2007 BOT Minutes

I. The January 17. 2008 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order to conduct a Workshop at 5:09pm, Lenny Olson, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members, Lenny Olson, Curtis Wilson, John Moore, Steve Benesh, Caroline Pekarek, and John Adams in attendance. Absent was Tim Kurpiewski. Also present were Mard Herrick, Dwane Shropshire, Glenn Chapin, Greg Jung, Dan Davis, Rhonda Whitman, Ron Hill, and John Brauss. As well as Norma Dale.

II. The Board and Administrators discussed the following in Workshop Session:

    A.    EIC Local Policy: Class Ranking (First Reading).
    B.    Construction Manager At Risk Request for Proposal.
    C.    TEPSA Class Program: Center for Leadership and Student Success.

III. The Board recessed at 6:22pm from the Workshop Session and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:04pm by Lenny Olson, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members Lenny Olson, Steve Benesh, John Adams, Curtis Wilson, Tim Kurpiewski, Caroline Pekarek, and John Moore all in attendance. Also present were Dr. Mard Herrick, Greg Jung, Kim Gravell, Glenn Chapin, Holly Cargill, Rhonda Whitman, Deborah Albers, John Brauss, Kathy Leopold, Laurinda Schaertl, Howard Ballard, Larry McGilvray, Dan Davis, and Ron Hill.

IV. Opening Ceremony:

A. Principal Albers of Dripping Springs Elementary School introduced the 5th grade Flag Team who then lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.
B. Lenny Olson invited the audience to join him in a Moment of Silence.

V. Public Forum: None at this time.

VI. Awards/Recognitions:

A. Superintendent, Dr. Mard Herrick, presented certificates to each Board member in recognition of School Board Recognition Month expressing the Administration’s appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the DSISD students and families. Ann Walsh with ATPE, and Randy Hall with DSEA presented bags of goodies and expressed their appreciation. At this time, 7:14pm the Board recessed for refreshments and then returned to the regular session at 7:30pm.

VII. Administration Reports were given as follows:

    A.    Office of the Superintendent: Dr. Mard Herrick

    1.    Enrollment Report.
    2.    Legislative Report.
    3.    Important Date(s).

    a.    Student Holiday/Staff Workday - January 21st.

    B.    Office of Human Resources: Ron Hill

    1.    Staffing.

    C.    Office of Business Operation: Dwane Shropshire

    1.    Jenny Daily, DSHS Librarian gave a presentation of the new software Destiny and entertained questions of the Board.
    2.    Texas Clean School Bus Grant.
    3.    Mid-Year PEIMS Submission.

    D.    Office of Curriculum and Instruction: Glenn Chapin

    1.    Mr. Chapin gave a power point presentation of the DSISD Learning Model and entertained questions and comments of the Board.

VIII. Items Discussed are as follows:

    A.    Cheerleader Constitution/Program Guide.
    B.    DSHS Course Offering Handbook.
    C.    Drill Team Constitution/Program Guide.

IX. Committee's Reports/Discussion/Possible Action Items as follows:

    A.    Steve Benesh gave the Facility Committee Report as follows:

    1.    Update on Current Construction, Engineering, and Contracts.
    2.    Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Caroline Pekarek to Authorize Release of Retainage of $36,004.70 to TFE for District-Wide Video Distribution Network and Projection Systems at Rooster Springs Elementary School as recommended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Caroline Pekarek to approve the Facility Lease Agreement Between DSISD and DS Vocational Ag Booster Association (Jan. to Dec. 2008).

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    4.    Construction Manager At Risk Request for Proposal.
    5.    Project Priorities.
    6.    Board pulled budget amendment out from consent to discuss. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Moore to approve a budget amendment of $934,920 to purchase an artificial turf for the high school stadium field.

6 in favor
1 opposed (Lenny Olson)

MOTION CARRIED

    B.    Tim Kurpiewski gave the Finance Committee Report as follows:

    1.    Update.
    2.    Revised 2004-2005 Final Summary of Finances.
    3.    Bond Issuance Process - Timing, Method of Sale, Underwriters, Bond Ratings, PSF and Bond Insurance.
    4.    2008-2009 Budget Calendar.

