FISD sees 20,000 students on horizon

During its regular Dec. 02, 2019 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met after a live piano recital to recognize student contest winners, receive 120th year resolution, hear demographer, TASB and planning updates,

• U.S. Flag - Secondary Student of the Month, Miguel Monroy, 12th Grade Student at Forney High School
      Ms. Holly Thomas, Assistant Principal at Forney High School said Miguel is part of dual-credit program, will complete Associates degree before graduating, accepted to Stephen F. Austin, interested in being an entrepreneur, likes cryptocurrency and real estate, enjoys financial math.
  
• Texas Pledge - Elementary Student of the Month, Shaponie Gaines, 4th Grade at Blackburn Elementary
      Ms. Courtney Parker, Principal at Blackburn Elementary said she respects her peers, helps in cafeteria, math is her favorite subject, her teachers say she is very conscientious about doing the right thing.   She likes to learn dance, wants to be a police officer.
  
• District Holiday Card Contest Winners
      Ms. Kristin Zastoupil, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications showed a video with the students work, which will be online tomorrow.
  
• 120 Year Anniversary Resolution
      Ms. Zastoupil introduced St. Rep. Keith Bell, who said it was good to be home.   He congratulated the board on the success of the bond package, then read a resolution detailing the history of the FISD, commemorating the 120th anniversary.
  
• Gifted and Talented Update-
      Dr. Judy Webber, Chief of Learner Services reviewed changes they have made since 2016: streamlined the process, added SEL, offer the 30-hour course in-house, increased GT students by 92% currently 531 students.   She discussed state-level changes affecting funding.   In the future, they will have an informational night, a showcase meeting, expand Duke TIP program for 5-6 graders, might expand offerings and personnel.
  
• Demographer Update
      Ms. Kim Morisak, Chief of Information, Innovative and Technology Services introduced Mr. Gardiner who said things are moving quick in Forney.   They show growth of 814 students, currently over 12,000 students.   Saw strong growth in kindergarten and 6th grade.   He discussed job growth in the area, 3% unemployment in Kaufman County.   Home Closings: Forney is in 9th place.   2200 lots are available now.   Multi-Family: 1,272 are under construction.   Devonshire could bring 800 more students.   Windmill Farms could yield several thousand.   They could see 2,000 new lots / year in 5 year; good price point and infrastructure.   In 5 years, could see another 10,000 students.   They show 1689 new students this year, 1153 who left (not including graduates).
      He said the 800-900 new students per year might become the new normal, could hit 20,000 students in 10 years.  
      North Forney is closing more homes, but vacant land is equal for both HS.  
      Ms. Morisak said the firm did excellent job, they didn't have to move any teachers between campuses this year.   Claybon is at tight capacity.   They are considering preemptively moving a subdivision to Henderson ,,,
  
• Master Planning Update
      Ms. Morisak said with bond passage, looking at projects.   They are looking at protective (bullet-resistant) films for outside of all schools, cameras at all elementary and intermediate, securing perimeters at HS.
      They are considering changing bus lane at Smith, to the back.   Warren & Brown - made changes to get traffic off Bois d'Arc, might change Brown exit to right-only; at Criswell, looking at giant parent drop-off loop in back; Claybon will get new floors, fire panel replacement, learning hub, roof was recently replaced; FHS working to separate students, parents and buses.   Culinary renovation, welding & fab expansion, new fire panel; NFHS will add bus loop, expand animal science center; City Bank Stadium - replacing seats, turf & track in need of maintenance; admin building is tight on space, need to add security, might have a new drive off center street.   New projects: will add middle and intermediate school on new property (off 740); open 2 new campuses in 2022.
  
• Monthly Financial Report
      Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer said 17.1 mill for month, 9.8 expenses, ytd 23% of budget.   A little ahead of revenue, due to 6.5 mill of state aid from last year.   He expects state aid might be lower due to higher property tax values.
  
• Annual Investment Review
      Mr. Chase said this is required review, investments may not exceed 1 year, he reviewed the authorized investment types.   They receive 2.24 - 2.46%.   The plan is to continue same investment types.
  
• Public Comment - student Simran Singh spoke about the dress code, referring to the Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court ruling in 1969.   A survey at NFHS showed 80% of students agree the dress code is extremely sexist; if students hair length is a disruption, teachers should be regulated also.   There is no evidence that hair is a distraction; the real distraction is the school itself, calling out students about dress codes.   He hopes they address the policy and make changes, it's really pathetic to have such a policy in 2019.
  
