Bells Independent School District

The Regular Meeting included procedural items such as the Call to Order, the Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, Honoring segment, and Public Comments, though none were made. Reports covered a construction update and public presentations of the 2024-2025 TAPR Report and the 2024-2025 FIRST Rating Report. The Consensus Agenda addressed financial reports, acceptance of donations, and approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting. Key Action Items included approving the final payment for the 2023 Bond Construction Project, approving a 5-year contract with Five Stones Safety for a safety platform, and approving Budget Amendment #1 which reallocated funds between appraisal services, special education cooperative, and security/monitoring functions. The Board also approved the 2026-2027 school calendar and a joint board election with the City of Bells for May 2, 2026. Finally, the Board conducted an executive session to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation, subsequently approving the evaluation, extending the superintendent's contract through June 30, 2029, and increasing the base salary to $150,000. Reports included the 2025 Results Driven Accountability (RDA) Report and various financial statements.

The meeting included a report and presentation from the state-qualifying Robotics Team. The board discussed and approved the 2025 Tax Roll Values, a Chromebook purchase, a resolution for a retention incentive payment for all Bells ISD employees, the 2024-2025 financial audit results, and adjustments to the committed fund balance. There was also discussion on personnel matters in an executive session. Reports were given by administrators covering highlights and updates from various departments, along with financial information and the Superintendent's report.

The Board addressed several key items, including a construction update, policy updates related to board meetings, contracted services, technology resources, facility standards, employment requirements, employee standards of conduct, instructional arrangements, parent rights, student welfare, and community relations. The board also discussed and approved a Teacher Incentive Allotment Plan, Campus Improvement Plans for 2025-2026, and a resolution for the Grayson Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. Additionally, the board convened in an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included discussion and action on filling the vacant seat of the Board of Trustees, a Good Cause Exception for Armed Security Officer Requirement, the 2025-26 District Improvement Plan, the District Library Materials, the BHS Roof Proposal, and Personnel. The Board convened in Executive Session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act for discussion. Reports were given by administrators, financial information was reviewed, and the Superintendent provided district updates.

The meeting included honoring Gary Payne for 20 years of service. The board approved items on the Consensus Agenda, including donations and the financial report. They also approved the fuel and oil bid from McCraw Oil for the 2025-2026 school year and a proposal for an additional concrete drive in front of the Pritchard Ag Barn. Additionally, administrators provided reports on accountability, reading intervention plans, library policy, enrollment, highlights, and events for various schools. The Superintendent's Report included updates on the Strategic Plan, TexPool Account Summaries, utility summaries, and transportation.