2004 Board of Trustees Minutes

The Board of Trustees meets regularly at 7pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Boardroom of the Central Administration Building on 510 West Mercer Street.

Official minutes available at the Superintendent's Office.
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Trustee Minutes for:
01-15-2004
01-29-2004
02-19-2004
03-01-2004
03-02-2004
03-08-2004
03-25-2004
04-06-2004
04-15-2004
04-19-2004
05-20-2004
06-01-2004
06-02-2004
06-09-2004
06-15-2004
06-17-2004
06-21-2004 Hrng
06-21-2004
07-15-2004
07-24-2004
07-29-2004
08-09-2004
08-19-2004
08-31-2004
09-16-2004 Hrng
09-16-2004
10-13-2004
10-21-2004
11-01-2004
11-18-2004
11-22-2004
12-04-2004
12-13-2004
12-16-2004

Board Minutes for 2004


Minutes, January 15, 2004                                                         DSISD Board of Trustees

510 West Mercer Street
Admin. Building
Board Room
7:00pm

I.    The January 15, 2004 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:09pm by John Moore, Board Secretary, who noted a quorum present with members Eddie Oliver, Susie Dudley, John Moore, Bill Brock, and Tim Kurpiewski in attendance. Lenny Olson arrived at 7:50pm. Mike Figer was absent. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Ed Palmer, Ron Hill, Mike Cave, Tyler Damron, Greg Jung, Donna Janssen, Gale Brown, Larry McGilvray, Howard Ballard, Dan Davis, Chester Sparks, Debby Theis, Gracy Capelo, and Charles Wood of the Century News. Members of the audience included maintenance and custodial staff, and Ann Walsh of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE).
II.    Opening Ceremony:
•    Donna Janssen introduced the Girl Scout Troup #701 4th grade students who led the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.   Student’s were: Mary Godwin, Megan Hill, Willow Howard, Kim Norman, Lauren Rodenbusch, and Ashley Wilson.
•    Mr. Moore invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence.
III.    Public Forum - None at this time.
IV.    Superintendent’s Action/Report Items:
A.    Awards/Recognitions
•    Mary Ward presented certificates of recognition and expressed appreciation to the maintenance and custodial staff.  Additionally, Mr. Moore presented pins of appreciation.
•    Mary Ward presented a clock of recognition and expressed appreciation to Chester Sparks. Additionally, Mr. Moore presented a retirement plaque for retirement and expressed appreciation. Each Board Member expressed their appreciation.
•    Mrs. Ward presented each board member with a certificate of recognition and expressed appreciation for their volunteer hours and dedication to the children of the district. Additionally, campuses presented tokens of appreciation to board members. Gale Brown of the Hays/Blanco Special Education Cooperative presented the board with a donation in their name for the Dripping Springs Education Association Scholarship Fund. Ann Walch of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) presented a bag of items of recognition and expressed appreciation.
At this time, 7:44pm, the board recessed to host a reception honoring all recognitions and then returned to regular session at 8:00pm.

B.    Business Operations: Dwane Shropshire, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations reported on the following:
•    Chester Sparks reported on the status for the sale of surplus items set for January 23-25, 2004.
•    2004-2005 Budget process.
•    Transportation meeting.
C.    Superintendent’s Office: Mary Ward, Superintendent reported on the following items:
•    Ron Hill reported on staffing.
•    Legislative report.
•    Development matrix update: Double L Ranch and Polo Club golf course.
•    School Board packet delivery.
•    Important dates:
•    Special called meeting on January 29, 2004 at 6:30pm.
•    Middle school visitation date that was scheduled for March 4, 2004 was tentatively set for March 8, 2004 due to conflict with a field trip planned that would have 150 students out on the 4th.
•    Primary school visitation date is February 12, 2004 at 12pm.
•    Texas State University has invited school board members to a board recognition luncheon on January 20, 2004. Each board member stated they are unable to attend.
V.    Action/Report Items:
A.    Mary Ward reported on the status of a proposal from Deskmap for a demographic study. Representatives of Deskmap will attend a future meeting to entertain questions. The board will take action at the regular meeting in February.
B.    Mary Ward led discussion on the Hays County Elections Office contract.  Following discussion, Tim Kurpiewski made the motion, second by Lenny Olson to approve the contract with the Hays County Elections Office to conduct the DSISD School Board Election for 2004.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C.    Mrs. Ward led discussion of the TASB Local Update 71.  Following discussion Bill Brock made the motion, second by Lenny Olson to approve the TASB Local Update 71 on the second reading as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

At this time, Mrs. Ward provided the board the TASB Legal Update 72 for information only, takes no action.

