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The Board of Trustees recognized the following students and staff members for their achievements:

• District and state Texas Association of Partners in Education (TAPE) award winners: Robert Zemcik, a Fiest Elementary School mentor, won a Crystal Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer; Lisa Underwood, an Emmott Elementary School volunteer, won a Crystal Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer; the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce won a Crystal Award for Outstanding Community Partnership; Ed Station of Station & Ayers Insurance Services, a business partner of Francone Elementary School and CFISD, won a Crystal Award for Outstanding Local Business Partnership; the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, a business partner of Bang Elementary School and CFISD, won a Crystal Award for Outstanding Medium Business Partnership; and the Credit Union Acceptance Company, a business partner of Emmott Elementary and CFISD, won a Gold Award for Outstanding Small Business Partnership;

• Dr. David Anthony, for his support and alliance with the Carverdale Civic Club, specifically the after-school tutoring program; and

• Students from eight high schools participating in the Board Shadowing Project, which allows students to observe firsthand the function of the CFISD Board and administrative team. The following students participated in the 14th annual event: Gordon Trinh and Cynthia Jacobs, Cypress Ridge High School; Gary Howard and Robert Coltharp, Cypress Springs High School; Amanda Funk and Tim Matzdorff, Jersey Village High School; Duc Luu and Tonela LaLa, Langham Creek High School; Roy Dudley, Windfern High School; Kate Weise, Marc Granberry, Adam Forness and Rachel Hardcastle, Cy-Fair High School; and Kelly Kreitman and Blake Billings, Cypress Falls High School.

The superintendent recognized a group of students and staff members for honors and achievements earned in recent weeks. Congratulations were extended to the following:

• Winners in the School Bus Safety Road-e-o competition , held Saturday, March 29. Four drivers and one alternate will advance to the regional competition with the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation on Saturday, April 12. CFISD’s winning drivers are: Helen Nixon, first place; Tom Parker, second place; Oscar Castiblanca, third place; Janet Collins, fourth place; and Justin Wiggins, alternate. The Road-e-o consists of 12 events, including parallel parking, straight line (aligning the bus to allow front and rear dual wheels to travel between a row of tennis balls without disturbing them) and a written exam. Dr. Anthony congratulated these talented drivers and said he appreciated them honing their skills to keep our students safe on their buses;

• Two teachers who were named LoTi Teachers of the Month . LoTi stands for Level of Technology Implementation, and it is an internationally recognized symbol and standard for classroom use of technology and complex thinking skills. For February, Donna Ganster of Lamkin Elementary School was chosen as LoTi teacher of the month, and for March, Sylvia Gannon of Jersey Village High School was selected. These teachers were chosen for radiating H.E.A.T. (Higher-order thinking, Engaged learning, Authenticity and Technology use) in their classrooms;

• Winners from the Houston/Harris County “Do the Write Thing” Challenge, a youth anti-violence program. The students wrote about the affects of violence, the causes and possible solutions to problems students face regarding safety, anger, bullying and maintaining their dignity. The following students were selected as school finalists and will be honored at a recognition ceremony in May at Minute Maid Park: Alyssa Bullock and Ruben Martinez, Goodson Middle School; Kimberly Doan and David Peña, Campbell Middle School; Alexis Nelson and Devin Zuniga, Labay Middle School; Audrey Garcia and Colton Price, Hamilton Middle School; Maria Cristina Flores and Justice D. Robinson, Thornton Middle School; Cierra Harvey and Matthew Nguyen, Bleyl Middle School; LaQueenia R. Morgan and Afif Asad, Kahla Middle School; Ashley Leach and Eric Cisneros, Arnold Middle School; Alexandra Dietz and Neo Nanna, Cook Middle School; Michelle Petrarca and Perry Feng, Aragon Middle School; Evelyn Romero and Tevin Richards, Watkins Middle School; and Danielle Burgess and Michael Brand, Dean Middle School. National finalists will be announced on Saturday, May 17 at Minute Maid Park;

• Tana Congi, kindergarten teacher at McFee Elementary, who was awarded a grant from Fund for Teachers, and this summer will join a scientific expedition to study dynamics of the Ecuadorian Amazon combined with teaching English to native children while immersed in culture. The Fund for Teachers organizational mission is to enrich the growth of teachers and impact their practice, the academic lives of their students and their school communities with opportunities around the globe;

