Amanda Allen

The board workshop focused on the development process for the 2026-2027 school calendar. Discussion centered on incorporating feedback gathered from various surveys distributed to parents, staff, and students across the fall and winter months. Key topics included staff requests for a full week off during fall break, alignment with Texas Education Agency (TEA) data regarding other districts' fall break schedules, and balancing these preferences against instructional continuity and childcare constraints. Two draft calendars were presented for community feedback: one including a full fall break and one without. Differences between the calendars, such as the number of staff workdays and professional development days, were detailed. The next steps involve gathering community feedback on the two draft calendars, with a final recommendation anticipated for the January regular board meeting.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members for Places 3, 4, and 5, and recognition of outgoing members. Several recognitions were presented, including high school athletic teams, band/guard members, and elementary school staff and students. Key board discussions included a report from the CSISD Education Foundation detailing grant distributions totaling $354,720. The District Educational Improvement Council (DEIC) reviewed new courses and discussed calendar options. The Audit Committee met earlier that day. Reports covered local economic development growth and educational policy discussions. The Superintendent provided updates on recent athletic successes and upcoming holidays. Significant actions included the approval of new middle and high school courses for the 2026-27 school year, a review of the partnership with the ThoughtExchange platform for stakeholder feedback, and deliberation on amendments to the District of Innovation (DOI) Plan. The Board also discussed changes to Board Policy FDA (LOCAL) concerning out-of-district enrollment criteria (grades K-6). The Consent Agenda, excluding pulled items, was approved, covering items like the acquisition of library books, formation of the Budget Advisory Committee, and various financial reports and purchases. The Board approved the annual financial and compliance report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, receiving a clean, unmodified opinion. A resolution was approved to nominate Brian McGuire to the Brazos Central Appraisal District Board. The Board approved compensation for Southwood Valley Elementary employees for a missed workday due to a water line repair. Furthermore, the Design Build delivery method was approved for the district-wide Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing project utilizing 2021 and 2023 bond funds. The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss qualifications of new executive board nominees, followed by Open Session where elections for President (Kim Ege), Vice President (Heather Simmen), and Secretary (Kristin Wilson) were finalized.

The meeting agenda included several recognitions for students, staff, and school board appreciation. Board discussions covered reports from various committees and announcements from the Superintendent. The agenda included public comments, followed by the consent agenda items. Key action items involved consideration and possible action regarding the 2026-2027 College Station ISD School Calendar. Administrative items addressed a policy update and consideration for amendments to the District of Innovation Plan. Business items included approval for a District Wide Phone Replacement/Refresh using 2021 Bond Funds, approval for Printing Services, consideration of the Single Audit Related to the 2024-25 Annual Financial Report, approval of library materials, and discussions concerning the Budget and Eligibility Criteria for the Birth to Five Head Start Program, Quarterly Investment Report, monthly Head Start financial statements, budget amendments, and laptop purchases. Facility discussions included authorizing final negotiations for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the CSISD Central Office Project. An executive session was scheduled to discuss the superintendent's mid-year review.

This report, developed by a Community Advisory Committee, identifies key strengths, values, and areas for growth pertinent to an educational institution. The document highlights strengths in academic quality, student opportunities, inclusive culture, community partnerships, communication, safety, and positive climate. It also outlines critical areas for development, focusing on teacher and staff support, student learning environments, curriculum and instruction, parent and community involvement, operational resources, and equitable culture. These findings are presented to inform future strategic planning and improvement initiatives.

The meeting included a review of the presentation for the 2026-2027 calendar. The Superintendent provided updates regarding the upcoming UIL State Championship competition, the MLK Jr Holiday observance, School Board Appreciation Month activities including the next "Trustee Tour" stop, and the Education Foundation fundraiser, "50 Men Who Can Cook". A key vote involved the selection of a recommended calendar version for the 2026-2027 school year, which passed with 15 affirmative votes. The meeting concluded with a review of upcoming meeting schedules.