D.    Lenny Olson reported on the Facility Committee as follows:
•    Projects as follows:
•    Dwane Shropshire and Howard Ballard addressed the board regarding the High School track repair options. Mr. Shropshire handed out a budget amendment on the estimated cost for repairs. Resurface sample of the track surface and blue prints of the tract were passed around. Mr. Shropshire and Mr. Ballard entertained questions.
•    Status of the Intermediate School activity center.
•    Baseball field lighting poles are up. The city will decide what to do with old equipment.
•    Reported on the progress for obtaining professional architectural/design services for future building program(s).
•    Status of obtaining Geotechnical Services.
•    Lenny Olson had nothing to report on the participation in drilling an irrigation well at Dripping Springs Sports Park.
E.    Mr. Moore had nothing to report at this time for the Finance Committee.
VI.    Susie Dudley made the motion, second by Tim Kurpiewski to approve the Consent Agenda excluding item E:
A.    Minutes for the following Meetings: December 18, 2003.
B.    Monthly Tax/Financial Reports and Expenditures.
C.    Investment Report.
D.    Tax Refunds Over $500 (if submitted).
E.    Budget Amendments.
F.    Any Leave-Of-Absences and/or New Personnel Contracts.
G.    DSISD Local Policy CNA on Transportation: Second Reading.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

At this time, Mr. Brock pulled the budget amendment, item E, from the consent agenda to discuss the High school track options. Bill Brock made a motion to amend the budget amendment with only one pole vault landing pit. The motion died for lack of a second.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII.    Announcements:   Mary Ward reminded the board of the Special called board meeting for January 29, 2004 to discuss the Superintendent’s Evaluation.  Susie Dudley congratulated Greg Jung on his engagement.

VIII.    At this time, 10:07pm, the board entered into Closed Session to discuss the following items:
A.    Consultation with Legal Counsel Regarding Pending Litigation.
B.    Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters.
1.    EEOC Complaint.
IX.    The board reentered Open Session at 10:33pm and took no action.
X.    The board adjourned at 10:35pm.

Official minutes adopted on February 19, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, January 29, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees

510 West Mercer Street
Admin. Building
 Conference Room 109
6:30pm

I.    The January 29. 2004 Special Called Board Meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by Mr. Figer who noted that a quorum was present with Members Mike Figer, Lenny Olson, John Moore, Tim Kurpiewski, Eddie Oliver, and Susie Dudley.  Bill Brock arrived at 6:55 p.m.  Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Greg Jung and Debby Theis.
II.    Action/Report Items:
•    Mr. Jung provided a detailed overview of the DSHS Program Guide and Course Catalog for 2004-2005.  The catalog included information on DSHS Summer School Program and Dual Enrollment.  Following discussion and questions, Mr. Oliver made the motion to approve the DSHS Program Guide and Course Catalog, the DSHS Summer School Program, and Dual Enrollment offerings as presented.  Second by Mrs. Dudley.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
•    Mr. Shropshire presented an overview of the Central Texas Purchasing Alliance and proposed that DSISD participate in the alliance to improve efficiency, effectiveness and economy of procurement processes.  Following discussion and questions, Mr. Olson made the motion to approve the resolution to join the Central Texas Purchasing Alliance as read.  Second by Mr. Oliver.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

III.    Mrs. Ward presented the Superintendent’s Report:
•    Relevant dates for 2004 School Board Elections.
•    Reviewed School Board Member training records.
•    Confirmed early voting dates and times for DSISD Board Elections.
•    Gave status report on the following projects:  Baseball field lighting, DSHS track resurfacing, and Intermediate School activity calendar.
•    Reviewed the 2004-2005 School District calendar to be placed on the February agenda for confirmation.
•    Reviewed changes in the DSISD website.
•    Discussed web-based Board packet.
•    Provided Region 13 ESC Board of Directors filing information.
•    Reported on TASA Midwinter Administrator’s Conference.
•    Announced meeting of the Dripping Springs Historic Commission and encouraged members to attend since DSISD owns property within the historic district.
•    Provided information on the development of the Polo Country Club.
•    Read the letter from Roscoe’s Restaurant regarding beer and wine permit.
At this time the Board moved to item VI.

