FISD prepares to have its own Police Dept.

During its regular Jan. 13, 2020 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met to recognize Lexingten Phillips and All-State Academic students, consider selling bonds, forming its own police force, refurbishing City Bank Stadium, hiring more staff and keeping Dr. Terry around.

• Held a 60-minute executive session
  
• U. S. Flag - Secondary Student-of-the-Month, Lexingten Phillips, Graduate of Forney Learning Academy
      Ms. Stacy Joseph, Principal of Forney Learning Academy spoke of
  
• Texas Pledge - Elementary Student-of-the-Month, Emily Reyes, 4th Grade Dual Language Student at Criswell Elementary and Zoey Busieney, 4th Grade Student at Criswell Elementary
      Ms. Rachel Bonner, Principal of Criswell Elementary introduced the two students.
  
• City of Forney Proclamation: City of Forney Mayor Mary Penn proclaimed Jan. 13 as Lexingten Phillips Day
  
• All-State Academic
      Mr. Neal Weaver, Director of Athletics introduced the coaches for each group, who in turn introduced their students.
  
  • North Forney High Volleyball
    
  • Forney High School Volleyball
    
  • Forney High Cross Country
    
  • Forney High Football
    
  • North Forney High Football
    
  • North Forney High Trainers

• School Board Recognition Month
      Ms. Zastoupil introduced students who presented each board member with a gift basket.
  
• held a short recess
  
• Monthly Financial Report
      Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer said general fund is at 35% revenue, 41% expenses; debt service is 10% revenue, 71% expenses.   In both cases, percentage is ahead on revenue payments, due to previous payments.   Everything looks good.
  
• Board Self-Evaluation
      Mr. Greg Pharris, School Board President said it was an honor to work with the board.
  
• Forney Focus Update
    Dr. Judy Webber, Chief of Learner Services showed a video; 450 students are taking 2 or more dual-credit classes.   New partnership w/ Eastfield and Texas Tech allow students to attend tier-1 school while staying in Forney.   Enrolled 12,000th student, expect to add 900 students per year.   FISD held a STEAMfest, had a back-to-school bash, participated in eyeglass program, Forney Food Panty, jROTC delivered food from drive.   Students held a Holiday card contest.   61 students enrolled in virtual economics academy course.   FISD has over 200 new employees.   Both FHS & NFHS volleyball teams finished 1st & 2nd in district for second year.   Continuing 'Capturing Kid's Hearts' program
      Ms. Webber said Master Planning group will be busy, spring will bring maintenance and security work, will expand future-ready curriculum, will look at ways to increase opportunities for students, better identification for GT (Gifted/Talented) students; starting in 5th grade, students will be able to pick electives; state law now requires all-day pre-K.   11th & 12th grade will have free ACT testing; 5 students have applied to graduate Forney with Associates Degree; will have Eastfield & TX Tech advisors on campus each month.   Have new teacher induction program, spread over 3 years.   Digital learning started this year w/ virtual courses.   Hope to have all students take at least one virtual course.   Community partnerships - adult ESL classes with Navarro College, electrical program, Rely-On credit union.
  
• Public Comment - none
  
  Approved as one consent item:
  • Approve Budget Amendment
    
  • Class Size Waivers
    
  • Update 114 as a Final Reading
    
    • 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 - INVESTMENTS
      CH(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

  • DEC Local as a Final Reading
    
  • Contractor for Audit Services
    
  • Purchase of Engage2Learn Package
    
  • Purchase of Electronic Signage
    
  • Purchase of Campus Security Cameras

• Approved an order authorizing the issuance by the Forney Independent School District of its fixed rate unlimited tax school building in one or more series (as designated by purpose and series); levying a continuing direct annual ad valorem tax for the payment of one or more series of bonds; prescribing the form, terms, conditions, and resolving other matters incident and related to the issuance, sale, and delivery of one or more series of bonds, including the approval and distribution of one or more official statements pertaining thereto; authorizing the execution of one or more paying agent/registrar agreements, and purchase contracts each pertaining to a series of bonds; complying with the letter of representations on file with the depository trust company; delegating the authority to certain members of the board of trustees and district staff to approve and execute certain documents relating to the sale of each series of bonds; and providing an effective date
      Mr. Chase said the bond election authorized $623 million.   This maximum $113.8 million will be for new schools, design, additions/renovations.   The first sale would be $70 mil, then in next year $43.8 mil, based on input from architects / contractor.   Impact on tax rate, about 4.2c.   Will still use excess tax capacity to pay off bonds early.   Authorization would require sale in 12 months, with true interest cost not more than 6%.   Dr. Terry said two triggers would be required; enrollment and taxing capacity, excited about financial health.   Mr. Carroll asked why two sales; Mr. Chase said draw projections were: need 70 mil first year, avoids interest cost on the full amount.
  
