January 1999

Special Recognitions

• Sam's Club was recognized for its donation of $10,000 to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. The following 10 schools will receive $1,000 Sam's/Wal-Mart gift certificates: Bane, Frazier, Francone, Holbrook, Owens, and Sheridan elementary Schools; Dean, Watkins, and Truitt Junior High Schools; and Jersey Village Senior High School.
• The following students were recognized for distinguished achievement on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test:
  • Cy-Fair High School students included Suzanne Akin, Erin Badough, Joshua Bartel, Albert Brier, Brian Brimmage, Amanda Brown, Jaye Derrick, Robert Dockins, Michael Gorney, Nyasha Green, Jesse Marek, Jamey Mitcham, and Jennifer Owens.
  • Cypress Creek High School students were Sara E. Armstrong, Daniel W. Barnhart, Sarah J. Buek, Aaron M. Cathcart, Bethany J. Fasnacht, Michelle L. Forrieter, Matthew J. Hearn, Madeline M. Hommel, Travis A. Moseman, Brandon F. Renken, James C. Ryan, Aaron R. Schlanser, and Zachary R. Vandezande.
  • Cypress Falls High School students recognized were Laura M. Boswell, Michael D. Daily, Courtney A. Gay, Adam J. Hammonds, Phillip D. Hart, Leslie A. Hibbard, Neil G. Johnson, Jay S. Lee, Christopher G. Josefy, David D. Kretschman, Robert Lee, Sara-Ann R. Logan, Cynthia A. Lu, Brian Malik, Elizabeth M. McPhail, Patrick N. Nelson, Matthew G. Osterhaus, Johnny S. Pan, Justin Roth, Benjamin C. Salazar, Crystal L. Salitros, Matthew R. Schneider, Anand A. Shah, Desiree N. Stewart, Avanija K. Sunder, Dominic W. Sung, Murtaza F. Sutarwalla, David W. Wetuski, and Abigail C. Windham.
  • Jersey Village High School students recognized included Andrew S. Barbas, Matthew P. Bean, Sherri J. Brooks, Aaron M. Cordes, Tam Q. Dang, Christopher A. Durham, Virginia L. Edwards, Bonnie M. Fairbanks, Toni L. Garrett, Amanda K. Gerke, Ho-mu H. Hsieh, Rubin D. Mendoza, Laxminarsimha Reddy, and Mark E. Stevens.
  • Langham Creek High School students were Banke O. Awofeso, April D. Beasley, James M. Bogard, Immanuel Capdeville, Mustafa M. Dohadwala, Christopher S. Fields, Michael J. Gradassi, Kassie M. Holmes, Ryan M. Keedy, Vikram Maheshri, Jon P. McAlister, Daria M. Russell, Cynthia M. Wagner, and Rebecca A. Willis.

Year 2000 Preparation

The Board heard a report on the District's efforts in preparing its systems and processes for the possibility of computer chips and software not recognized the year 2000, and, as a result, failing to operate properly. A 17-member district steering committee has developed a process for safeguarding the District against year 2000 failures. To date, all district assets and services have been inventoried, and an assessment of the District's preparedness for the year 2000 will soon be completed. The following has been determined:

• Houston Lighting & Power, Southwestern Bell, and Entex have all communicated an intent to be year 2000 compliant.
• District boilers will not be affected.
• Cypress-Fairbanks ISD buses will operate properly.
• Security and fire alarm systems are not at risk.
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control systems will need to be upgraded. The upgrade only affects the District's ability to operate thermostat controls from a central location. The units will work properly.
• Critical computer systems will work.
• The District's depository bank is scheduled for compliance in March.
• Direct deposit payroll banks are being contacted.
• More than 400 district vendors have already been contacted.
• Personal computers can be corrected; one-third of all district computers are already compliant.
• Since January 1, 1999, is a Saturday, weekend work crews will be available to monitor the District's assets and services.

Hearing Scheduled for 1999-2000 Budget and Board Goal-Setting Workshop

The Board heard a report on the District's intention to hold public hearings on the 1999-2000 Budget and Board goals. The hearings have been scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 1999, at 7 p.m., at Francone Elementary School, and Wednesday, February 3, 1999, at 7 p.m., at Labay Junior High School. Residents of the District will have an opportunity to provide input on both items.

Safety Task Force Report

The administration presented the commendations and recommendations of the Safety Task Force, a group formed by the superintendent as a proactive effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and employees. The 35-member group was composed of students, parents, teachers, administrators, business partners, and community members. Prior to developing commendations and recommendations, the task force reviewed the District's current safety policies, practices, and procedures and researched best practices of other organizations. The task force's report addressed the following areas: safe school strategies and practices, student involvement, curriculum and training, and parent and community involvement. It was reported that the District has already implemented many of the task force's recommendation and will develop a plan for implementing the remainder.

Transportation for Half-Day Kindergarten Eliminated

The Board approved the elimination of noon transportation for half-day kindergarten students for the 1999-2000 school year. The decision was made because:

• the number of parents selecting a half-day program continues to decline; and
• the small number of half-day students who currently need mid-day transportation does not justify the financial cost associated with extra bus runs at noon.

Flood Control Resolution Passed

A resolution regarding flood control measures in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD was passed by the Board. The resolution declares support for:

• continued communication and coordination between the District and the agencies charged with the responsibility of providing infrastructure services to the Cypress-Fairbanks area and the school district;
• scheduling an immediate meeting between representatives of the school district and governmental agencies responsible for flood control to clearly identify flood-prone and problem areas;
• a full study, including public hearings, of the school district area to determine possible solutions and establish priority work projects to prevent future flooding; and
• immediate action on the part of the responsible entities to complete the identified and necessary projects to ensure safety, mobility, and the safe operation of schools.

$100 Million in Bonds Issued

The Board issued $100 million in bonds, approved by voters in the October 3, 1998, bond referendum. The bond sale was the largest in district history and attracted a record number of bidders. The District received an interest rate of 5.068 percent on the bonds, which is expected to save taxpayers at least $2 million because the rate was two percentage points below what the District expected to receive.

Location Selected for Junior High #12

The Board approved the District's recommendation to build Junior High #12 at Huffmeister Road and the future extension of Barker Cypress Road. The District purchased a 25-acre lot for $7550,000, $880,000 less than the amount budgeted for the purchase.

Board Considers Opening High School #7 One Year Early

The Board discussed the possibility of opening High School #7 one year early to provide relief for crowded conditions at Jersey Village High School. the administration reported that opening the school in 2001-02 would cost the District an extra $3 million in operating cost, and another $3 million would be lost in interest income. Construction cost would would not be significantly affected, so the District would lose a total of $6 million by opening the school one year early. The Board decided to open the school in 2002-03 as originally planned.

Boundary Change Rejected

The Board considered several changes in the attendance boundaries for Jersey Village and Cypress Falls High Schools. The decision was made not to change the boundaries and evaluate enrollment and overcrowding at Jersey Village High School next year.