Kipp Chesnutt

The meeting commenced with an invocation, followed by a presentation where campus principals gifted items to the board in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month, and the Superintendent expressed appreciation for their support. There was no public testimony signed up for agenda items. Action items included the consideration and possible approval of a modified list of administrators for the Certified T-TESS Appraisers for the 2025-2026 School Year, approval of the request to submit a Low Attendance Day Waiver for December 19, 2025, and approval of the Black History Month Proclamation. The board also approved ordering the LISD Board of Trustee General Election for May 2, 2026, and approved TASB Policy Updates 125 and 126. During the Business Office Reports, an update was provided on the Comparison of Expenditures & Encumbrances and the Cash Position and Tax Collection Report. Following a closed session for personnel discussion, the board approved the submission of a TEA complaint against Terry Gastauer for contract abandonment/untimely resignation.

The key discussion topic involved the Level III Parent Grievance. The board president outlined the grievance process, and the board received comments from a guest and the Director of Human Resources regarding the matter. The board entered a closed session to discuss the Level III Grievance. Upon returning to open session, the board considered and subsequently voted to deny the grievance filed by Mr. Turner, thereby upholding the administration's decision made at Level II.

This plan outlines Luling Independent School District's strategy to achieve full compliance with new teacher certification requirements by the 2029-2030 school year, addressing restrictions from House Bill 2. The plan focuses on eliminating reliance on uncertified teachers while ensuring instructional stability through a phased approach. Key initiatives include supporting current employees to achieve certification via structured programs, mentorship, and financial incentives; establishing partnerships with Educator Preparation Programs to expand the pool of certified candidates; enhancing recruitment and retention strategies; and implementing a targeted phase-out of hiring uncertified staff in foundational subject areas.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the selection of directors for the Caldwell County Appraisal District, where votes were split between two candidates. For the Guadalupe County Appraisal District directors, votes were awarded to Dr. Alfred Burns. The Board also approved the proposed 2026-2027 budget calendar and voted to maintain current investment policies and strategies. Furthermore, two budget amendments were approved: Amendment #5 totaling $101,170.00 related to a TEA UDEA-B Refund, and Amendment #6 totaling $27,000.00 related to the Education Foundation. During the Business Office Reports, it was noted that the annual audit deadline was extended to the end of February 2026 due to external delays.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognizing the October Spotlight Staff Member and Spotlight Students, a presentation by the Shanklin Elementary National Honor Society Students, and a status report on delinquent tax collection. A public hearing was held regarding the FIRST Rating, where the district received a Superior rating for 2024-2025 based on 2023-2024 data. Action items approved included the 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan and Campus Improvement Plans, a resolution regarding pay for the October Professional Learning Day, and two budget amendments: one for a $2,000 donation from HillView for the Cosmetology program, and another for $25,825 for Asbestos Abatement at Rosenwald. Business Office reports provided updates on expenditures, encumbrances, cash position, and tax collection.