Joaquin ISD Minutes of Feb 18th School Board Meeting

February 20, 2019 - The Board conducted a public hearing in accordance with Texas Education Code 39.053 to discuss the District’s educational performance on the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) during its’ regular February 18th board meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Joaquin Board Room.

The Joaquin ISD School Board met February 18, 2019 in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the Joaquin Boardroom with the following members present: Chrisco Bragg, Tam Hearnsberger, Bill Mason, Jr., Thomas Harvey, Ronnie Belrose, Jeff Cater and Brandon Neal. No board members were absent. Guest present was Wayne Haglund, Attorney. Joaquin ISD Employees present were Phil Worsham, Superintendent; Joel Bumback, Director of Finance; Sherry Scruggs, Elementary Principal, Terri Gray, Jr. High/High School Principal; Bert Coan, Elementary Assistant Principal; Jon Jones, Assistant Jr. High/High School Principal; and Kathy Carrington, Special Education Director.

Chrisco Bragg, President, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2) The invocation was led by Chrisco Bragg, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America by Bill Mason, Jr., and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Ronnie Belrose.

3) Audience Participation – Those signed up and participating were: None

4) Report and Information items:

4.1 Review Monthly Financial Reports – Joel Bumback
4.2 Texas Academic Performance Report and Hearing
4.3 Joaquin ISD campus Safety and Security Update
4.4 JISD Stipends
4.5 Report on who signed up to run for Board positions
4.6 Correspondence

5) Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action:

5.1 It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Jeff Cater, to approve the previous meetings minutes. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.
5.2 It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to approve the transfer policy (attached). Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.
5.3 It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Thomas Harvey, to approve request for proposal for fiber communication subject to ERATE funding. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. The vote was 6 for and 1 against (Chrisco Bragg). Motion carried.
5.4 It was moved by Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Bill Mason, Jr., to not appeal this case to the Texas Supreme Court – La Feria ISD, Joaquin ISD and The Equity Center v. Mike Morath, Commissioner of Education, and TEA. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.
5.5 It was moved by Jeff Cater, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to adopt, delete and/or revise Joaquin ISD Local policies, in accordance with TASB update 112 instruction sheets. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.

6) Enter Closed Session

The board entered closed session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Section at 6:36 p.m. on February 18, 2019. 

6.1 Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes:

§551.071 An executive session will be held for the purpose of having private consultation with the Board’s attorney when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer, or on a matter in which the duty of counsel to his client, under the Code of Professional Responsibility of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Act.
551.074 Deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.

6.1.1 Resignation and Retirements
6.1.2 Principal contracts
6.1.3 Discuss Superintendent search

7) Return to Open Session - Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:

The board entered open session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at 7:35 p.m. on February 18, 2019 and took the following actions.

7.1.1 It was moved by Jeff Cater, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to accept the letter of notice of retirement from Monica Smith and a letter of resignation from Mary Hovey. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.
7.1.2 It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Thomas Harvey, to approve a one year extension of Terri Gray and Sherry Scruggs principal contracts. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.
7.1.3 It was moved by Jeff Cater, and seconded by Brandon Neal, that the Board will do the Superintendent search with advice and assistance from the Haglund Law Firm of Lufkin, Texas. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.

8) Chrisco Bragg, Board President, ask for items to be placed on the next board agenda.

9) Designation of date and time of next meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin ISD – March 25th at 6:00 p.m.

10) With no further business on the agenda the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.