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RECOGNITIONS
The Board of Trustees recognized the following students and staff members for their achievements:
· Fourteen high school government and economics students were recognized as participants in the Board Shadowing Project. These students were Mohit Joshipura and Anita Altwal of Cypress Creek; Heather Graf and Candace Akers of Cy-Fair; Brett Dix and Kenneth Passmore of Cypress Falls; Lauren Tumlinson and Tonyel Simon of Cypress Springs; Nick Norris and Sean Perry of Jersey Village; David Habegger and Roger Clayton of Langham Creek; and Melissa Smith and Turrell Newsome of Windfern. Each student sat with his or her designated Board member or administrator throughout the course of the meeting to observe the democratic process in action.
· Campbell Middle School volunteer Benson Vann was recognized for being named Outstanding Adult Volunteer in Texas and Windfern High School volunteer Richard Coleman was recognized for being named Outstanding Partnership Liasion in Texas by the Texas Association of Partners in Education.
· Platinum, gold and silver Exchange City KEYS business partners who contributed funds to provide district fifth-grade students the opportunity to participate in Exchange City, an educational experience of basic economic concepts and consumer skills, were recognized. Hewlett-Packard received a platinum key. The Houston Chronicle, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Houston Mortgage Group, Inc. received gold keys. Cy-Fair Medical Center Hospital and Ed Station Insurance Services received silver keys.
· Two swimmers and one wrestler who placed second in the state in their respective competition were recognized. Tyler Hill, Cypress Creek, finished second in the state in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:40. Bryan Beresik, Langham Creek, placed second in state in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 21 seconds. Anna Ramey, Langham Creek, finished second in the state in the 95-pound weight class in wrestling. The Cypress Creek boys and girls swim teams captured the Region V swim championships.
· High school students who have won state and national recognition in theater arts were recognized. The team of Jared Doreck and Matt Lusk, Langham Creek, were first in Duet Pantomime at the Texas Thespian State Festival while classmates Chris Hilton, Imran Haque, Chris Marco and Wade Worsham won first place in Team Techie. Brittany Schwartz, Harry Perrin, Laura Gaston, Jillian Krametbauer, Craig Allen, Travis Sjurseth, Shawn Smith, Jeff Wisnoski, Emily Bolt, Kathy Hallmark, Kristen Lewandoski, Jenny Martin and Jennifer Sandel, all from Cypress Creek, were second in the state in group musical at the Texas Thespian State Festival. Perrin and Schwartz also captured second place in Musical Duet. Meghan Hammonds and Kim Sistrunk, Cypress Falls, were named Oustanding Lead Performers at the same competition while Amanda Muller and Carlos Loredo, Cypress Ridge, captured the honor of Top Honor Technical Crew.
Additionally, the superintendent designee recognized students and staff members for honors and achievements earned in recent weeks. Congratulations were extended to the following:
· In honor of Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS), trustees were presented with a VIPS pin from Pam Scott, director of Partners in Education. The district’s VIPS organization is comprised of a diverse group of parents and community members serving many essential and supplemental needs. In addition to Board members who volunteer countless hours making important policy decisions, many other school volunteers give generously of their time assisting in workrooms, libraries, offices and on playgrounds as well as taking on assignments as classroom teachers, tutors and mentors. Booster clubs and PTOs work tirelessly raising funds and creating a support base so that all students reach success. Many of the district’s volunteers have been trained to assist in the instructional areas of reading, math, science, social studies, technology, and health curricula.
The volunteer service in CFISD is appearing to surpass the volunteer hours that were documented last year. Ms. Wells celebrated the participation of thousands of volunteers who routinely dedicate their personal time in support of district students and staff.
In addition to the two state-recognized VIPS winners honored earlier in the evening, Ms. Wells announced the four district winners. Sweet Tomatoes, represented by Dave Crume, is the Outstanding Business Partner in Cy-Fair ISD. Stephanie Houston at Tipps Elementary is the Oustanding Youth Volunteer. Ladi Janousek at Jersey Village High School is the Outstanding Intergenerational Volunteer. Stone Gate Subdivision, represented by Sandra Harris, received the award for Outstanding Community Partnership.