• Approved a resolution by the board of trustees of the Forney Independent School District authorizing the issuance of obligations designated as Forney Independent School District Maintenance Tax Notes, Series 2020; making provision for the payment thereof by the annual levy of the district's maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes; and providing an effective date
      Mr. Chase said budget had several construction projects allocated, decided to use tax notes instead of cash.   Mr. Merritt said was an issue of safety net.   Winning bid was 2.25%, non-callable 10 year for $6.5 million.   Mr. Carroll asked if could pay early - no, can't refinance or early pay.   Mr. Merritt said typical call period for a bond is 10 years.   Dr. Terry said considered higher rate for callable bond, but at this rate decided not to.   He said this is an extra layer of safety net.
  
• Approved purchase of turf and track replacement.
      Mr. Rick Geer, Chief of Human Services said received two bids, viewed recent projects by bidders, sent out surveys.   Mr. Chase said the quotes came from the purchase cooperative.   Construction team recommended these two companies, 1405k by Hellas Construction plus $65k for testing.   Dr. Terry said this has been a multi-year renovation.   Mr. Andrews asked about schedule; Mr. Regan asked about lettering in end zones (it is Forney ISD); Mr. Chase said have 2 schools using it, might be 3 in future.   Mr. Geer said this is common layout.   Dr. Terry said this is becoming more common.   Mr. Carroll asked about recent agreement w/ Gallagher for project management; Dr. Terry said yes, appreciate them doing that.   Mr. Pharris asked if had issues w/ turf on prev project; Von said yes, that co not in the mix, both of the companies will stand behind their work.   Mr. Carroll asked if sub-base was ok; Von said they will take the turf off.   April will be a good time to start.   Mr. Andrews verified track will have new sub-base.   Mr. Carroll asked about lifetime of track; Von said turf is 8 years, track is 5 years, 5 more if re-surface.
  
• Approved preemptive rezone of Lakewood Trails
      Ms. Kim Morisak, Chief of Information, Innovative and Technology Services, said Claybon is getting full, want to rezone to Henderson, no residents in the area currently.   Claybon is a 700-student campus; this would get them down to under 700 for 10 years.
  
• Approved appointing the facility naming committee as recommended.
      Dr. Justin Terry said have a tradition of naming schools after local people; CW local requires board to nominate 3, superintendent 2, plus ask community/students/staff to nominate others.   Have Five nominees to be on committee.   Mr. Carroll asked if this is a single event committee; Dr. Terry said rules allow them to reappoint if desired.
  
• Approved the resolution to authorize the creation of the Forney ISD Police Department
      Mr. Rick Geer, Chief of Human Services expressed his appreciation of 15 years working with Kaufman County and Sheriff Beavers.   With FISD growth, it's involved in many jurisdictions.   Having their own department would allow them to be better equipped.   FISD is only one in Kaufman County that doesn't have own force.   Of 1,227 ISDs in TX, 248 have their own department, 34 were created last year.   Would hire a chief by March.   Before next school year, would have hired Lieutenant, 4 SRO's, and dispatcher.   He recommends hiring Craig Miller as Chief of Safety and Security, who would oversee the creation of a new department.   Mr. Miller retired from Dallas ISD last year.   They solicited advice from Sheriff Beavers - Beavers said it's been tremendous working with FISD, no hard feeling from either side, this adds another level of safety for kids, his resources will always be available to FISD, had a great meeting with Mr. Miller, he will fully cooperate.
      Dr. Terry thanked Sheriff Beavers for his positive approach to transition.   Mr. Pharris thanked Beavers and Miller.
  
• Approved CKE local as a first and final reading.
      Mr. Geer said this should be revised now, he requests the board to consider an emergency adoption to allow approval on one reading.   Mr. Carroll asked if this is TASB language or local - local policy, crafted w/ TASB attorney input.
  
• Approved 2020-2021 full-time equivalent (FTE) position additions
      Mr. Chase said already time to consider 2021 budget, projections are 5.6% yr-over-yr growth for 10 years.   Look at staffing ratios every year.   TEA acceptable range is 7 - 14, FISD is about 9.   FISD has a lot of special needs students, will be hard to maintain 10:1 ratio.   Requesting 87 personnel, about $5.1 million, expect $6 million from growth.   HB 3 has a lot of influence, tax rate might go down next year due to revenue cap (of 3%).
      Dr. Terry said trending a little higher than last year, might have to come back to request more.
  
• Held a 70-minute executive session .
  • 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
    
  • Deliberation Regarding the Superintendent's Summative Evaluation and Contract
    
  
  
• Approved employment of professional contract personnel as discussed in Closed Session.
  
• Approved the superintendent's extension superintendent term contract by a year and authorized President Pharris to negotiate and execute contract as discussed in Closed Session.
  
• Announcements
  A) Monday, January 20, 2020 - Holiday, District Closed
  B) Thursday, January 23, 2020 - Health Fair @ Forney High from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  C) Monday, February 3, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
  D) Tuesday, February 4, 2020 - College and Career Focus Night @ Forney High School from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  E) Monday, February 17, 2020 - District Closed
  F) Monday, March 2, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
  G) Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13 - Spring Break, District Closed
  
• Adjourned at 2155