Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District

The Board meeting included several key reports and action items. Reports covered the WBJH Safety Audit for 2023-2026, an update on TIA, and the Financial Report which included a discussion on property and liability insurance renewals. Action items involved setting the date to canvass Trustee Election Returns for May 11, 2026, approving Property and Liability Insurance renewals with Insurica, and failing to adopt a resolution regarding the Senate Bill 11 Period of Prayer and Reading of the Bible. The Board also approved the District of Innovation and Board Teacher Certification Plan, the Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials Survey for 2026-2027, and voted not to approve the Senate Bill 546 Three-Point Seat Belt Budget Request. The consent agenda included the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the District Police Department and the Brazoria Police Department, and the 2026-2027 District Instructional Calendar. During closed session, the Board discussed employment, resignation/retirement, performance of personnel, and the Superintendent Contract, taking action in open session to approve personnel changes and revised job descriptions, with no action taken on the Superintendent Contract.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included recognitions for the Boutbots travel robotics team, which has developed an advanced robot over a two-year process and competed four times this year. Campus communications highlighted the 100th-day-of-school celebration sponsored by the student council, involving bingo and a senior prom theme. Student participation in UIL competitions yielded 21 awards across academics, speaking, and writing. The shooting team's achievements in San Antonio were recognized, particularly a freshman earning significant scholarship money. A report detailed how 47 CTE students received free Helper Orientation Training funded by Chevron Phillips. Other recognitions involved student athletic achievements, counselor appreciation, a coffee cart partnership, and band success at the UIL state competition. West Columbia Elementary shared updates on student field trips to Camp Allen, attendance incentives like music at lunch and candygrams, growth rewards via a goodie cart program initiated by second-grade teachers, and a kindergarten project recreating the city. Finally, administrative updates covered maintenance, including necessary repairs to a water well transformer and pump, and a review of the confidential Safety and Security Audit Report for West Junior High, which identified strengthening communication protocols as the most pressing safety need.

The meeting included commemorations for the Alvarez family and Christopher's battle with cancer, followed by official business. Key discussion points involved recognizing staff appreciation across different campuses (Barrow, Columbia, Wild Peach, West Columbia Elementary). Recognition highlights included Barrow parents providing tokens of appreciation, Columbia presenting travel socks and sourdough bread, Wild Peach offering wind chimes, and West Columbia Elementary showcasing student academic progress, including a student overcoming behavioral difficulties to earn an excellence award, and the success of the RoboCaters team. There were updates on athletics, including barbecue team qualifications for state, successful hosting of the Charlie Brown Classic, and progress in winter/spring sports like baseball, softball, and soccer. Student Council activities, such as attending a conference and providing aid at Thanksgiving and Christmas, were also noted. Wild Peach reported on academic initiatives like the Gingerbread Man unit using Venn diagrams and the successful harvest of carrots from their habitat/pod zone, which were shared with students and fed to campus animals. The Maintenance department expressed appreciation to the Board for their decision-making that aids their work. A maintenance report mentioned that the water well at Wild Peach has been drilled deeper than anticipated and that work is pending tank fabrication.

The meeting included a detailed financial accountability report review for the 2023-2024 school year, covering 20 indicators related to financial health, debt compliance, asset ratios, and timely payments, where the district generally passed all reviewed indicators. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing staff members across various campuses (Columbia High School, West Roses, Wild Peach Elementary) for their exceptional support and continuity of operations during a period of loss. Recognitions included staff who maintained classroom structure, volunteers for event planning and administrative tasks, and high-achieving football players and band members. Updates were provided on campus construction projects, such as the nearly completed Columbia High School courtyard, and positive developments like the implementation of a new token economy system for student rewards at Wild Peach Elementary. Other topics included updates on student programs like Life Skills visits, third-grade Christmas programs, and PTO appreciation luncheons.

The meeting included recognition of award members for pay for performance, distinction, and certification. Campuses highlighted positive office referrals, a breakfast for the brave, and Veterans Day programs. The LD radio team advanced to area, and the football team progressed to the second round of playoffs. Various student achievements were celebrated, including robotics, esports, and participation in Halloween Red Ribbon Week. Gratitude was expressed to Barrow Elementary, the education foundation, and veterans. Motivational activities like the goodie cart and ring the bell ceremonies were also discussed. The meeting concluded with reports on delinquent tax collection.