Jennifer Meredith

The meeting addressed the need to identify a new emergency-management official, with a recommendation provided for a candidate from Bexar County OME. Key discussions involved addressing District Vulnerability Assessment (DVA) inconsistencies with legislators, reporting a lack of safe-cycle money and the search for additional funding through a grant to offset window costs, and reviewing urgent items like SPAT. Policy and procedure updates were presented, including procedural updates on ballistic shields and door breaching tools, and requests for approval for the Opioid Antagonist Policy and updated SSSP and BTA Policies. Security updates included SSSP threat screening, challenges with Smith Security's performance, and the discussion of implementing an in-house guard program. The team also reviewed safety audits, facility-readiness work, and DVA results.

This Instructional Plan for the 2025-2026 school year outlines performance objectives for BASIS Texas Charter Schools, aiming to empower students for globally competitive achievement through a transformative K-12 program. The plan focuses on three core pillars: improving academic performance for all student groups, closing the student achievement gap, and attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff. These objectives are designed to provide a focused college-preparatory education with rigorous academic standards and supportive resources.

Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the consent agenda, which covered ratification of prior meeting minutes and approval of academic calendars and contract approvals. The Board reappointed Dr. William Harris as Treasurer and Dr. Craig Barrett as Chairman. A new member, Dawn Robinette, was appointed to the Board. Safety and security updates were provided, noting a 100% passing rate on Intruder Detection Audits, and policies related to Narcan administration, the Safe and Supportive School Program, and Behavioral Threat Assessment procedures were approved. The Q2 finance report highlighted steady enrollment with some campus deficits and noted Special Education program costs were within budget. The FY2025 audited financial statement was approved with no findings. The Board also considered and approved the Charter Instructional Plan and adopted the 2024-2025 Board Annual Report, including the TAPR. Progress on HB3 Goals was reviewed. The Board unanimously voted against adopting a formal policy regarding designated time for prayer and religious texts mandated by Senate Bill 11 due to concerns about flexibility and administrative burdens. Discussions were held regarding the proposed Barrett curriculum structure change, and resolutions authorizing the Superintendent to submit required notifications to the Texas Education Agency for land purchases in Leander and Irving were approved. A discussion addressed placing the BASIS Austin and BASIS Austin Primary campuses in dormancy after the next school year due to lease expiration and lack of relocation success; the Board requested staff continue the search for a new location. The Board ultimately approved proposed curriculum changes.

This document outlines the Board Goals for BASIS Texas Charter School Inc, focusing on student achievement and college readiness. The strategic priorities include increasing early childhood literacy by raising the percentage of 3rd-grade students scoring at or above grade level on STAAR Reading from 73% (2019) to 85% by June 2026. Similarly, early childhood math proficiency aims to increase the percentage of 3rd-grade students scoring at or above grade level on STAAR Math from 74% (2019) to 86% by June 2026. Furthermore, the plan is committed to maintaining 100% College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) for graduates through August 2026. Each goal incorporates specific yearly targets and addresses closing achievement gaps across various student demographic groups.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and confirmation of a new parent representative for the committee. Key discussions included legislative updates, confirming the exhaustion of safe cycle funds, and budget recommendations for proposed projects. A significant portion of the meeting addressed updates and possible solutions for SPAT systems, including budgetary challenges and the potential procurement of the Raptor system for visitor distribution devices. The committee also reviewed updates on life-safety kits and ballistic shield systems, with a recommendation made to consult with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) before purchasing shields. Compliance updates were provided, noting 100% pass rate on IDAs and 100% compliance on drill scheduling. Concerns regarding report quality for Smith were noted, and the committee previewed a presentation on the guardian program for the subsequent February 2026 meeting. The committee affirmed compliance with SSC audits and reviewed recent safety upgrades across several campuses.