VI.    Announcements:
•    Mrs. Dudley commented on the outstanding production of “Oklahoma” by the DSHS students.
•    Mr. Figer reminded members to get quotes to Mrs. Ward for the district webpage.
IV.    The Board entered into Closed Session at 9:32 p.m. to discuss the following items:
A.    Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters;
1.    Superintendent’s evaluation.
2.    Superintendent’s contract.
V.    The Board then re-entered into Open Session at 11:40 p.m. and took the following action(s):
•    Mrs. Dudley made the motion to increase Kelley Strohschein from a half-time employee to a full-time employee which will increase work days of 197 to 220 work days of employment.  Second by Mr. Oliver.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
•    Mr. Moore made the motion to extend the Superintendent’s contract through June 30, 2007.  Second by Mr. Kurpiewski.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII.    The Board adjourned at 11:43 p.m.
 
Official minutes adopted on February 19, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, February 19, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees
510 West Mercer Street
Administration Building
Conference Room 109 - 5pm
 Boardroom - 7pm

I.    The February 19, 2004 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:10pm by Mike Figer, Board President, who noted a quorum present for a workshop session with members Mike Figer, Susie Dudley, John Moore, Bill Brock, and Tim Kurpiewski, and Lenny Olson in attendance. Eddie Oliver arrived at 6:30pm. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Donna Janssen, and Greg Jung.
II.    Workshop Session:
A.    Budget workshop #1.
B.    Set teambuilding date and topic.
At this time, 6:10pm, the Board went into Closed Session to discuss personnel issues (Cheerleading Sponsor(s)) and then returned to Open Session at 6:40pm and took no action.

The Board recessed at 6:45pm from the workshop session and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:00pm.  Mike Figer, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members Mike Figer, Lenny Olson, Susie Dudley, Bill Brock, Tim Kurpiewski, Eddie Oliver, and John Moore in attendance. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Ron Hill,  Tyler Damron, Greg Jung, Donna Janssen, Rhonda Whitman, Howard Ballard, Larry McGilvray, Dan Davis, Debby Theis, Gracy Capelo, and Charles Wood of the Century News. Business Manager, Jerry Scheider of DeskMap Systems. Members of the audience included DSISD counselor’s Karen Jones, Bridget Cave, Kelly Coffey, Carol Neimann, Julie McDonald, and Rhonda Duke.
III.    Opening Ceremony:
•    DSISD Counselor’s led the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.
•    Mr. Figer invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence.
IV.    Public Forum - None at this time.
V.    Superintendent’s Report:
A.    Awards/Recognitions:
1.    In recognition of National Counselors Month, Superintendent, Mary Ward presented tokens of appreciation to each counselor and expressed appreciation. Additionally, Mr. Figer presented certificates of recognition and expressed appreciation for their untiring efforts and dedication to the children of the district.
B.    Business Operations: Dwane Shropshire, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, reported on the following:
•    Gracy Capelo reported on Child Nutrition.
•    Dan Davis reported on the sale of surplus property.
•    2004-2005 Budget begins July 1, 2004.
•    Time system.
C.    Superintendent’s Office: Mary Ward, Superintendent, reported on the following:
•    Ron Hill reported on staffing and HRA’s proposed for state insurance.
•    Legislative Report:
o    Eanes ISD invitation.
o    ESC 13 / Legislative Meeting report.
o    Representative estimate of incentive analysis.
o    Special session.
•    Development Matrix Update.
•    Dripping Springs Historical District Proposal.
•    District 26AAAA UIL organization alignment.
•    School Board Election dates.
•    Belterra property.
•    D.E.C.
•    ESC dedication.
•    Technology Plan – NCLB changes.
•    March Board meeting.
•    Board webpage.
•    Handout provided with important dates.
VI.    Action/Report Items:

