Cynthia Benitez

The Board of Trustees met to discuss and approve several key items, including the appointment of a new Director of Human Resources and the approval of a resolution to compensate employees for a district closure due to Winter Storm Fern. Additionally, the Board authorized an Active Attack Response Equipment Grant application, approved the development of a Long-Range Planning Committee, and authorized the process to engage a consultant to support said committee. The meeting also included a closed session for legal, personnel, and security deliberations.

The Board of Trustees met in a closed session to discuss private consultation with the Board's attorney and personnel matters regarding the employment, evaluation, and duties of the Superintendent. Following the return to open session, the Board approved the Second Amendment to the Superintendent's Employment Contract. Additionally, the administration provided information regarding upcoming board workshops and holidays.

This document outlines the Harvey Brown Elementary School's Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy. It details the school's commitment to fostering a strong partnership with parents and families to improve student academic achievement. The policy emphasizes joint development and distribution of the engagement plan, conducting annual informational meetings, offering flexible parent engagement opportunities, and ensuring continuous parent involvement in program planning and review. Key objectives include providing timely academic information, support and training for parents, educating staff on parent collaboration, and coordinating with community programs to empower parents in their children's education.

The meeting served as a Board Training session where Mr. McGowen provided the required Team of Eight: Financial Planning Board Collaboration Training for the Board of Trustees and Superintendent. The Superintendent also shared information regarding upcoming events, including the MLK Holiday, the Regular Board Meeting on January 21st, and the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce Gala on January 31st.

The meeting commenced with closed session discussions authorized for consultation with the Board's Attorney, personnel matters, security deployment deliberation, and legal issues concerning Policies DGA and FNA. Following the open session reconvening, public comment was heard regarding the need for a full-time P.E. aide at Brown Elementary due to safety concerns. Board and Superintendent reports included recognition of Board Members for Board Appreciation Month and congratulations to Ms. Shumona Collins as Board Member of the Year. District updates covered parent meetings, a BPA conference, a donation to the JROTC program, and participation in a Harris County Active Threat Tabletop exercise. Key agenda items included the presentation of three options for the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar creation process, and a presentation on the impact of HB2 on the District of Innovation (DOI) plan regarding teacher certifications. Informational reports included Business Office materials and results from a Districtwide Intruder Detection Audit by the Texas School Safety Center. Action items approved the fiscal audit for 2024-2025, authorization for the Superintendent to offer employment contracts, Budget Amendment #3, a donation from the Channelview ISD Education Foundation, TASB Policy 126 Update approval, and a resolution designating the new Public Information Request Calendar.