James R. Burt

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the Consent Items, which covered the minutes from the December 15, 2025, Regular Board Meeting and financial statements for December 2025. Information items included the December 2025 Check Register Report and discussions concerning the Junior High Athletic Complex. Action items involved the approval of the 2024-2025 Financial Audit, which reported no findings or weaknesses. The board also approved the 2026-2027 District Calendar and the 2026-2027 HHS Academic Planning Guide. Furthermore, approval was granted for a Teacher Certification Waiver in response to TEA requirements, the purchase of eight additional LiveArc welding training systems (vendor Matheson) for $266,782.32, corresponding budget amendments, approval for a cabling upgrade project partially funded by E-Rate, and a significant purchase of network equipment ($553,231.88) to address end-of-life components and upgrade the phone system. Finally, the board authorized moving forward with plans for the Junior High Athletic Complex, incorporating discussed revisions.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by recognition of exceptional educators and staff, including Teachers of the Year, Staff Members of the Year, and Rookies of the Year across various campuses. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered minutes from previous meetings, financial statements, curriculum recommendations, approval of the 2026-2027 TEA course catalog and school calendar, and authorization for out-of-district and out-of-state travel for the theater and fine arts departments. Information items focused on the District Annual Report, which highlighted strong performance in state-tested areas, financial rating achievements, and postsecondary readiness distinctions among campuses. Discussions also covered the proposed bus barn expansion project, which involves adding eleven new bays and is planned in two phases, and the approval of bad weather days and continued wages for employees due to inclement weather in late January. Finally, local improvement plans for TEA and East Elementary were presented for approval, addressing performance data requirements.

The meeting included discussion and updates on several topics. An update indicated that the current talking points application will be replaced next year with "School Links" to align with Skyward. The committee discussed results from the 2025-2026 parent survey, identifying key areas for SHAC incorporation, such as college and career planning, study skills, mental health, communication with students about sensitive topics, and positive behavior interventions. Regarding the Back to School Bash, the group is awaiting the 26-27 HISD calendar to set dates, aiming to coordinate with LISD to avoid vendor overlap. Recommendations for the event included scheduling it before the HISD meet the teacher event to allow for supply distribution, considering a Saturday date, and integrating school extracurricular groups.

Hallsville Independent School District's plan outlines strategies to achieve full teacher certification compliance by the 2029-2030 school year, in response to Texas Education Code §21.0032. The plan focuses on phasing out uncertified staff, establishing partnerships with Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), actively recruiting certified teachers, and providing comprehensive support for current uncertified educators through individual certification plans, TExES exam preparation, mentor programs, 'Grow-Your-Own' scholarship initiatives, and a teacher residency program to ensure high-quality instruction and meet state certification mandates.

The meeting included recognitions for the District being named a TAEA Art District of Distinction. Key consent items approved included the November 2025 Balance Sheet and Financial Statement, the Quarterly Investment Report, the approval of Local Policy Update 126, and approval for Harrison County Fire Marshal's request to use a Hallsville ISD facility as a Point of Dispensing (POD) site for emergencies. The public hearing on the Annual School FIRST Rating Report confirmed the District earned an "Above Standard Achievement" with an overall score of 87. Action items involved approving the expenditure of $323,664.07 from the 2025 K12 Virtual Federal Grant for Title I personnel and other allowable expenses, approving the 2026 Disney Band Trip to Florida, and approving the purchase and implementation of a State-mandated Silent Panic Alert Technology System (SPATS) from CrisisGo for a five-year commitment totaling $381,522.00. Various department reports were also presented.