• Approved as one consent item:
  • Budget Amendment
    
  • Adopt the 2021-2022 School Calendar as Final Reading
    
  • Request for Maximum Class Size Waiver Exemption
    
  • CW Local as Final Reading
    
  • the Resolution Regarding Review of Local Investment Policy

• update TASB 114 as a first reading
  Mr. Rick Geer, Chief of Human Services said these updates are a result of state legislation.   The time to post notice of emergency meeting has been reduced from 2 to 1 hour.   TASB suggested 6:30 start time.   Now Required to allow public comment on agenda items, including special meetings and workshops, before board action.   Public comment is permitted on any topic, on the agenda or not.   Removed: overall time limits, requiring groups of 5 to appoint one speaker.   The presiding office may change the procedure for large number of speakers.   Changes were made to permissible investments.   The superintendent must develop purchasing procedures.   New requirements were added to emergency operation plans.   School Officers are now prohibited from being assigned routine discipline or administrative tasks.   New code is required for cyber-security items.   Districts may not regulate handgun, firearm or ammunition in locked vehicles, provided they are not in plain view.   Changes are required to Gifted-Talented program.   Updates for violent criminal offenses allowing a victim to transfer to another school.   Marching band members must now obtain free physicals; Districts must adopt policies for threat assessment.   Trauma-informed care addresses increasing staff and parent awareness and counseling.   Safe-school team members may access student records, if required.   The board may suspend the Public Information Act due to catastrophe, for 7 days; may be extended by the board.   Mr. Carroll asked about the crisis-related items; Mr. Geer said the model they adopted before legislative changes were similar to what TASB decided on for this model.  
      Dr. Terry said this is from about 10 years of state work; the board should let them know about changes desired.
  • BDAF(LOCAL): OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS - SELECTION AND DUTIES OF CHIEF TAX OFFICIALS
    
  • BE(LOCAL): BOARD MEETINGS
    
  • BED(LOCAL): BOARD MEETINGS - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
    
  • CDA(LOCAL): OTHER REVENUES - INVESTMENT
    
  • SCH(LOCAL): PURCHASING AND ACQUISITION
    
  • CKC(LOCAL): SAFETY PROGRAM/RISK MANAGEMENT - EMERGENCY PLANS
    
  • CKE(LOCAL): SAFETY PROGRAM/RISK MANAGEMENT - SECURITY PERSONNEL
    
  • CQ(LOCAL): TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
    
  • CQB(LOCAL): TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES - CYBERSECURITY
    
  • DFFA(LOCAL): REDUCTION IN FORCE - FINANCIAL EXIGENCY
    
  • DH(LOCAL): EMPLOYEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
    
  • EHBB(LOCAL): SPECIAL PROGRAMS - GIFTED AND TALENTED
    
  • STUDENTS
    
  • FDE(LOCAL): ADMISSIONS - SCHOOL SAFETY TRANSFERS
    
  • FFAA(LOCAL): WELLNESS AND HEALTH SERVICES - PHYSICAL
    
  • EXAMINATIONS
    
  • FFB(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - CRISIS INTERVENTION
    
  • FFBA(LOCAL): CRISIS INTERVENTION - TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
    
  • FL(LOCAL): STUDENT RECORDS
    
  • GBAA(LOCAL): INFORMATION ACCESS - REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
    
  • GKA(LOCAL): COMMUNITY RELATIONS - CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES

• Approved a resolution relating to establishing the Forney Independent School District’s intention to reimburse itself for the prior lawful expenditure of funds relating to constructing and equipping various School District improvements from the proceeds of one or more series of tax-exempt obligations to be issued by the District for authorized purposes; authorizing other matters incident and related thereto; and providing an effective date.
      Mr. Chase said the project costs listed rose to the top of the list, he says the plan is to return in Jan. with details of tax (note) sale; if incur costs before then, this will allow them to reimburse.   Dr. Terry said it provided staff with flexibility.   Mr. Carroll asked it this applied to just the projects listed? Mr. Chase said the ones listed, they will submit list to TX AG as required.   Dr. Terry said there is an overage of projects for the 6.5 mill.   Mr. Carroll asked if could add items or require resolution; Mr. Chase said must be somewhat specific w/ tax fund usage.   Ms. Green asked how long turf should last; Mr. Chase said outdoor field at least 10 years old, general life is 8-10.
  
• Approved an amendment to the current construction manager agreement to include certain minor projects at a reduced rate, and authorize the Superintendent to negotiate and sign the amendment.
      Ms. Morisak said working with Von at Gallagher, who said they might be paying too much, suggested lowering the rate from 7% to 4%.   Dr. Terry said appreciate partnership with Gallagher.
  
• Held a 2-hour-10-minute executive session re:
  
• Deliberation Regarding Employment of Professional Contract Personnel.
  
• Consultation with Attorney Deliberation Regarding Security Devices, Security Audits, and any Other Details of the District's Current or Contemplated Security Systems.
  
• Consultation with Legal Counsel Regarding Policies, Procedures, Practices for Non-School Use of District Facilities, as well as any Other Subject Matter as Permitted by Law.