    C.    Tim Kurpiewski gave the DS Parks Commission Report as follows:

    1.    Nothing to report.

X. Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Adams to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:

    A.    Minutes for the Following Dates:

    1.    December 13, 2007 (Regular).

    B.    Checks by Month.
    C.    Levy Collection.
    D.    Revenue Reports.
    E.    Average Daily Attendance.
    F.    Tax Collection Report.
    G.    Investment Report.
    H.    Tax Refunds Over $500 (if submitted).
    I.    Budget Amendments (if submitted).
    J.    Any Leave - of - Absence and/or New Personnel Contracts (if submitted).
    K.    EIC Local Policy: Class Ranking (First Reading).

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

XI. Announcements: Retirees. TASB recognizes Curtis Wilson as new Trustee. Explore UT. DS Education Foundation’s Casino Night fundraiser.

XII. At this time, 9:28pm the Board went into Closed Session to discuss the following:

    A.    Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters

    1.    Property Acquisition/Sale.
    2.    Employment of Personnel and Professional Employment Contracts, Leave Matters.

    a.    Conduct Superintendent Evaluation.

    (1)    Superintendent Contract.

XIII. The Board reentered Open Session at 11:45pm and took the following action.

    A.    Possible Action Regarding Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters Pursuant to Discussion in Closed Session

    1.    Property Acquisition/Sale.
    2.    Employment of Personnel and Professional Employment Contracts, Leave Matters:

    a.    Conduct Superintendent Evaluation.

    (1)    Following discussion, John Adams made the motion, second by Tim Kurpiewski to extend Superintendent Contract to June 30, 2011.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

XIV. The Board adjourned at 11:46pm.

I. The February 21, 2008 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order to conduct a Workshop at 5:19pm, Lenny Olson, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members, Lenny Olson, Curtis Wilson, John Moore, Steve Benesh, Caroline Pekarek, and John Adams in attendance. Absent was Tim Kurpiewski. Also present were Mard Herrick, Dwane Shropshire, Glenn Chapin, Greg Jung, Holly Cargill, Kim Gravell, Larry McGilvray, Deborah Albers, Sandy Gravenor, Debby Theis, Dan Davis, Rhonda Whitman, Ron Hill, and John Brauss.

II. The Board and Administrators discussed the following in Workshop Session:

    A.    Local Policy Manual Update 82 (Information Only).
    B.    Budget Workshop #1:

    1.    Taxable Value Audit for the 2005 Tax Year.
    2.    2007 CPTD Property Value Study.
    3.    2008-2009 Budget Calendar.
    4.    Enrollment Projections.
    5.    Staffing.
    6.    Salary Study.
    7.    Employee Child Care Benefit.
    8.    Transportation Information.

    C.    Middle School Science Fair.
    D.    Elementary UIL.
    E.    Portfolio.
    F.    Award Ceremonies in May.
    G.    Superintendent Goals and Strategic Planning.

III. The Board recessed at 7:02pm from the Workshop Session and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:18pm by Lenny Olson, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members Lenny Olson, Steve Benesh, John Adams, Curtis Wilson, Caroline Pekarek, and John Moore all in attendance. Tim Kurpiewski was absent. Also present were Dr. Mard Herrick, Greg Jung, Kim Gravell, Glenn Chapin, Holly Cargill, Rhonda Whitman, Deborah Albers, Gracy Capelo, John Brauss, Kathy Leopold, Howard Ballard, Larry McGilvray, Dan Davis, and Ron Hill. Also present were Shelley Reeves and Ted Lehr.

IV. Opening Ceremony

A. Holly Cargill, Principal of Walnut Springs Elementary School introduced UIL participants who then lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.
B. Lenny Olson invited the audience to join him in a Moment of Silence.

V.    Public Forum: Ted Lehr addressed the Board regarding Bond Committee issues.

VI.    Awards/Recognitions: None at this time.

VII.    Administration Reports were given as follows:

    A.    Office of the Superintendent: Dr. Mard Herrick:

    1.    Enrollment Report.
    2.    Legislative Report.
    3.    Important Date(s):
    a.    Election Timelines.
    4.    UIL Realignment.
    5.             Dwane Shropshire was appointed TASBO.
    6.             Fundraiser Casino Night by Education Foundation.

    B.    Office of Human Resources: Ron Hill:

    1.    Staffing.
    2.    Other Items.

    C.    Office of Business Operation: Dwane Shropshire:

    1.    "Wild About Good Nutrition" Calendar Pictures.
    2.    National Child Nutrition Month – March.
    3.    Texas Clean School Bus Grant.
    4.    Transportation - School Buses A/C.