At this time, Mr. Figer moved to item D:
D.    Jerry Scheider, Business Manager of DeskMap Systems, presented an overview for DeskMap Systems and entertained questions from the board. Following discussion, Bill Brock made the motion, second by Tim Kurpiewski to authorize Administration to update a demographic study with Desk Map Systems.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
A.    Mike Figer read allowed a resolution for the 2004 Order of Election for DSISD Board of Trustees.  John Moore made the motion, second by Eddie Oliver to adopt the 2004 Order of Election for DSISD Board of Trustees as presented. (resolution attached)
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B.    Mike Figer announced School Board Training Credit for each board member:
                                 May 2003 to Current            Total To-Date:

Brock, Bill                 4.00                                      44.75
Dudley, Susie           17.00                                    162.25
Figer, Mike                9.00                                    182.75
Kurpiewski, Tim       24.50                                     24.50
Moore, John               2.00                                     87.25
Oliver, Eddie               6.00                                    85.75
Olson, Leonard          10.75                                  121.50
C.    Mary Ward led discussion of the 2004-2005 school calendar. John Moore made the motion, second by Susie Dudley to confirm the 2004-2005 school calendar as presented and approve the alternate proposed calendar if impacted by testing dates.
6 voted for (Mike Figer, Lenny Olson, John Moore, Bill Brock, Eddie Oliver, Susie Dudley)
1 voted against (Tim Kurpiewski)
MOTION CARRIED
E.    Mary Ward proposed the May regular meeting be changed due to the May election date moving from the first Saturday to the third Saturday in May.  Following discussion, Tim Kurpiewski made the motion, second by Lenny Olson to change the regular meeting date in May from the 20th to the 24th with a 5pm workshop and a 6pm regular meeting time.
6 voted for (Mike Figer, Lenny Olson John Moore, Bill Brock, Eddie Oliver, Tim Kurpiewski)
1 voted against (Susie Dudley)
MOTION CARRIED
F.    Mary Ward led discussion on the 2004-2005 Cheerleading Constitution for the Middle School. Mr. Jung led discussion and entertained questions on the 2004-2005 Cheerleading Constitution for the High School.
G.    Lenny Olson reported on the Facility Committee:
1.    Status on projects:
a)    High school track: SRI filed bankruptcy.  District went to Buy Board and found another     contractor through job contracting that can start and finish the repairs with the same cost as SRI.     Lenny Olson made    the motion, second by Bill Brock to authorize administration to enter into a     contract with Jamail Constructors for the completion of the High School track.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b)    Intermediate School Activity Center final plans on February 25, 2004.
c)    Baseball field lights are up with a punch list left to finalize project.
2.    Mr. Olson reported on the progress for obtaining a professional Architectural/Design service for future building programs.
3.    Mr. Olson reported on a Geotechnical service for a phase I environmental study.
H.    Mr. Figer had nothing to report for the Finance Committee.
VII.    At this time, Dwane Shropshire informed board members of a GSB 39 that has been approved and effective as of June 1, 2003 that requires school Districts report budgets of organizations such as booster clubs and PTO’s. Bill Brock made the motion, second by Susie Dudley to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
A.    Minutes for the following Meetings: January 15, 2004 and January 29, 2004.
B.    Monthly Tax/Financial Reports and Expenditures.
C.    Investment report.
D.    Tax Refunds Over $500 (if submitted).
E.    Budget Amendments.
F.    Any Leave-Of-Absences and/or New Personnel Contracts.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

VIII.    Announcements: Mary Ward reminded the board that the DSISD girl’s basketball team will be playing Friday at 8:00pm at San Marcos High School for area championship.

IX.    At this time, 9:19pm, the Board entered into Closed Session to discuss the following items:
A.    Consultation with Legal Counsel Regarding Pending Litigation.
B.    Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters.
1.    Evaluation and Contracts for DSISD Administrative Positions.
2.    EEOC Complaint.
X.    The Board reentered Open Session at 11:21pm and took the following actions:
A.    Possible Action on Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters Pursuant to Discussion in Closed Session.
1.    Following discussion, Susie Dudley made the motion, second by Eddie Oliver, to approve administrator contracts as recommended.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2.    Lenny Olson made the motion, second by Susie Dudley, to post payroll position.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
XI.    The Board adjourned at 11:25pm.


