Cassandra Cummings

The meeting commenced with a roll call establishing a quorum, followed by an invocation and public comment period. A public meeting was held to review the 2024-2025 Mason ISD Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Report. Key actions approved under the consent agenda included the approval of minutes, payment of district bills, review of revenue and investment reports, budget amendments, and donation approvals. The Superintendent's Report covered topics such as administration building bids, detachment appeal updates, building/roof updates, Puncherdome updates, UIL updates, football wrap-up, basketball, and the upcoming Lions Club pancake supper. Substantive action items included the approval of the Final 2024-2025 financial audit, approval of the Audit Engagement Letter for Coleman, Horton & Company for the 2025-2026 School Year, and approval of the Construction Fund Resolution. The board discussed using Construction Funds for parking lot repairs following flooding, district tree trimming, and cafeteria repairs, but ultimately decided not to bring this item to a vote. The board entered and later reconvened from a closed session concerning personnel matters.

This document details Mason ISD's ESSER III Use of Funds Plan, mandated by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. It outlines strategies across four key components: prevention and mitigation for safe school operations, evidence-based interventions to address the academic impact of lost instructional time, activities aligned with ESSER III's intent, and comprehensive interventions for the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students, especially those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Key initiatives include after-school programs, additional academic support staff, purchasing software, hiring a district-wide counselor, facility upgrades, technology enhancements, and staff retention efforts.

This document, the 2025 Federal Report Card, outlines the long-term goals and interim progress for Mason Independent School District. The key strategic areas include academic performance in Reading/ELA and Mathematics, English Learner language proficiency, and graduation rates. The report aims to track and improve outcomes for all student subgroups from 2022 through 2038, in accordance with state accountability systems, and also reports on teacher quality, per-pupil expenditures, and civil rights data.

The meeting covered several key areas, commencing with an audio recording initiation for subsequent website posting. Counselor updates were provided in written format, detailing activities such as a confidence and coping skills lunch group for 5th-grade girls, classroom lessons on growth mindset and resiliency for grades 1-4, and a presentation by a DPS trooper on safe driving. A significant portion of the meeting involved a report from the Smart Snacks Compliance Subcommittee regarding compliance with Texas Senate Bill 314, which prohibits certain synthetic food dyes (Red Dye 3, Red Dye 40, Yellow Dye 5, Yellow Dye 6). The committee discussed high-risk product categories like certain bars and crackers, and clarified the regulatory scope of USDA Smart Snack Standards concerning vending machines, a la carte lines, and fundraisers. Subcommittee next steps focused on developing 'do not purchase' lists and identifying low-risk approved alternatives from local retailers.

This document provides information about the Mason Independent School District's $35 million bond proposal for 2026. The bond addresses three core priorities: ensuring student and staff safety, managing program and student growth, and maintaining and updating facilities. It proposes projects such as a new academic wing and gym, along with infrastructure improvements including HVAC upgrades, covered walkways, security fencing, and enhanced traffic flow, all aimed at modernizing facilities to meet long-term educational needs and improve the learning environment.