    D.    Office of Curriculum and Instruction: Glenn Chapin:

    1.    Gifted and Talented Assessment.
    2.    Textbook Adoption.
    3.    Learning Module.
    4.    Benchmarking.

VIII. Discussion/Possible Action Items:

A. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Curtis Wilson to Adopt 2008 Order and Notice of the May Election for the DSISD Board of Trustees as amended to reflect precinct changes and note that Tim Kurpiewski absent.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

B. Lenny Olson announced of School Board Training Credit as follows:

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING HOURS AS OF 2/11/08:

                                May 2007 to Current    Total To-Date:

Adams, John                          37.00                  86.00
Benesh, Steve                        14.50                65.25
Kurpiewski, Tim                    10.75                  62.25
Moore, John                                                    123.00
Olson, Leonard                        11.25             184.75
Pekarek, Caroline                    30.25                  64.50
Wilson, Curtis                            25.00                 25.00

C. Following discussion, John Moore made the motion, second by John Adams to accept the DSISD Mileage and Travel Reimbursement Rates as recommended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

D. Following discussion, Caroline Pekarek made the motion, second by Steve Benesh to Accept the Portable Word Processing Keyboard Machines Proposal as recommended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

E. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Adams to approve the 2008-2009 DSISD School Calendar as recommended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

IX. Committee's Reports/Discussion/Possible Action Items as follows:

    A.    Steve Benesh gave the Facility Committee Report as follows:

    1.    Update on Current Construction, Engineering, and Contracts.
    2.    Project Priorities: Administration Building renovation. Workforce for the District.
    3.    Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Moore to Approve Applications for Substantial Completion of Rooster Springs Elementary School Building Exterior Only. Including the Building Exterior, Civil engineering Scope of Work, Exterior Site-work, Landscape and Irrigation.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Other Items: Extensive discussion took place regarding the Construction Manager At Risk for both Middle School and High School. The Board provided direction to administration and bring back to a Special Called meeting on March 6th @ 6:30pm.

    B.    John Adams gave the Finance Committee Report as follows:

    1.    Update.
    2.    Discussion with Financial Advisor regarding Bond Issuance Process - Timing, Method of Sale, Underwriters, Bond Ratings, PSF and Bond Insurance.
    3.    Other Items.

    C.    No DS Parks Commission Report.

X. Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Adams to approve the Consent Agenda with corrections to minutes:

    A.    Minutes for the Following Dates:

    1.    January 17, 2008 (Regular).
    2.    February 11, 2008 (Special).

    B.    Checks by Month.
    C.    Levy Collection.
    D.    Revenue Reports.
    E.    Average Daily Attendance.
    F.    Tax Collection Report.
    G.    Investment Report.
    H.    Tax Refunds Over $500 (if submitted).
    I.    Budget Amendments (if submitted).
    J.    Any Leave - of - Absence and/or New Personnel Contracts (if submitted).
    K.    EIC Local Policy: Class Ranking (Second Reading).

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

XI. Announcements: Lenny Olson is not running for reelection.

XII. At this time, 8:55pm the Board went into Closed Session to discuss the following:

    A.    Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters:

    1.    Property Acquisition/Sale.
    2.    Employment of Personnel and Professional Employment Contracts, Leave Matters:

    a.    Evaluations and Contracts for DSISD Administrative Positions.

XIII. The Board reentered Open Session at 10:35pm and took the following action.

    A.    Possible Action Regarding Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters Pursuant to Discussion in Closed Session:

    1.    Property Acquisition/Sale.
    2.    Employment of Personnel and Professional Employment Contracts, Leave Matters:

    a.    Following discussion, John Adams made the motion, second by Curtis Wilson to approve Evaluations and Contracts for DSISD Administrative Positions as recommended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

XIV. The Board adjourned at 10:37pm.

I. The March 6, 2008 SPECIAL CALLED BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:37pm, Lenny Olson, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members, Lenny Olson, John Moore, Curtis Wilson, Caroline Pekarek, Steve Benesh, Tim Kurpiewski, and John Adams all in attendance. Also present was Mard Herrick, Dwane Shropshire, Cristina Chavez, and Ted Lehr.

II. Discussion/Possible Action Items:

A. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Caroline Pekarek to Accept the Proposal for Construction Manager At-Risk for Additions and Renovations at the Dripping Springs High School and Dripping Springs Middle School and Authorize the Administration to Negotiate and Sign a Contract as recommended.

