the Annual Financial Report/Audit presented to the Board by Chris Arnold of Arnold, Walker and Arnold. There were no recommendations for the district.
•Nominated Bobby Parr for the Board of Directors for the Titus County Appraisal District.•Voted to name the district tennis center The William C. Love Tiger Tennis Center in honor of long-time MPHS mathematics teacher and tennis coach.
•Discussed building and maintenance projects in the district for the balance of the bond funds. The district will use the $281,000 in the account to address safety, including parking, issues at the high school field house, the Child Development Center and the Gym. District Maintenance Director Mike Worrell is looking into getting estimates for the work. Mr. Myers will bring the figures to the Board for final approval.
Superintendent’s Report:
New Communication Tools: Mr. Myers informed the Board that the district public information office is investigating several new methods to reach our constituency and community. These include an e-mail Blast to subscribers for updated district information including weather-related school closings and delays.
Future Meetings:
Regular Meeting: Monday, November 16, 5:30 p.m., CSS Board Room