Official minutes adopted on March 25, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, March 1, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees
510 West Mercer Street
Administration Building
 Conference Room 109
6:30pm

I.    The March 1, 2004 SPECIAL CALLED BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:35pm by Mike Figer, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members Mike Figer, Lenny Olson, Eddie Oliver, John Moore, and Tim Kurpiewski in attendance. Susie Dudley and Bill Brock were absent. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Dan Davis, Donna Janssen, and Mark Engeling.

II.    Action/ Report Items:
A.    Dwane Shropshire presented the change in scope of work for the Intermediate Activity Center and specific reasons in the engineer’s proposal in doing so.  Following review of plans, estimated budget as well as further discussion, Mr. Olson made the motion to approve the scope of work as indicated in the revised plans and estimated budget.  Second by Oliver.  Mr. Kurpiewski expressed his concern for considering increased costs when the District could not consider more in teacher salaries and instructional costs.  Following further discussion, the vote was taken.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B.    Mr. Olson made the motion to authorize the administration to seek requests for sealed proposals for the Intermediate Activity Center.  Second by Oliver.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C.    Dwane Shropshire presented information regarding amending the Capital Area Planning Council (CAPCO) lease of site for air quality monitoring.  Olson made the motion to amend the CAPCO lease as proposed.  Second by Kurpiewski.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
III.    Superintendent’s Report: Mary Ward, Superintendent reported on the following items:
•    Status of site visitations regarding architectural/design services.
•    Reviewed important dates and events.

IV.    Closed Session not needed at this time.

V.    Announcements: None at this time.

VI.    Adjourned at 8:30pm.

Official minutes adopted on March 25, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, March 2, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees
510 West Mercer Street
Administration Building
Boardroom
6:30pm


I.    For the March 2, 2004 SPECIAL CALLED BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees a quorum was not present. The purpose of the meeting was for School Board Candidate Academy. Members present were Mike Figer and Bill Brock. Also present were Mary Ward and Dwane Shropshire. Meeting was not convened. Those present waited in case other participants should arrive.  Attendees left at 7:10 PM.

Official minutes adopted on March 25, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, March 8, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees
DS Middle School
Campus Offices
940 Highway 290 West
12:00pm

I.    The March 8, 2004 SPECIAL CALLED BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees members convened at 12:10pm. A quorum was not established. Members present were Susie Dudley and Bill Brock. Also present was Mary Ward.
II.    Student guides provided campus tour for members.  Members visited classrooms and other instructional settings until 3:30 PM.  Members then observed the Transportation Transfer on the Middle School Bus pad.  A variety of Middle School staff provided information on presentations made to the Texas Middle School Association state conference.

III.    Adjourned at 4:45pm.

Official minutes adopted on March 25, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, March 25, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees

510 West Mercer Street
Administration Building
5:00pm Conference Room 109
7:00pm Board Room

I.    The March 25, 2004 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:10pm by Mike Figer, Board President, who noted a quorum present for a workshop session with members Mike Figer, Susie Dudley, John Moore, Eddie Oliver, Bill Brock, and Tim Kurpiewski in attendance. Lenny Olson was absent. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Steve Benesh, Donna Janssen, Greg Jung, Tyler Damron, Ron Hill, Larry McGilvray, Shauna Kidd, Anne Walsh, and Janie Botkin. Members of the audience also included Andy Barrett, Don Bosse, Terry Mitchell, Stephan Farrett, and Ross Allen from Hazy Hills.
II.    Workshop Session:
A.    The land planner, Don Bosse, for Hazy Hills Ranch gave a presentation to the Board regarding the specifics of the development and entertained questions from the Board.
B.    Budget Workshop #2:
•    Janie Botkin discussed salary for more experienced teachers.
•    Ron Hill discussed salary surveys.
•    Dwane Shropshire discussed property values.
The Board recessed at 6:50pm from the workshop session and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:10pm.  Mike Figer, Board President, noted a quorum present with members Mike Figer, Lenny Olson, Susie Dudley, Bill Brock, Tim Kurpiewski, Eddie Oliver, and John Moore in attendance. Administrative staff present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Ron Hill, Tyler Damron, Greg Jung, Donna Janssen, Mike Cave, Larry McGilvray, Dan Davis, Debby Theis, Kathy Leopold, and Gracy Capelo. Steve Benesh, parent of the District and current school board candidate. Members of the audience also included: Ross Allen and Curtis Davidson of the Belterra subdivision, High School Athletic Trainer Mark Gardner, and 5 high school student athletic trainers, Child Nutrition Staff, High School Biology teacher Eric Blume, and Charles Wood of the Century News.
III.    Opening Ceremony:
•    High School Athletic Trainers led the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.
•    Mr. Figer invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence.
IV.    Public Forum - None at this time.
V.    Superintendent’s Report:
A.    Awards/Recognitions:
1.    Board President, Mike Figer and Superintendent, Mary Ward presented certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation to each Child Nutrition staff and expressed their appreciation for their untiring efforts and dedication to the children of the district.
2.    Mr. Figer and Mrs. Ward presented a certificate of appreciation in recognition of National Athletic Training Month to Mark Gardner, High School Athletic Trainer.  Mr. Gardner expressed his appreciation for the student trainers he has had the pleasure of working with. Students present to receive the certificate were: Misty Flett, Laura Miner, Phillip Fett, Billy Jordan, and Sean Owen.
B.    Business Operations: Dwane Shropshire, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, reported on the following:
1.    Budget progress.
2.    Filed an appeal on the Travis County property tax study.
3.    Gracy Capelo presented a handout from the Texas Department of Agriculture to the board and led discussion on Child Nutrition Policy.
C.    Human Resource and Learning:
•    Mike Cave presented results of the 3rd grade reading TAKS test.
•    Ron Hill reported on the following:
•    Recruiting efforts.
•    Shortage of bus drivers.
•    Mr. Hill will be attending a UT Job Fair on Tuesday, March 30, 2004.
•    Three day certification program course in June for Instructional Aides due to requirements from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
•    Progress update on the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction vacancy.
•    Blue Cross/Blue Shield Benefits and reimbursement training.
D.    Superintendent Office: Mary Ward, Superintendent, reported on the following:
•    Legislative update.
•    Hazy Hills property development status.
•    Tractor Supply Company on the corner of Peabody and Highway 290.
•    School Board Election.
•    TASB Summer Leadership in June.
•    Reschedule Teambuilding in May.
•    Important dates:
•    Tiger relay Friday, March 26.
•    New Teacher Orientation scheduled for May 6th at 3:45pm.
•    Spring Fling scheduled for April 3rd at the Intermediate School.
•    District Closed on April 9th for Easter Holidays.
•    Relay for Life scheduled for May 1st.
•    Texas Leadership Institute scheduled for April 20th in Bastrop.
•    Mrs. Ward interviews for KDRP radio show at 8am on Saturday, March 27th.
•    Update on the remodeling at the Administration building for new staff additions.
At this time, Mr. Figer moved to item VI, E, 2.
E.    Facility Committee:
2.    Mr. Olson and Mary Ward led discussion on the deed for the school site property in Belterra. Following discussion, Lenny Olson made the motion, second by Bill Brock to approve the warranty deed for the school site property in the Belterra subdivision contingent on acceptable language to Administration and District’s attorney.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
At this time, Mr. Figer moves to item VI. A.

VI.    Action/Report Item:
A.    The Board appointed a Textbook Selection Committee in December for the purposes of reviewing state adopted textbooks for high school biology and K-5 ESL.  All other textbooks up for adoption were canceled due to budget cuts at the Texas Education Agency. Eric Blume, High School Biology Teacher reported on his review of the biology textbooks. The Board and Administration commended Mr. Blume’s special attention to the biology textbooks and thanked him for his review.  Mary Ward led discussion regarding the recommendation of adopting all titles to give the District more flexibility in the future should it not be satisfied with the title selected and ordered.  Following discussion, Susie Dudley made the motion, second by Tim Kurpiewski to adopt all titles as recommended.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

B.    Mary Ward informed the Board that the State Assessment Testing Calendar has been approved by the Commissioner of Education and distributed to school districts.  Those changes to the calendar have impacted the previously approved calendars.  The District-wide Education Council (DWEIC) recommended the final calendar for 2004-2005. Following discussion, John Moore made the motion, second by Lenny Olson to approve the alternate 2 final 2004-2005 School Calendar as recommended.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

