Erica N Gauthier

This Local Innovation Plan (Renewal) for Nederland Independent School District seeks to enhance local control and operational flexibility by obtaining exemptions from specific provisions of the Texas Education Code. The plan addresses five key areas of innovation: school start and end dates, instructional minutes, Kindergarten-Grade 4 class size reporting requirements, teacher certification, and the designation of campus behavior coordinators. The overarching goal is to enable the district to better meet the unique needs of its community and students, foster innovation, and improve educational outcomes through tailored policies and practices.

The Board of Trustees approved several key items, including the Dome Gym Renovation Project, a resolution regarding arctic weather, planning for summer school, and policies related to daily prayer time and administrative outside employment. Other approvals included purchases exceeding $50,000, property and insurance renewals, administrator contracts, and the employment of a social studies teacher. The board also received various informational updates, including reports on child nutrition, student enrollment, disciplinary alternative education program enrollment, average daily attendance, the Texas Academic Performance Report, maintenance and transportation, personnel status, and financial and tax reports.

The Board of Education conducted interviews with three architectural firms, SHW Group, Architectural Alliance, and PBK Architects, to evaluate their qualifications for potential school construction and renovation projects. The interviews focused on firm experience with educational facilities, project management approaches, fee structures, local availability, handling of change orders and budgets, and the ability to coordinate with school committees and facilities management.

The Board of Trustees discussed and acted upon the order for the upcoming 2023 trustee election. Key points included formalizing the election date for the two positions expiring, authorizing a joint election agreement with the City of Nederland, designating the polling location, and establishing early voting dates, hours, and procedures for ballot applications.

The meeting included recognition of the NISD School Board members by the Superintendent. Administrative reports covered an update on the Alternative Education Campus, Special Education student data (including 883 students in special education classes and 496 on 504 plans), and the cancellation of the Chapter 313 agreement with Entergy Transfer due to market conditions. Curriculum reports detailed current enrollment at 5,347 students, campus and district improvement plan reviews, and confirmation that the district remains federally compliant regarding the Federal Report Card. Maintenance, Child Nutrition, and Personnel reports were presented. The Tax and Financial Reports showed current tax collections at 45%, lower than the previous year. Key actions included approving the consent agenda items (Minutes, Payment of Bills, Donations, Budget Change Requests), approving the 2024-2025 Audit Report with a clean opinion, considering the Order for the 2026 NISD School Board Trustee Election, approving a Joint Election Agreement with Jefferson County, designating non-business days, and approving several policy updates (DBA, FNG, GF, DK, EB, EEB, EFB) related to employee grievances and instructional resource compliance with Senate Bill 12. The Board also approved the SHAC Committee Members and the 2026-2027 school calendar (Calendar "A"). Finally, approval was granted for a disaster relief procurement agreement. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, student discipline/complaints, student information, real property, legal consultation, security, and 2019 Bond Projects.