· The Cy-Fair Council for Social Studies announced this year’s award winners. Linda Maginness, Emmott Elementary, is the Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year. Heidi Rothschild, Hamilton Middle School, is the Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year. Elaine Schwartz, Langham Creek High School, is the Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year.
· Laura Nguyen, Cypress Falls High School, is the NOVA Award Winner. This award is presented to an outstanding beginning teacher. Nguyen is currently in her second year at Cy-Falls and teaches world history. She was a student teacher under Michelle Provo.
· Janet Wenchens, who currently works with homebound students at Cypress Springs High School, is the Joe Janecka Service Award winner. This award is given to an individual who shows outstanding leadership and service in social studies. Wenchens has served the Cy-Fair Council for the Social Studies in many ways.
· The Cy-Fair High School Brigade Drill Team, under the direction of Jan Sanders, recently captured the first place National Champion Award in all categories at the Cheer and Dance Team America Competition in Orlando, Fla. Ninety-four girls are on the team. Ms. Wells congratulated them on their hard work and success throughout the year and at this competition.
· The Copperfield Women’s Club has successfully completed this year’s Project Fairy Godmother. This group of community members graciously assisted 48 high school girls so they could attend their senior prom. Club members distributed prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and certificates to nail and hair salons. Project Fairy Godmother also provided prom tickets to six girls. Ms. Wells expressed her thanks to the women’s group and the high school counselors who worked closely with them to make this special time in any senior’s life come true. Ms. Wells recognized Debra Edwards and other members of the organization who were in the audience.
· Yearbook staffs from Bleyl, Campbell and Hamilton middle schools earned an Honorable Mention Award from the Taylor Publishing Company for their overall dedication, effort and accomplishments. Yearbooks from these schools are featured in the 2004 Yearbook Yearbook. Debbie Parcel is yearbook advisor for Bleyl, Michelle Ybarra and Karen Davis are Campbell’s advisors and Lisa Hermann is Hamilton’s advisor.
· The Aragon Middle School yearbook staff, led by advisor Debbie Martin, earned an Award of Excellence from the Taylor Publishing Company honoring the students for accomplishment in yearbook design and coverage. Aragon’s yearbook was named among the best and is also featured in the 2004 Yearbook Yearbook.
· Kevin Kalra, Langham Creek High School, and Simon Haidamous, Cy-Fair High School, have each been designated as a Coca-Cola Scholar and will travel to Atlanta, Georgia for the Scholars Weekend.
· Samantha Maddox, Cy-Fair High School, has been named a finalist in the Coca-Cola Share the Dream Essay Contest and will be receiving a scholarship award.
· Students from Jersey Village TV (JVTV) recently competed in the Eubie Junior Video Contest. Placing first in the Sportscast category was Rachel Lawrence, David Preza and Matt Delasalle. Trey Stanley placed first in the Educational category while Monty Sloan placed second in both the Video Yearbook and Comedy/Drama categories. JVTV made a clean sweep of the News Feature category with Jared Triska placing first, Melinda Merola placing second and Lauren Sanders placing third. Merola also placed third in the Animation category.
· Emily Gillham, Cypress Springs High School, was recently awarded $250 for being a winner and the regional finalist in the Wonders of Plastic 2004 Essay Contest sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers. Gillham’s essay will be submitted for international competition. Cypress Springs also received $250 for her essay. Amy Hawkins is her sponsoring teacher.
· Cindy Black captured first place in the Cy-Fair ISD Transportation Department Safety Road-e-o. Helen Nixon finished second, Kathy Dyer was third, Rondel Slatter finished fourth and Linda Hair earned a spot as alternate. These winners will represent the district at the regional level of competition May 1 at Rhodes Stadium in Katy.
· The Cypress Creek High School boys and girls swim team had a successful season under their new coach, Eric Sharar. In addition to both teams winning district, they each won the team regional swim championship.
