Janna Poth

The board discussed several items, including a presentation on the ESC-20 University program, amendments to the 2025-2026 official budget, and an addition to the Special Revenue Fund. Furthermore, the board approved various contracts exceeding $25,000, interlocal agreements, and participated in the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Cooperative Purchasing Program. The meeting also included the confirmation of new professional staff appointments, a review of the investment policy, and approvals related to the Head Start Program, including budget amendments, privacy procedures for child records, and the self-assessment process.

The Effective Schools Framework (ESF) outlines a clear vision for improving education in Texas schools, serving as a foundational element within the agency's strategic plan. It guides school diagnostics and the alignment of resources to meet the specific needs of each institution. Key focus areas include enhancing internal technical assistance capacity, fostering continuous improvement in Texas school districts, and ensuring effective instruction. The framework emphasizes strong school leadership, strategic staffing, high-quality instructional materials, robust assessments, and a positive school culture, all aimed at delivering an excellent education for all Texas students.

This Five Year Renewal Plan for the Education Service Center, Region 20 Head Start Program outlines strategic directions based on comprehensive data collection and analysis to effectively meet community needs. Key strengths identified include robust services in disabilities, education, mental health support, strong parent engagement, and effective school district partnerships. Critical areas for improvement focus on enhancing teacher CLASS scores, addressing child health concerns (specifically overweight/obesity rates, physical and dental exam completion, and lead screening), and increasing enrollment to meet targets. Strategic recommendations include continuing established school district partnerships, prioritizing professional development and coaching, implementing Conscious Discipline, expanding healthy eating information for parents, and improving recruitment strategies.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and information on the ESC-20 annual evaluation, featuring student performance data from across the region. There was also a segment for public comment, but no requests were made.

The Board of Trustees convened for a meeting covering several key items. The agenda included amendments to the 2024-2025 Official Budget, additions to the Special Revenue Fund, and commitment of fund balance. The board also approved the 2024-2025 Final Amended Official Budget and the 2025-2026 Proposed Official Budget. Further discussions led to approvals for contracts over $25,000, proposals, interlocal agreements, and the extension of the Depository Contract. The board approved the Salary Schedule for 2025-2026 and the Workers' Compensation Interlocal Participation Agreement 2025-2026. Additionally, the appointment of new professional staff was confirmed, and the board convened in an executive session for the Executive Director Evaluation and Compensation.