The Brownwood ISD (BISD) Board of Trustees met for a regular session meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The session was called to order by Board President Michael Cloy. BISD Trustee Tim Wilson gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by members of the Brownwood High School (BHS) Choir.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

The BHS Choir performed Carol of the Bells under the direction of Choir teacher Jennifer Reeves.

INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS

BISD Deputy Superintendent Liesa Land highlighted the district’s exceptional music teachers and programs during this month’s instructional focus. She emphasized the dedication and talent of music educators at every campus and shared examples of their impactful work.

In November, the district’s four elementary music teachers organized a Veterans Day program featuring all fourth graders. The event showcased a collaborative effort involving students, the district, the City of Brownwood, and the high school choir. Ms. Land praised the program’s inclusivity, which included student translations and performances. She also noted an inspiring moment when fourth graders admired the high school A Cappella Choir performance, looking up to them as role models.

Ms. Land recognized the frequent performances by campus music groups at board meetings and on their home campuses. She extended gratitude to music teachers for their contributions, acknowledging some could not attend the meeting due to other performances.

RECOGNITIONS

The following groups and individuals were recognized by BISD and were presented with certificates highlighting their achievements.

BISD SPOTLIGHT TEACHERS AND STAFF

The Brownwood ISD Spotlight recognizes members of the BISD faculty and staff who go the extra mile to ensure excellence in education for all our students. Spotlight recipients are chosen from peer nominations. December 2024 honorees were Coggin Elementary first grade teacher Pettis Allgood and BHS Assistant Principal’s Clerk Tisha Goodrich. Spotlight honorees are pictured with (top) BISD Trustee Diane Thompson, Coggin Elementary Principal Kali McLaughlin and Coggin Elementary Assistant Principal Monica Verner, and (bottom) BISD Trustee Amary Doremus and BHS Principal Lindsay Smith.

BISD HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN WINNERS

East Elementary third-grade student Annabelle Woods (top left), and BHS senior Railei Rust (top right) were recognized as the 2024 BISD Holiday Card Design Contest winners. BHS students Alexis Juarez, Allison Covarrubias, and Brynlee Young (bottom) were recognized for their digital media entries. Students are pictured with BISD Trustee Amary Doremus and their school principal.

BHS CHOIR

Twenty-four BHS Choir students were recognized for All-Region Choir and Jack Field, Jaxon Lopez, Emory May, Langston Barnes, Stephon Hawthorne, and Bennett Windham were honored for placing in the Area All-Region Mixed Choir. Choir students are pictured below with BISD Trustee Tim Wilson, BHS Choir Director Jennifer Reeves, and BHS Principal Lindsay Smith

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

2023 Bond Projects Progress:

• Indoor multi-purpose activity center facility frame nearly finished; roof and panels work to follow.

• Snodgrass facility renovations complete and in use for weights, baseball, and softball practice activities.

• Gordon Wood Stadium:

o Demo nearly complete; new concession stand area cleared.

o Majority of updates (except press box interior and extension of home side bleachers) expected to finish by next football season.

• Baseball/Softball Complex: o Buildings, lights, and fencing near completion; parking lot progress ongoing.

o Bleacher roof, ramps, concrete sidewalks, and sprinkler installation underway.

o Facility expected to be ready January 2024, excluding minor cosmetic details and the concession stand.

• Middle School Locker Rooms:

o Asbestos removal complete; interior slab replacement ongoing due to structural heaving.

• High School Locker Rooms:

o Renovations scheduled to begin after school year ends in May.

2024-2025 School Calendar:

• Site-based committee reviewing options; meeting scheduled for December 12.

• Final recommendation expected by February or March 2025.

DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Report: Information regarding CTE goals, benefits, and details regarding CTE offerings was provided. CTE affords students the opportunity to train for high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand careers. BISD offers five endorsements: Business & Industry, Public Service, Arts & Humanities, Multi-Disciplinary, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). BISD continues to foster the relationships that have been developed with local institutions and industries such as Ranger College, TSTC, Hendrick Medical Center, Bruner Chevrolet, Big Country Ford, and various local pharmacies and nursing homes. Among the CTE programs highlighted were the FAA Drone Pilot Certification, Photography/Graphic Design, Automotive Technology, Education and Training, Welding, Culinary Arts, Health Science, and FFA

• Maintenance & Operations Report: A detailed report was provided listing the facility projects and upgrades initiated and completed by the BISD Maintenance Department. The list detailed a wide range of work at all campuses, including work on A/C units, elementary gym floors, painting of curbs and parking spaces, installation of new fencing, lighting, and many other beautification and improvement projects throughout the district.

PUBLIC HEARING OF FIRST REPORT

The state’s school financial accountability rating system, known as the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices. A motion was made by Trustee Thompson to enter into the Public Hearing on the FIRST Financial Report. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith, and the motion passed unanimously. The Board entered into the Public Hearing of the FIRST Report at 6:58 p.m. BISD received an Above Standard Achievement rating. The rating is based on school year 2023- 2024 data. The district score was 80 out of a possible 100. With no additional public comments or discussion, a motion to receive the FIRST report and adjourn the public hearing was made by Trustee Wilson. Trustee Smith seconded the motion. The public hearing adjourned at 7:02 p.m. and the meeting returned to regular session.

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda. 1. November 11, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes Trustee Doremus moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented, with Trustee Posey seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board moved into executive session at 7:03 p.m. to discuss security and personnel matters, and the Superintendent Evaluation. They returned to open session at 8:05 p.m. No action was taken on executive session items.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following announcements were made for upcoming events:

• Site-Based Decision-Making Cabinet Meeting: 12/12/24

• Early Release: 12/20/24

• Christmas Break: 12/23-01/03/25

• Staff Development: 01/06/25

• Next Board Meeting: 01/13/25

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.