C.    Mary Ward informed the Board that members of the ESC 13 Board of Directors are elected by the local school boards across the region. An explanatory memo from Pat Pringle, Executive Director of ESC 13 was provided as well as resumes for each candidate.  Ballots were provided to each Board member.  Board members cast their votes by completing the ballot and sealing it in an envelope.  Mrs. Ward certified names of the members voting and will forward the sealed envelopes to ESC 13.
D.    Kathy Leopold, Technology Coordinator, discussed the correlations of No Child Left Behind and E-Rate. The Texas Education Agency required all district’s to revise their Long Range Plan for Technology. The revisions constitute placing it in a new format, identifying the NCLB Correlates and E-Rate Correlates, and taking it back to the Board for approval. She stated that there were no substantive changes to the plan that had been approved by the Board in 2003 and that items that had been accomplished have not been repeated in the plan.  Following discussion, Bill Brock made the motion, second by Eddie Oliver, to approve the revised DSISD Long Range Plan for Technology as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
At this time, Mr. Figer moved to item G and H and then back to E.
G.    Mr. Figer certified the unopposed candidates. The Board discussed their options to cancel the 2004 School Board Election.  Only two candidates filed for two spots to fill.  Following discussion, Lenny Olson made the motion, second by Susie Dudley to declare the unopposed candidates, Mr. Bill Brock and Mr. Steve Benesh, as elected to the DSISD Board of Trustees, and that the May 15, 2004 School Board Election cancelled.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
H.    The Board discussed the option to change the May 24, 2004 regular board meeting back to May 20, 2004 due to canceling the 2004 School Board Election.  Following discussion, Bill Brock made the motion, second by Eddie Oliver to change the May School Board meeting date to May 20, 2004.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
E.    Facility Committee:
1.    Mr. Olson recapped the progress for selection of Architectural/Design services. Bill Brock and Eddie Oliver presented their recommendations of the final two Architectural/Design Services to interview, Fields and Associates and O’Connell Robertson Associates. Following discussion, Lenny Olson made the motion, second by Bill Brock to accept the final list of Architectural/Design Services as presented. 
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

At this time, Mr. Olson scheduled a Board meeting for April 6th at 5pm in the Board Room to interview finalists for Architectural/Design Services.
3.    Mr. Olson reported on following pending projects:
a.    Punch list pending completion for the Baseball field lights. They are working.
b.    High school track striped tonight with track meet starting tomorrow (Friday).
c.    Bid has gone out for the Intermediate School Activity Center. Prebid conference is March 30th with the closing date on April 6th.
4.    Well at Sports Park went back on the City’s agenda.
F.    Mr. Figer reported for the Finance Committee on the following:
3.    Audit proposal.
4.    Finance Committee meetings scheduled for April 5 and April 8 at 7:30am.
VII.    Lenny Olson made the motion, second by Eddie Oliver to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
A.    Minutes of the Meetings of February 19, 2004, March 1, 2004, March 2, 2004, and March 8, 2004
B.    Monthly Tax/Financial Reports and Expenditures
C.    Investment Report
D.    Tax Refunds Over $500 (if submitted)
E.    Budget Amendments
F.    Any Leave-Of-Absences and/or New Personnel Contracts
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

VIII.    Announcements: Tim Kurpiewski and Susie Dudley attended the Finance Forum at Westlake High School with Patrick Rose and Todd Baxter as the presenters.  Susie Dudley will be attending a Roundtable on School Finance held at St. Edwards University.  John Moore asked about banquet dates.

Lenny Olson left the meeting at 9:32pm.

IX.    At this time, 9:32pm, the Board entered into Closed Session to discuss the following items:
A.    Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters.
B.    Teacher and Other Certified Professional Personnel Evaluations and Contracts.
X.    The Board reentered Open Session at 11:25pm and took the following actions:
A.    No action was taken on Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters Pursuant to Discussion in Closed Session.
B.    John Moore made the motion, second by Tim Kurpiewski, to approve teacher and other professional certified contracts as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
XI.    The Board adjourned at 11:28pm.