• Cypress Falls 10th-grade student Timothy “Malik” Risher, who was recognized by the READ 180 program as one of nine nationwide All-Star Award winners. This program was created to honor students in grades 4-12 who have learned to read despite formidable odds. Through dedication and hard work—and the help of their incredible teachers— they have turned their lives around and are an inspiration to their peers. Until six months ago, Malik had never read a book without pictures. Now he’s on the honor roll. Students in the READ 180 program have opened up a world of possibilities and have given themselves the chance for a bright future;

• Soccer teams that advanced to the playoffs. For girls, Cypress Woods won first place in district, Cypress Creek won second place, Cy-Fair won third place and Langham Creek won fourth place. In the playoffs, Cypress Woods defeated Morton Ranch and Lamar high schools then ended its season as area champion. For boys, Langham Creek won second place, Jersey Village won third place and Cypress Woods won fourth place;

• Tennis players who placed in the top two at district to advance to regionals. In Boys Singles, Cypress Creek’s Austin Brooks placed first; in Girls Singles, Cypress Woods’ Kourtney Howell placed first and Langham Creek’s Hannah Witherspoon placed second; in Boys Doubles, Langham Creek’s team of Austin Harper and Dave Hoffman placed second; in Girls Doubles, Cy-Fair’s tandem of Stephanie Barriero and Meredith Miller placed first and Cypress Woods’ Emily Charlton and Kristi Parrott placed second; in Mixed Doubles, Cy-Fair’s Dani Curcio and Cameron Pavluk were first and Langham Creek’s Juno Ju and Olivia Lamaster were second; and

• Two CFISD partners, Cy-Fair Medical Center and Cigna, for their generous donations to provide hand sanitizing stations for district schools . The hand sanitizer stations will be located at the entrances to each cafeteria in efforts to encourage hand hygiene and decrease the possibility of flu, staph and other illnesses. Research shows that the use of instant sanitizers in the school setting will decrease absenteeism. High schools will receive eight stations, middle schools will receive four stations and each elementary will receive two stations. The units should be installed within the next two weeks. Dr. Anthony said CFISD is very fortunate to have partnerships in our district that support efforts to improve health conditions for our students and staff. He thanked Cy-Fair Medical Center’s chief executive officer, Terry Wheeler, in person for the generous donation of $24,000 toward the purchase of these units, and also thanked Terri Herrera with CIGNA, the district’s health insurance provider, for the remaining funds to cover the full acquisition cost of the hand sanitizer stations. This saved the district $32,000 for the stations and uncountable future money equated to reduced absenteeism of students and teachers.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS

The administration reported on the following administrative assignments and/or promotion:

• Susan Brenz , an assistant principal at Yeager Elementary School, was named the new principal at Yeager for the 2008-2009 school year. Brenz replaces Sharon Barnes, who will retire in June;

• Carrie Marz , an assistant principal at Reed Elementary School, was named the new principal at Willbern Elementary School for the 2008-2009 school year. Marz replaces Jamie Schwartzott, who will retire in June; and

• Kim Freed , an assistant principal at Matzke Elementary School, was named the new principal at Postma Elementary School for the 2008-2009 school year. Freed replaces Debbie Jackson, who will retire in June.

• Roy Garcia , the current assistant superintendent for secondary school administration, was named the new associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction and school administration for the 2008-2009 school year. Garcia replaces Deanna Swenke, who will retire in June.

• Teresa Hull , the current assistant superintendent for human resources, was named the new associate superintendent for human resources and student services for the 2008-2009 school year. Hull replaces Debbie Emery, who will retire in June.

TAKS TESTING DATES

The Board approved a request for a Texas Education Agency expedited waiver to modify the schedule of classes on TAKS and field test days, as needed, during the 2008-2009 school year. The waiver is an “expedited waiver” that will not require extensive research and paperwork from TEA, since it has become common practice in many school districts. The Districtwide Educational Improvement Council has unanimously approved this waiver.

The regular test dates will be March 3, April 7 and 28-30 and May 1, 2009. The field test dates will be within a testing window of May 4-22, 2009.

PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE

Dr. Lynn Moak, of Moak & Casey Associates, reported on public school finance in Texas during the committee-of-the-whole meeting on Monday, April 7. Moak explained that CFISD’s Weighted Average Daily Attendance (WADA) was 114,000 and that the “target revenue” for the district’s WADA is $4,489.

