DENISON ISD BOARD NEWS
Denison Independent School District
1201 S. Rusk Avenue, Denison, TX 75020
August 26, 2008
Published for DISD employees on the morning after school board meetings
Denison ISD Board of Trustees President Jay Watkins called to order the Regular Meeting of the Denison ISD Board of Trustees on August 26, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bruce T. Hibbit Board Room of the Administration Building, located at 1201 S. Rusk in Denison, Texas. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was followed by an invocation by Dr. George Hatfield. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved. All routine business was approved. Under communications, Dr. Scott told Board trustees that Board Secretary Frances Cameron continues to recover from recent surgery and asked that everyone keep Frances in their thoughts and prayers. Dr. Scott also informed all present that the 2008-09 school year began yesterday with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, following a very busy summer spent developing new curriculum to help students learn and achieve. Dr. Scott said that he has been extremely pleased with visits to DISD campuses on the first and second days of school, noting that students were already on task, hard at work in all grade levels. Dr. Scott also noted that because the district’s Special Education program is one of the best in Texas, the department continues to grow rapidly as families throughout the area continue to send their children with special needs to Denison schools.
Consider Approval of Resolution to Adopt 403 (b) Plan Document. Upon recommendation by Lee McNair, the Board of Trustees approved the resolution to adopt the 403 (b) plan document as presented. Mr. McNair stated that the district will be using Roger Shires, who currently administers the district’s Cafeteria Plan, as a liason between the District and its employees and I.N.G. and the IRS, making sure that the 403(b) plan is in compliance with IRS regulations. Mr. Shires briefly explained the 403(b) program, noting that it will be more like the traditional 401(k) plans utilized by a lot of business and corporations. Under the 403(b) regulations, the school district is required to be its own administrator, providing active plan documents, communication with employees and a variety of information on what must be done to stay in compliance with regulations. Mr. Shires stated that he believes this is a very positive move for the district and its employees.
2007-2008 Budget Amendment. Upon recommendation by Lee McNair, the Board of Trustees approved the Budget Amendments for the 2007-08 Budget as presented, resulting in an amended 2007-2008 total budget of $44,339,882.
Denison ISD 2008-2009 Planning Cycle Calendar. Upon recommendation by Dr. Henry Scott, the Board of Trustees approved the Planning Cycle Calendar for 2008-2009 as presented. Dr. Scott stated that setting goals is an important factor in school improvement, and that good planning is the beginning of success. He also reminded everyone that to be effective in education, all players – including Board members, parents, community persons, teachers and administrators, must be involved in developing, revising and evaluating the outcomes of improving student performance. He also noted that the term “Campus Design Team” is being developed to implement the district’s new Mission and Beliefs Statement. Dr. Scott reported that those involved have done a marvelous job of putting the programs and components in place to improve and grow.
Consider Approval of the 2008-2009 District Improvement Plan. Upon recommendation by Dr. Henry Scott, the Board of Trustees approved the District Improvement Plan for the 2008-2009 school year as presented. Dr. Scott informed those present that the plan does four things: 1) outlines goals in five areas of the District; 2) develops goals and objectives for improvement of school programs; and 3) provides direction for individual Campus Improvement Plans; and 4) helps drive the district budget. The areas targeted for improvement include: student achievement, student attendance/drop-out rate; SAT/ACT state standards, safe and orderly school climate, and parent/community involvement. The plan was developed and updated with input from Central Office staff and campus principals and was approved by the District Educational Improvement Council. “This is our blueprint for success,” said Scott. “This master plan, once approved, will allow our campuses to tailor their individual improvement plans to meet their students’ needs.”
Personnel. Dr. George Hatfield presented the following resignation effective immediately: Cynthia Sutton – Kindergarten at Houston Elementary; and the following employments for the 2008-2009 school year: Lisa Armstrong-Tyson – Kindergarten at Houston Elementary, Juliana Scoby – Art (part-time) on all Elementary Campuses, and Ashley Smith – Kindergarten at Lamar Elementary.
TASA/TASB Convention. Dr. Scott reminded DISD Board Trustees of the upcoming TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas September 26-28, 2008 at the Dallas Convention Center. Bruce Hysmith will serve as the District’s Board Delegate to the Delegate Assembly on Saturday, September 27th. David Hawley will serve as Alternate. He said confirmation of hotel accommodations have been received from the Sheraton, and the complete schedule of events for the convention can be viewed at www.tasa.tasb.org/2008/schedule/index.html.
There being no further business, Board President Jay Watkins adjourned the meeting.