The new program called Pride for Areas Surrounding Schools (PASS) that is being organized by BISD and City of Brownwood officials got a green light on Monday as the Brownwood Independent School District’s board of trustees unanimously passed a resolution supporting the program.

This neighborhood revitalization initiative is being used in an effort to improve student safety and welfare and help improve neighborhoods around Brownwood schools.

The 1000 foot radius around Coggin Elementary and Brownwood Intermediate School will be the target area of this program.  The resolution states that the neighborhood around these schools has experienced a decline in maintenance causing safety hazards to children such as dilapidated and abandoned structures, criminal activity, and an environment that does not support excellence in education.

BISD Community Relations Director Emily Crawford reported to the school board that progress in the program has already been made.  Crawford said that they have generated a database of area properties, met with stakeholders for ideas, and are working with Brownwood High School Construction Trades department to plan on remodeling a house as a class project.

Crawford also said that a neighborhood clean-up day is tentatively scheduled for January 7-8, a junk vehicle round-up is in the works, and a “safe route” for students is also being developed.

The Brownwood City Council is expected to pass a similar resolution on Tuesday.

In other BISD School Board Actions:

*Trustees accepted a donation of $8151.76 from the Brownwood Band Boosters to be used for instruments for the Brownwood Lions Band.  A donation of $200 was also donated by Mal & Mary Aaron to be used in the Brownwood Middle School Student Fund.

*Trustees approved the financial audit for the 2009-2010 school year.

*BISD Representatives Vince Ornelas and David Bullion were reappointed to serve on the Brown County Appraisal District’s board of directors.

*Trustees approved the District Vision & Goals as well as the Graduate Profile.

*Trustees approved changes to the Districts Improvement Plan and High School Campus Improvement Plan

*As a discussion item, Superintendent Reece Blincoe proposed that a new Ag building that has yet to be constructed be named after Gerald Thomas, former ag teacher for the district.   The item will be put on next month’s agenda as an action item.