Amber Barber

This document outlines the Bellville Independent School District's District of Innovation Plan. The plan is structured around four main goals: Learning, Leadership, Culture, and Community, with a mission to cultivate relevant learning experiences that empower each individual. To achieve these goals, the plan details specific innovation strategies concerning teacher certification, mentor programs, employment practices for probationary contracts, a local appraisal process, uniform school start date, attendance rules, class size ratios, district and campus-level planning, and enrollment of transfer students.

Key discussions during this agenda review meeting included public comments regarding sewer line backups and property maintenance issues at the West End little league facilities, with a request for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the district. Under Goal 1 (Learning), reports covered targeted improvement plans, professional development schedules, and the award of a three-year grant totaling $627,000 for instructional leadership related to the Bluebonnet Curriculum implementation. The district was also nominated for a Beacon Grant. Updates were provided on the PTECH program guidelines concerning student persistence and parameters for drops/retakes. Under Goal 2 (Leadership), financial reports noted collections were on schedule, with plans for a detailed revenue breakdown in a future workshop, and updates on capital improvements indicated the New Junior High Campus construction was on track to finish under budget. Discussions also touched upon the development of 'Traits of a Brahma' and the TASA Visioning Document Refresh. Finally, Goal 3 (Culture) covered open positions and recruitment plans, and Goal 4 (Community) addressed current community engagement events.

Discussions and reports covered several goals. Under Goal 1 (Learning), reports detailed campus instructional performance, targeted improvement plans, and Professional Development focus. A three-year instructional leadership grant of $627,000 for the 2026-2027 school year related to the Bluebonnet Curriculum was announced, along with a Beacon Grant nomination. Updates were provided on the PTECH program guidelines and parameters for drops/retakes. Goal 2 (Leadership) included financial reports noting scheduled collections and pending revenue breakdown requests, updates on Capital Improvement projects, and the progress of the New Junior High Campus construction, which is anticipated to be under budget. The report also covered the development of the Traits of a Brahma and the TASA Visioning Document Refresh. Under Goal 3 (Culture), open positions and recruitment plans were noted. Goal 4 (Community) covered current engagement events. Action items included the approval of library purchases across multiple campuses, a resolution regarding wage payments during closures on January 26, 2026, and May 1, 2026, and the cancellation of the May 2, 2026, Board Election due to unopposed candidates. Actions related to OBP Playground shade structures were also approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included Goal 1: Learning, which involved reviewing MAP performance data and projected STAAR accountability ratings. For Goal 2: Leadership, reports covered finances, noting expenditures tracking normally and anticipating large expenditures for the BJHS campus completion, as well as an update on Capital Improvements including the opening of the new junior high campus and definitions for Package C scopes. The Board also reviewed reports on BISD Vision & Action Plans and Goal 3: Culture, addressing open positions and contract timelines. Goal 4: Community reported on the successful BJHS ribbon cutting. Action items included the approval of updates to the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar, the adoption of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, the Order and Notice of General Election for May 2, 2026, a Joint Election Agreement, the District of Innovation Plan for 2026-2031, and approval for Hybrid Learning for the 2026-2027 school year. During executive session, the Board voted to approve updates extending the superintendent's contract. Discussions also occurred regarding potential changes to future meeting dates.

The Agenda Review Meeting involved several key discussions across various goals. Under Goal 1 (Learning), a mid-year review of lead measures, MAP performance, and projected STAAR accountability ratings was presented. Goal 2 (Leadership) included a financial and operational report noting normal expenditure tracking, expected large expenditures for the BJHS campus completion, delays in food service payments due to a government shutdown, and a favorable shift in investment accounts to a higher-earning pool. The Capital Improvement Update confirmed the opening of the new junior high campus with minor items remaining and detailed scopes for future renovation packages. Goal 3 (Culture) addressed open positions and contract timelines, noting positive feedback on district support during transitions. Goal 4 (Community) noted a successful ribbon cutting for the BJHS. Items discussed for action at the subsequent Regular Board Meeting included the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar revision, the Order and Notice of General Election for May 2, 2026, the District of Innovation Plan for 2026-2031, and a proposal for a Hybrid Learning Program pilot. The board also discussed moving future meeting dates to Mondays and Thursdays.