FISD Jan. 2018 - McWilliams announces retirement

During its regular Jan. 08, 2018 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met and in summary:

• US & Texas Pledge - Elementary Student-of-the-Month, Olivia Faith Tanner, 4th Grade Student at Henderson Elementary School by: Ms. Laurie Branch, Principal
  
• Secondary Student-of-the-Month, Bryn Ellen Stephens was unable to attend due to illness.
  
• Recognized Forney High School Band for Qualifying for UIL State Marching Band Competition - Mr. Mario Luna, Director of Fine Arts, said the band has gone to state 5 times since 2009. Of 253 5-A schools, only 3 others have done that. N. Forney was 6th in state. Mr. Poole introduced three drum majors and three staff members; Mr. Bell gave certificates to the drum majors. Ms. Mcwilliams praised their performance in San Antonio.
  
• School Board Recognition Month - Superintendent Ms. McWilliams read a statement praising the board members spending their time for the FISD. Dr. Terry introduced students from all campuses who presented gift baskets to each board member.
  
• Held a short recess
  
• Public input -
  
• Monthly Financial Report Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer said the district is roughly at the same point as last year. There is a one-month lag in receiving a payment.
  
• Board Self-Evaluation - Mr. Keith Bell, School Board President presented the highlights, one item had 'needs improvement' under board-community relations, possibly due to strain from the exit of city manager. Mr. Bell said during his 20 years there has only been one meeting with the city. Terrell has weekly meetings, he hopes they can do something similar.
  
• Forney Focus Update - Dr. Justin Terry, Chief Learning Officer showed a video that they will provide for the public, covering progress over 4 years. The FISD has reached $23 million fund balance, achieving recommended 3 month operating costs. They are transitioning to an intermediate school plan. They are developing future-ready skills. They have implemented flexible seating in all schools. They have increased dual-credit enrolment by 60%, and providing summer STEAM classes. They have digital literacy programs. They have a collaborative learning program, and business partnership programs.
  
• Approved as consent items:
  
  • Approve Budget Amendment
    
  • Adopt TASB Policy Update #109, Affecting Local Policies Listed, as a Final Reading
    1) BBE(LOCAL) - Board Members: Authority
    2) CDA(LOCAL) - Other Revenues: Inve
    3) CKC(LOCAL) - Safety Program/Risk Management: Emergency Plans
    4) CNA(LOCAL) - Transportation Management: Student Transportation - NEW POLICY
    5) CO(LOCAL) - Food Services Management
    6) DF(LOCAL) - Termination of Employment - NEW POLICY
    7) DH(LOCAL) - Employee Standards of Conduct
    8) EHBAF(LOCAL) - Special Education: Video/Audio Monitoring
    9) EJ(LOCAL) - Academic Guidance Program - POLICY RECOMMENDED FOR DELETION
    10) FEA(LOCAL) - Attendance: Compulsory Attendance
    11) FFAA(LOCAL) - Wellness and Health Services: Physical Examinations
    12) FFF(LOCAL) - Student Welfare: Student Safety - NEW POLICY
    13) FFI(LOCAL) - Student Welfare: Freedom from Bullying
    14) GBAA(LOCAL) - Information Access: Requests for Information
    15) GKA(LOCAL) - Community Relations: Conduct on School Premises
    16) GKC(LOCAL) - Community Relations: Visitors
    17) GKE(LOCAL) - Community Relations: Business, Civic, and Youth Groups - NEW POLICY

• Approved Legal Services Retainer Agreement with Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Russo, & Kyle, P.C. Ms. McWilliams explained this was annual consideration for legal services, this firm does a good job.
  
• Approved Contract for Audit Services Mr. John Chase, CFO said they have an annual audit, will start in May, should end in Nov. $39k is within the customary fee for this size district. This is the firms' third year, policy limits are 5 years per firm.
  
• Approved the Purchase of Classroom Furniture - Mr. Chase said have added 500 students this year, expect another 500 next year, want to order furniture now for $122k (already included in budget). These will be the innovative design products.
  
• Approved Purchase of Fire Protection System at Forney High School - Mr. Chase said they are replacing fire panels and adding keyless entry systems, which were included in the budget, at a cost of $278,792. Ms. Green asked how close they were to having all campuses equal. The district is annually evaluating systems and will be replacing them more regularly.
  
• Approved the Resolution Expressing Official Intent to Reimburse Cost of a Construction Project - Mr. Chase said they are moving forward with intermediate upgrades to Smith and Rhea. Have costs for architect fees, won't have funds from bonds until July. If need more than currently-available $1.1 million, they will need a short-term loan, this resolution will allow that.
  
• Held a lengthy executive session re:
  
• Employment of Professional Contract Personnel
  
• Superintendent's Summative Evaluation and Contract