BOND UPDATE

The Board approved construction proposals and contracts paid from bond funds to the recommended contractors as follows: Package D-2008, Renovations to Cypress Falls High School; Package F-2008, Renovations to Emmott, Francone and Reed elementary schools; and Portable Buildings Annual Contract.

The Board authorized the superintendent or designee to negotiate and execute all change orders for the acceleration of completion of construction of Hemmenway Elementary School, No. 49.

The Board authorized the superintendent or designee to enter into miscellaneous professional service contracts related to the following projects: Package D-2008, Renovations to Cypress Falls High School; and Package F-2008, Renovations to Emmott, Francone and Reed elementary schools.

Dr. Anthony thanked all CFISD volunteers in anticipation of National Volunteer Week, scheduled for April 27-May 3. He said the community’s support for CFISD’s students and teachers is most gratifying.

The 2008 state testing continues April 27 through May with designated dates for grades 3-11. The district webpage lists the assessment testing dates by grade and subject matter for students. Dr. Anthony thanked parents in advance for supporting their children and encouraging them to do their very best. He stressed that these are important tests, and the individual student’s performance provides valuable data that are used when determining the student’s instructional schedule for next year. He asked parents to help communicate to district students that they should show their best as they take these tests over the next few weeks. Dr. Anthony said he was quite confident that students are well-prepared and, with public encouragement, will do a great job.

This year CFISD, along with other Region IV districts, will participate in “Take Our Child to Work” Day on Wednesday, June 4. Although the national event is scheduled for this month, students will not be excused from classes on April 24. CFISD maintains that June 4 is a better option so students can maximize their instructional days and utilize a summer day to accompany their parents to work.

The Employees’ Service Banquet is scheduled for Monday evening, April 21 beginning at 6 p.m. The banquet and program will be held at the Berry Center on Barker-Cypress. Honorees include district employees whose service years total 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 as well as those employees who are retiring during this school year. Dr. Anthony said this event always provides an exciting evening of entertainment, fun and delicious food as valued employees are honored.

On Monday, May 5 at 7 p.m. the district will recognize the Spotlight Teachers, selected because of their high expectations for student success during the 2007-2008 school year. The event will take place at the Berry Center. Also during the Spotlight recognition, the paraprofessional and ancillary Spotlight employees will be recognized for their contributions to the district in their respective positions.

Public School Paraprofessional Day is Wednesday, May 14. Dr. Anthony thanked all CFISD paraprofessionals for playing a vital role in helping provide support to the district.

AGENDA ITEMS

In other action, the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees:

• approved bids and contracts to the recommended vendors;
• approved tax refunds of $500 or greater for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and/or Harris County Education District;
• approved the sale of district furniture and equipment through two surplus internet auctions to be held in April and August, 2008;
• approved on second reading additions, deletions or revisions to district policies:
• BJCF (LOCAL) SUPERINTENDENT: Renewal;
• DC (LOCAL) EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES;
• DCE (LOCAL) EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES: Other Types of Contracts;
• DEA (LOCAL) COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Salaries, Wages and Stipends;
• FEC (LOCAL) ATTENDANCE: Attendance for Credit;
• FFH (LOCAL) STUDENT WELFARE: Freedom from Harassment;
• GKD (LOCAL) COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Nonschool Use of School Facilities; and
• GKDA (LOCAL) NONSCHOOL USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES: Distribution of Nonschool Literature;
• executed a resolution to authorize a Second Amendment to the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Flexible Benefits Plan and a First amendment to the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Medical Plan, both of which amend the plan years for the District’s medical plans to annually commence on September 1 and end the following August 31;
• approved a recommendation to rezone the Stonehaven Apartments from Truitt Middle School to Dean Middle School ;
• approved a recommendation to rezone the Park at Arbordale subdivision from Sampson Elementary to Farney Elementary;
• approved the superintendent’s recommendaton to take the appropriate action required by Texas Education Code, Section 21.104(a) to discharge a paraprofessional employed under an annual contract as presented in the superintendent’s memorandum of April 7, 2008;
• authorized the superintendent to advise an employee currently employed under a probationary contract of the Board’s intention to terminate his contract at the end of the 2007-2008 school year in accordance with Section 21.103 of the Texas Education Code; and
• considered a Level III discipline appeal of a Level II decision made by the Discipline Review Committee involving a Cypress-Fairbanks ISD high school student.

ADDENDUM

The Board discussed available options regarding the employment, duties and dismissal of contractual employees if required by programmatic changes and/or financial exigency of the district.