6 For - Lenny Olson, John Moore, Steve Benesh, Tim Kurpiewski, Caroline Pekarek, John Adams
1 Opposed - Curtis Wilson

MOTION CARRIED

B. Following discussion, John Adams made the motion, second by Curtis Wilson to Approve Hays Trinity Ground Water District Joint Election Agreement with DSISD

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

C. Following discussion, Caroline Pekarek made the motion, second by Steve Benesh to Approve Superintendent Goals

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

D. Following discussion, Caroline Pekarek made the motion, second by Tim Kurpiewski to approve Purchase of Buses.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    E.    Strategic Planning Process.
    F.    Award Ceremonies in May.
    G.    Other: Ted Lehr addressed the Board regarding the district’s relationship with the City.

III. At this time, 8:18pm the Board went into Closed Session to discuss the following:

A. Discussion of Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters.

IV. The Board reentered Open Session at 9:18pm and took no action for the following:

A. Possible Action Regarding Personnel, Legal, Student Discipline and/or Real Estate Matters Pursuant to Discussion in Closed Session.

V. The Board adjourned at 9:19pm.

I. The March 20, 2008 REGULAR BOARD meeting of the Dripping Springs Independent School Board of Trustees was called to order to conduct a Workshop at 5:10pm, John Moore, Board Vice President, who noted a quorum present with members, Lenny Olson (arrived at 5:13pm), Curtis Wilson, John Moore, Steve Benesh, Caroline Pekarek (arrived at 5:52pm), John Adams, and Tim Kurpiewski all in attendance. Also present were Mard Herrick, Dwane Shropshire, Glenn Chapin, Greg Jung, Holly Cargill, Kim Gravell, Larry McGilvray, Deborah Albers, Sandy Gravenor, Gracy Capelo, Nanci Freeborg, Debby Theis, Dan Davis, Rhonda Whitman, Ron Hill, and John Brauss.

II. The Board and Administrators discussed the following in Workshop Session:

    A.    Budget Workshop #3:

    1.    Expenditure Targets.
    2.    State and Federal Funding.
    3.    Salary Survey.
    4.    Property Values.
    5.    Staffing Guidelines.
    6.    Enrollment Projections.

    B.    Local Policy Manual Update 82 (First Reading).

III. The Board recessed at 6:18pm from the Workshop Session and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:11pm by Lenny Olson, Board President, who noted a quorum present with members Lenny Olson, Steve Benesh, John Adams, Curtis Wilson, Caroline Pekarek, Tim Kurpiewski, and John Moore all in attendance. Also present were Dr. Mard Herrick, Greg Jung, Kim Gravell, Rhonda Whitman, Glenn Chapin, Holly Cargill, Deborah Albers, Gracy Capelo, John Brauss, Kathy Leopold, Howard Ballard, Larry McGilvray, Dan Davis, and Ron Hill. Also present were staff from the Child Nutrition Department. Also present were Shelley Reeves, Julien Carter, and Ted Lehr.

IV. Opening Ceremony:

A. Child Nutrition Department Staff lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.
B. Lenny Olson invited the audience to join him in a Moment of Silence.

VI. The Board then moved to Awards/Recognitions:

A. National Child Nutrition Month Appreciation: Board President, Lenny Olson and Superintendent, Mard Herrick presented certificates of recognition each Child Nutrition staff and expressed their appreciation for their untiring efforts and dedication to the children of the district.

The Board then recessed at 7:18pm for refreshments in recognition of National Child Nutrition Appreciation Month. The board then returned to regular session at 7:31pm.

V.    Public Forum:

Gary Keil of American Constructors thanked Fields and Associates, Chuck Fields and presented an Award of Excellence plaque and sculpture to the Board of Trustee in recognition of Rooster Springs Elementary Schools.

Shane Hausman asked questions of the Board regarding Rooster Springs Elementary School and High Pointe, Secondary School Study Group, as well as Land donated by Pulte Homes.

Paul Ballett addressed the Board regarding the demographic study and issues regarding the rezoning possibilities for Heritage Oaks.

Anne Elizabeth Hall addressed the Board regarding the fast growth changes within 7 months.

Carol Harper addressed the Board regarding Meadow Creek Ranch. Informed Board that only 8 elementary children live in this subdivision that is in full build out. They do not anticipate other elementary age children in the future to impact Rooster Springs Elementary and asked that their children stay for the remainder of their elementary school years.