· The Cy-Fair Lady Bobcats captured the district title in soccer and advanced all the way to the regional tournament before losing 2-1 in a hard-fought match with traditional powerhouse Plano West. The Lady Bobcats ended their season as Quarterfinal Champions. Cypress Creek finished second in the district while Jersey Village placed third.
· Cypress Creek captured first place in the district in boys soccer competition and advanced to area play. Cy-Fair finished second in district while Langham Creek placed third.
· Roy Sprague, senior director of facilities planning and construction, recently received the 2004 Distinguished Service Award from the Council of Facility Planners International Southern Region. This is the third time Roy has been recognized with this honor.
PERSONNEL
After approving the personnel transactions for April, the Board recognized current Bane Principal Ronda Rickett, who was reassigned to be principal for Fiest Elementary next year. Rickett will replace retiring Fiest Principal Woodie Andre'.
COMMUNITY SURVEY
Dr. Robert Stein, dean of the school of social sciences and professor of political science at Rice University, conducted a survey of 503 registered voters between March 4-8, 2004. The University of Houston Center for Public Policy conducted the interviews via telephone. The survey was designed to measure public perceptions about current district personnel, operations, policies and support for spending and revenue proposals. This was the seventh survey of CFISD voters conducted since 1997.
Results from Dr. Stein’s survey indicated that the district’s personnel, programs and facilities continue to receive strong positive evaluations from district voters. Since 1997, the district’s approval rating remains high with 86 percent of those surveyed giving favorable responses to questions about CFISD.
Stein also reported that the number of voters concerned about growth increased from last year with concern about money and tax revenues ranking next.
According to the survey, education is the biggest problem facing the State of Texas with the economy placing second and taxes/state budget finishing third. 65 percent of those surveyed said they would support increased funding for public education in Texas.
SCHOOL FINANCE STUDY COMMITTEE
Board members were presented information on the upcoming Public Forum on School Finance, set for May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Instructional Support Center. Trustees also received the district’s publication on school finance that was created by the communication department and information regarding the upcoming special legislative session on school finance that was called by Governor Rick Perry.
ADDITIONAL SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
The Board approved additional summer opportunities for students. These programs are in addition to the make-up and original credit summer school programs. Students will pay a limited tuition with scholarships provided for eligible students in programs for which tuition is charged. Programs available are: ESL Enrichment, TAAS/TAKS Remediation; Accelerate to Algebra, Moving Up in Math, Connecting to IP&C, Stepping Up in Science, Ninth-Grade Summer Academy/Algebridge, Scholars Program (PSAT Prep), Carverdale Summer Reading Program, Willow Green Apartment Tutoring, and SAT Prep.
BOND UPDATE
Trustees approved the schedule of events for the sale of $100 million in Schoolhouse Bonds, Series 2004. Frank Ildebrando of RBC Dain Rauscher reported that, even with the sale of the bonds, there would not be an increase in the Interest and Sinking (I&S) portion of the tax rate. In fact, Ildebrando indicated there may even be a chance that the district would be able to decrease the I&S tax rate. The sale of the bonds will take place June 14 and bonds should be delivered by July 14.
The Board approved and executed the subdivision plat for the 182-acre multi-campus site located on Jarvis, Skinner and Spring Cypress roads.
The Board also approved the Sanitary Control Easement, Access Easement, Water Plant Site Easement and Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Easement with Northwest Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 10 for utility services to the 182-acre multi-campus site on Jarvis and Skinner roads.
SUPERINTENDENT DESIGNEE’S BRIEFING
Ms. Wells informed the audience that students in grades 3-11 would be taking the Test of Academic Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) or State Developed Alternative Assessment (SDAA) throughout April. On Tuesday, April 27 students in grades 3-8 and 11 will take TAKS math and those in grade 10 will take social studies. Eligible students in grades 3-8 will take the SDAA math Wednesday, April 28; grades 4-8 will take reading; grade 3 will retest on reading; grade 10 will take math; and grade 11 will take science. Eligible students in grades 3-8 will take the SDAA Thursday, April 29; grades 5 and 10 will take science; and grades 8 and 11 will take social studies. Seniors who have not passed the exit TAAS will retest April 27-29.