Official minutes adopted on April 15, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, April 6, 2004                                                              DSISD Board of Trustees

510 West Mercer Street
Administration Building
 Boardroom
5:00pm

I.    The April 6, 2004 SPECIAL CALLED BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:20pm by Mike Figer, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members Mike Figer, Eddie Oliver, Susie Dudley, Lenny Olson, John Moore, and Bill Brock in attendance. Tim Kurpiewski was absent. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Dan Davis, Steve Benesh, and Dave Watts.

II.    Interview Finalists for Architectural/Design Services: Mr. Figer organized the Board for final interviews for architectural/design services by distributing questions, members selecting questions to ask of the candidate firms, discussing extension of questions and responses, and format of interviews (firm presentation of no more than 30 minutes, question and answer session for one hour, followed by debriefing among members). 
•    The Board conducted the interview of Fields and Associates at 6:00 PM.  Firm participants included Chuck Fields, Johnny Fields, Ken Fields, John Barry, Michael Brack (consultant), Mike Green (consultant) and Diane Steinbrook (consultant).
•    The Board conducted the interview of O’Connell, Robertson and Associates at 8:00 PM.  Firm participants included Bill Adair, Daniel Perez, Kim Cochran, Amy Jones, and Michael Brack (consultant). 
•    Board members debriefed between interviews and following the last interview.  Additional site visitations will not be scheduled.  The Board directed the Superintendent to post a special called meeting for final deliberation and action to negotiate a contract with one of the firms.
III.    Superintendent’s Report: Mary Ward reported on the following items:
•    Dwane Shropshire distributed responses to RFQ’s for audit services to members that are not on the Finance Committee.
•    Facility Committee deferred scheduling a meeting to review bids for the Intermediate Activity Center to the full board during the 5:00pm workshop on April 15th  .
•    Identified attendees for the TASB Summer Leadership Conference.
•    Publicity opportunity for Belterra Deed acceptance on the development to be arranged.
•    Board packets to be mailed on Thursday, April 8th .
IV.    Announcements: None at this time.

V.    The Board adjourned at 11:07 PM.

Official minutes adopted on April 15, 2004 and signed by Mike Figer, President and John Moore, Secretary of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

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Minutes, April 15, 2004                                                                                                  DSISD Board of Trustees

Regular Board Meeting
510 West Mercer Street
Administration Building
5:00pm Conference Room 109
7:00pm Boardroom 

I.    The April 15, 2004 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:20pm by Mike Figer, Board President, who noted a quorum present for a workshop session with members Mike Figer, Susie Dudley, John Moore, Bill Brock, and Tim Kurpiewski in attendance. Lenny Olson and Eddie Oliver were absent. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Steve Benesh, Donna Janssen, Greg Jung, Tyler Damron, Ron Hill, Dan Davis, and Debby Theis.

II.    Workshop Session:
A.    Intermediate School Activity Center: The Board reviewed bid tabulations and to discuss the options offered in the alternate bids, and to formulate a recommendation for consideration in regular session.
B.    Budget Workshop #4:
•    The Board continued discussion regarding salary concerns initiated in Budget Workshop #3.
•    Reviewed benefit implications under TRS – Active Care.
•    Discussed other critical budget considerations, received updates on legislation relating to school finance, and philosophy for budget approach. 

The Board recessed at 6:48pm from the workshop session and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:11pm.  Mike Figer, Board President, noted a quorum present with members Mike Figer, Susie Dudley, Bill Brock, Tim Kurpiewski, and John Moore in attendance. Lenny Olson and Eddie Oliver were absent. Also present were Mary Ward, Dwane Shropshire, Ron Hill, Tyler Damron, Greg Jung, Donna Janssen, Mike Cave, Dan Davis, Amy Kadlecek, Liz Wallin, and Debby Theis. Steve Benesh, parent of the District and current school board candidate. Members of the audience also included Jan Lowery, a graduate student in education from Texas State University, Eric Ehman of Grace Point Fellowship, and Charles Wood of the Century News.

III.    Opening Ceremony:
A.    Amy Kadlecek and Liz Wallin, Gifted and Talented Coordinator’s, led the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.
B.    Mike Figer invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence.
IV.    Public Forum: None at this time.
V.    Superintendent’s Report:
A.    Awards/Recognitions:
•    Darren Creech of Wells Far