Jacque Barclay addressed the Board regarding High Pointe subdivision wanting to stay at Rooster Springs Elementary. Neighborhoods are fighting about who deserves to stay and who should go. This is dividing the community and the school atmosphere is also affected. Transportation issues.

David Longenecker of Heritage Oaks addressed the Board regarding rezoning.

Lenny Olson shared facts regarding demographic study and attendance zone issues. Dr. Herrick informed the audience a process of the changes to come. Audience was informed to check the website for future information.

VII.    Administration Reports:

    A.    Office of the Superintendent: Dr. Mard Herrick:

    1.    National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Date.
    2.    Enrollment Report.
    3.    Legislative Report.
    4.    Important Date(s):

    a.    Election Timelines.

    B.    Office of Human Resources: Ron Hill:

    1.    Staffing.
    2.    Finger Printing.

    C.    Office of Business Operation: Dwane Shropshire:

    1.    National Child Nutrition Month.

    D.    Office of Curriculum and Instruction: Glenn Chapin:

    1.    Health Program/DVD for 5th Grade.
    2.    TAKS Preliminary Results coming soon.

VIII. Discussion/Possible Action Items: (moved to D. then back to A.)

D. Steve Stewart gave a presentation of the Preliminary Demographic Study Enrollment Projections. Following heavy discussion the Board as a whole agree to retain the current school zones for 08-09, prepare an 09-10 school year plan for rezone to allow sufficient notice to parents, allow for transition options prior to 09-10 changes.
A. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Moore to Approve a Request from Gateway Hill Country Church to Extend Facility Usage Beyond 3 Months.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

B. Following discussion, John Moore made the motion, second by Curtis Wilson to Approve the ACC Dual Enrollment Courses.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

C. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Caroline Pekarek to Approve the Elementary Math Textbook Adoption Recommendation.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

E. Following discussion, John Moore made the motion, second by John Adams to Resolution to Sanction 4-H as an Extracurricular Activity.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

F. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Moore to approve the facility use agreement with the city for Founders Day Celebration with the understanding that the City will provide Administration assurance as indicated.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

IX. Committee's Reports/Discussion/Possible Action Items:

    A.    Steve Benesh gave the Facility Committee Report as follows:

    1.    Update on Current Construction, Engineering, and Contracts.

Moved to the following:

3.    Jason McCombs and Jason Anders of O’Connell Robertson gave a presentation and entertained questions of the Board. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Caroline Pekarek to Accept Concept and Schematic Design of the New Dripping Springs Middle School.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Elias Haddad of Cunningham Allen and Associates gave a presentation and entertained questions of the Board. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by John Moore to Accept Concept, Schematic, and Design Development of the High School Stadium and Field Renovation.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Following discussion, Steve Benesh made the motion, second by Caroline Pekarek to Accept High School Stadium and Field Renovation Proposal.

Opposed - Lenny Olson
Accepted – John Moore, Steve Benesh, John Adams, Caroline Pekarek, Tim Kurpiewski, and Curtis Wilson

MOTION CARRIED

    2.    Did not discuss Level of Construction Authority.
    6.    Did not discuss Project Priorities.
    7.    Did not discuss Outdoor Classroom.
    8.    Did not discuss Lockers at the Middle School & High School.

    B.    Tim Kurpiewski gave the Finance Committee Report:

    1.    Update. Meeting was canceled.
    2.    Discussion with Financial Advisor regarding Bond Issuance Process - Timing, Method of Sale, Underwriters, Bond Ratings, PSF and Bond Insurance.
    3.    Series 2005 Bond Issue.

    C.    Tim Kurpiewski gave the DS Parks Commission Report:

    1.    Update.

X. Lenny Olson made the motion, second by Steve Benesh to approve Consent Agenda Items as follows pulling item J: Any Leave of absence and/or New Personnel Contracts:

    A.    Minutes for the Following Dates:

    1.    February 21, 2008 (Regular).
    2.    February 28, 2008 (Special).
    3.    March 6, 2008 (Special).

    B.    Checks by Month.
    C.    Levy Collection.
    D.    Revenue Reports.
    E.    Average Daily Attendance.
    F.    Tax Collection Report.
    G.    Investment Report.
    H.    Tax Refunds Over $500 (if submitted).

2008 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.

Board Minutes for 2008