Linda Bartlett

The council discussed various student health topics, including mental health awareness, athletics, nutrition, and physical activity, noting trends such as student anxiety and the need for adequate recovery in sports. The meeting also featured an informational presentation on the Esteem health curriculum, covering its alignment with state standards, the inclusion of mandated legislative topics, and options for implementation and grant funding.

The meeting focused on the consideration of a resolution under Section 25.0823 of the Texas Education Code regarding a period of prayer in schools. The Board took formal action to oppose the resolution as presented. Additionally, the Board reviewed potential topics for executive session, including personnel, real property, and security, though no business requiring a closed session was conducted.

The board meeting included several key presentations and reports, such as the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, Superintendent updates, bus safety and maintenance operations, and the TAPR report. Financial business included a review of bills, tax collections, investment reports, and budget amendments. The Board approved the Property and Casualty Insurance renewal, construction for the intermediate and middle school consolidation, and the 2026-2027 school calendar. Additionally, the Board reviewed an employee benefit cost allocation item without taking action.

The meeting included an Executive Session consultation with the Board's legal counsel regarding legal and procedural matters concerning a Level Three employee grievance appeal. Upon reconvening, the Board conducted the Level Three employee grievance appeal hearing, followed by deliberations and action. The Board subsequently voted to deny the Level 3 appeal.

The meeting included a review of past agenda items, specifically the character education curriculum, required health priorities for 25-26, and nutrition updates. Procedures for public comment policy were discussed, including a 10-minute window for hearing input without discussion. The new business centered on a discussion-only presentation regarding the Corpus Christie Pregnant Pregnancy Program and the Esteem health curriculum, detailed by the youth outreach coordinator. The curriculum is an abstinence-based, comprehensive health program covering TESS standards, character traits, fentanyl, suicide, trafficking, and adoption legislation, utilizing workbook-based learning for retention. The presentation outlined the curriculum's alignment with Texas essential knowledge and skills (TEKS) and its eligibility for Title 5 grant funding, making it potentially free for school districts. Implementation options, including delivery in classrooms or larger settings, and training procedures were discussed. The discussion also touched upon the current health curricula being used in K-5, intermediate, and high school levels, noting that existing programs like 'Catch' may not fully cover all required sensitive topics, necessitating external assemblies for those subjects.