She added that there are several activities in the next few weeks related to the upcoming School Board Election. A Cracker Barrel session will be held Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of the Instructional Support Center to allow citizens an opportunity to meet the candidates for the upcoming election in an informal setting. The candidate for position 1 is incumbent Al Martinez, Jr., and the candidates for position 2 are Albert Arechiga III and Dan Chaney. Additionally, a Candidate Forum is scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of the Instructional Support Center. The forum provides an opportunity for candidates to respond to questions from citizens.
General early voting is scheduled at the Instructional Support Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays April 28-30, May 3 -7 and May 10 and 11. On Saturday, May 8 the general early voting hours are 8 a.m. until noon. Branch Early voting is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. as follows:
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Wednesday, April 28 at Carverdale Park Community Center
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Thursday, April 29 at Matzke Elementary School
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Monday, May 3 at Reed Elementary School
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Tuesday, May 4 at Francone Elementary School
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Wednesday, May 5 at Lieder Elementary School
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Thursday, May 6 at Cy-Fair High School
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Monday, May 10 at Copeland Elementary School
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Tuesday, May 11 at Ault Elementary
The annual employee service banquet will be held Friday, April 30 at Cypress Ridge High School at 7 p.m. This event honors employees with 15, 20, 25 and 30 or more years of service and employees who are retiring.
The VIPS Appreciation luncheon, scheduled for Friday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at Sam Houston Race Park, is one of the ways our district says “thank you” to the volunteers in our district for their huge contributions to the success of our students.
Ms. Wells wished everyone a pleasant break during the student/staff holiday April 9. The students will also have a holiday Monday, April 12, but teachers were scheduled for a professional development day.
AGENDA ITEMS
In other action, the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees:
· received a written report on legislative issues and the activities of the State Board of Education, Texas School Alliance and the Fast Growth School Coalition;
· received a report on the district’s review of a seven-period day for high school;
· received a report on the preliminary budget for the 2004-05 school year;
· received a report on strategies for trustees’ use of electronic Board agendas;
· approved a request for the Texas Education Agency expedited waiver to modify the schedule of classes of TAAS/TAKS testing days during 2004-05;
· approved the sale of district surplus furniture, equipment and miscellaneous computer equipment through the district’s Internet auction to be held May 7-18. The district will be disposing of approximately 4,000 computer systems (CPUs, monitors, keybord, peripherals) in two phases over the summer of 2004;
· approved on second reading five new policies and revisions to three others. New policies pertained to planning and decision making process; compensation and benefits expense reimbursement; work load: required plans and reports; admissions– homeless students; and admissions– school safety procedures. Revised policies pertained to board members compensation and expenses; health requirements and services – medical treatment; and student rights and responsibilities: student and parent complaints;
· approved on first reading a revision to the policy concerning facilities construction;
· approved the district’s Annual Action Plan designed to carry out the goal priorities established for 2004-05;
· approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Houston-Galveston Area Council for the funding of replacement of bus engines;
· approved the proposal from the Harris County Right of Way Division for an eminent domain acquisition of 0.1216 acres of land (Tract 1) for $12,000 and 0.1569 acres of land (Tract 2) for $13,863 on the northeast border of Hamilton Middle School and Hamilton Elementary parallel to Grant Road for the purpose of expanding Grant Road to four lanes;
· authorized tax refunds $500 or greater for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and/or the Harris County Education District in the amount of $78,100;
· approved the superintendent designee’s contract recommendations for school year 2004-05 of administrators to issue one-year term and probationary contracts ;
· approved the superintendent designee’s contract recommendations for school year 2004-05 to issue one-year term, one-year annual and probationary contracts to non-teaching professional staff;
· approved the superintendent designee’s contract recommendations for school year 2004-05 to issue probationary and term contracts to teachers;
· approved the superintendent designee’s contract recommendations for school year 2004-05 to issue one-year annual contracts to paraprofessionals;
· approved bids and contracts from recommended vendors for goods and services; and
· approved 109 personnel recommendations, resignations, retirements, promotions, terminations and discharges.
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