Jenny Clark

Key discussions during the meeting included the update of policies to align with Texas legislation. The Health Services section covered the update on immunization status and the submission of the Annual Report on Immunization Status. The Nutrition section addressed an update on an RFP and reported no findings from the Texas Ag. Audit, along with updates on local events. Furthermore, the Health and Wellness plan was reviewed, modified, updated, and unanimously approved for presentation to the school board. There was no update provided regarding Counseling/Lesson approvals or Safety.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of several Cardinal difference makers, including assistant principals, a principal, and a gifted and talented coordinator. Pledges were led by elementary school students. Key reports included a look at the vision for the 2026 school year, focusing on pace, strength, stability, and endurance. Updates were provided on facility transformations, such as the former sixth-grade center becoming the new Cardinal Renaissance Academy, and the nearing completion of the new golf facility and arena foundation. Board members shared insights from discussions with neighboring districts about financial challenges and from the summer leadership institute regarding empowering school boards through data analysis. The Superintendent recognized numerous achievements, including ECMS winning first place at the UIL festival, the Melissa High School robotics team becoming state champions, and the football team's efforts. Gratitude was expressed for support from various community groups, staff, and parents. Action items approved included the first reading for the Melissa High School choir to attend the American Coral Directors Association conference and for the volleyball program to attend a tournament in Orlando.

Key discussions during the meeting included the establishment of a new general fund bank account at Texas Republic Bank for diversification and food service deposits, an academic update, an overview of the District Wellness Plan update as recommended by SHAC, and a construction update. The Board approved the first reading for the MHS Choir to attend the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in March 2026. Furthermore, the Board approved the out-of-state placement limit for special education students and the MHS Varsity Volleyball Program's attendance at the KSA Volleyball Fall Classic in Orlando, Florida, in September 2026. The District Wellness Plan, as recommended by SHAC, was also unanimously approved. Following a closed session, the Board unanimously approved the Superintendent's recommendation for personnel actions.

The School Library Advisory Council (SLAC) meeting focused on establishing procedures and reviewing materials. Key discussions included an overview of SLAC duties aligned with state requirements, review of statutory posting and minutes publication rules, and a presentation on district vetting procedures for new library materials. The committee reviewed nine elementary titles posted for community input, examined district forms and online resources such as the Challenge Form and Public Feedback Form, and discussed reference tools like Common Sense Media and Goodreads. Staff clarified that no new titles could be added pending the completion of the 30-day posting requirement.

The meeting included recognition of Melissa Librarians and Amy Fortney for her impact on students. The board received an overview of the 2025 Tax Roll, a campus report from Sumeer Elementary, and an overview of Policy Update 126. Construction updates on district projects were presented, along with a report on the grant application process for retrofitting buses with seatbelts and an update on the middle school reconfiguration. The board approved the 2025 Tax Roll, a resolution to nominate Baine Brooks for the Collin County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, and Policy Update 126 affecting various LOCAL policies. They also approved the Superintendent's recommendation following a closed session.