FISD recognizes students and growth

During its regular Mar. 04, 2019 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met and in summary: recognized athletes, music and cheer qualifiers, heard from Synergy program students, approved new roof for Criswell and Advisory Committee.

  • Held a 50-minute Visioning Workshop, regarding the Facility Advisory Committee.
  • U.S. Flag - Secondary Student-of-the-Month, Blessing Onwuanegbule, 8th Grade Student at Brown Middle School - Dr. Pam Luttrull, Principal at Brown Middle School said Blessing is in several advanced classes, in theater including UIL one-act play competition, and related positive comments from her teachers.
  • Texas Flag - Elementary Student-of-the-Month, Chance Allen, 6th Grade Student at Johnson Elementary School - Katie Wilson (substituted for Mrs. Nancy McElroy, Principal at Johnson Elementary) said Chance's teachers say he's an exceptional student, with contagious enthusiasm, and a free-thinker.
  • All-State Academic for Swimming: Mr. Neal Weaver, Director of Athletics, said swim team is one of fastest-growing programs, won district championship for 3rd year in a row, has about doubled in last 3 years.
  • North Forney High School
    • Jeff Sharp - Honorable Mention

  • Swim Team State Qualifiers Mr. Weaver
  • North Forney High School
    • Jeff Sharp - Diving,

  • Forney High School
    • Skye Hoover - Diving
    • Bryce Benson - Diving
    • Andrew Gilbert - 500 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay
    • Logan Pritchett - 400 Free Relay
    • Jon Lindemann - 400 Free Relay
    • Justin Stephens - 400 Free Relay
    • Nick Theriot - 400 Free Relay
    • Michael Gilbert - 400 Free Relay

  • All - State Musicians - Mario Luna, Director of Fine Arts introduced:
    • Madeline Burer, 12th Grade Student at North Forney High School
    • Gabriel Rios, 11th Grade Student at North Forney High School

  • National Champions - Mr. Luna said they competed in national cheer association in the spirit program where they placed first:
    • Forney High School Competition Cheerleaders

  • Forney Education Foundation - Ms. Kate Bell-Keierleber, Executive Director of Forney Education Foundation said Coserv is very charitable organization, introduced representatives who presented the check, which is their second donation, to support dual-credit programs.
  • Public Comment - no public input.
  • Monthly Financial Report - Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer presented the data, higher collection rate from previous year mostly due to calendar. Expenditures about 55%, same as last year. Debt service - Dec. and Jan. are big months, will trail off.
  • Detailed Summary of Finance Update - Mr. Chase said about 7 yrs ago decided to review finances, TEA requires estimates every biennium, which is what district gets paid on - adjustments occur in Sep. Average daily attendance expected to increase by end of year. TEA uses prior year property values, about $5 million difference compared to actual values. Grew 13% last year, when that slows down, the lag will reduce the extra income, must be careful about that in future.
        Mr. Carroll asked about the underfund, if last year's settle-up was reflected in the budget - no, the 1.8 million was received in Sept, likely to be under revenue estimate by couple million.
  • Synergy Report
    Ms. Kim Morisak, Chief of Information, Innovative and Technology Services introduced Mr. Eric Segovis the Synergy Teacher. He introduced several synergy student who explained some of the tasks they have performed in the program.
        Mr. Segovis said other districts have visited to see how to handle letting go of authority and giving students the chance to meet with administrators and be agents of shaping the district.
  • Approved as one consent item:
  • Budget Amendment
  • Adopt TASB Policy Update #112, Affecting Local Policies as Listed, as a Final Reading
    • BJA(LOCAL)
    • CG(LOCAL)
    • CGA(LOCAL)
    • H(LOCAL)
    • Q(LOCAL)
    • V(LOCAL)
    • CB(LOCAL)
    • H(LOCAL)
    • IA(LOCAL)
    • MA(LOCAL)
    • FNG(LOCAL)
    • F(LOCAL)
    • KA(LOCAL)
    • KB(LOCAL)
    • Approve Class Size Waiver
    • Approve the Extension of the Depository Contract

  • Approved granting hiring authority to the Superintendent through September 9, 2019
        Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Schools said they try to capture best candidates as quickly as possible, again asking for authority for hiring power, which they will bring to board for ratification.
  • Approved contract to re-roof Criswell Elementary
        Mr. Chase said had 8 contractors submit proposals, lowest was $912k, highest $1.5mil. Roof consultant contacted the low bidder CS advantage, they can do the job. Some areas have been re-roofed twice, so must be removed. Lowest bid is over budget of $750k, if leave off an add-alternate total is 863k. Last year Claybon expenses went across two fiscal years, this likely will also. Dr. Terry recommended increasing budget by 113k to cover this. Mr. Carroll asked about the add-alternate; Mr. Chase said they will look at contracting that later, using maintenance budget.
  • Approved appointment of Facility Advisory Committee members.
        Dr. Terry said looking at next steps of long-term planning. Advisory team from a couple years ago recommended expanding Rhea and Smith, will be opening next year. With more growth, need to form a committee in spring. Each board member has nominated committee members, also asked pastors & PTO members. Will be about 50 members to provide advice to board in late May.
  • Approved the certification of unopposed candidates for the May 4, 2019 school board election
        Dr. Terry said unopposed were Johnson, Dobbs, Andrews.
  • Approved cancelling the school board election previously set for May 4, 2019
        Dr. Terry said board could have an election if desired, but should save the money.
  • Did not hold executive session.
  • Approved employment of professional contract personnel as presented.
  • Approved re-employment of professional contract personnel as presented.

  • Adjourned at 2011
  • meeting_date: 
    Monday, 2019, March 4