Matthew R Bentz

This plan outlines Manor ISD's strategy to reduce the number of uncertified teachers district-wide in compliance with House Bill 2 (HB2). The core objectives include supporting current teachers in obtaining certification, strengthening recruitment pipelines, and implementing strategic staffing initiatives. Key strategies involve leveraging partnerships with Educator Preparation Programs and expanding the Student Residency Program and Grow Your Own Pathways. The plan aims for zero uncertified teachers in elementary foundational areas by the end of the 2025-2026 school year, zero in core content areas by 2026-2027, and full compliance with HB2 by the 2029-2030 school year.

The meeting commenced with compliance statements under the Open Meeting Act, followed by a quorum confirmation. A procedural request was made to move the Pledge of Allegiance later in the agenda to accommodate a student. Key discussions included reviewing and adopting the district's vision and mission statements. The board also handled consent agenda items 8.1 through 8.3. Action item 9.1 involved the consideration and adoption of a resolution nominating Fabian Martinez for the Travis County Appraisal District Board, which was subsequently approved. The board then recessed for a period to allow for networking, student pictures, and preparation for a strategic planning session, after which the session resumed with a consultant leading introductions and discussions related to strategic planning.

The meeting commenced with adherence to the Open Meetings Act, followed by an executive session covering matters under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, and 551.129. Upon reconvening in open session, the proceedings included the Pledge of Allegiance led by fifth graders from Decker Elementary, and the reading of the district's vision and mission statements. Key discussions involved scholar recognition, with a high school senior earning first place and $1,000 in a writing competition, and numerous staff recognitions across various campuses and departments. Action items approved during the closed session included making a finding against good cause to support an educator's contract abandonment resignation, and approving the hires for the Director of Special Assignment Target School Improvement and the Director of Multilingual Services. The Superintendent provided a safety update regarding the installation of a next-generation weapon detection system beginning in January at the high school level. The financial report detailed that the audit received an unmodified opinion, classifying it as a low-risk audit with no findings or material weaknesses. The overall net position decreased by $6 million over the previous year, with the general fund unassigned balance ending at $12.3 million (1.3 months of operations). The board discussed the trajectory for meeting the long-term fiscal soundness goals related to operating reserves.

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgement of compliance with the Open Meetings Act and the call to order, followed by an adjournment into executive session referencing Texas Open Meetings Act sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, 551.076, and 551.129. Upon reconvening, the board observed a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Mary Thomas. The session included recognizing students from Logos Elementary School leading the pledge of allegiance, and presentations of the district's vision and mission statements. Significant discussion focused on recognizing scholar and staff achievements for January and February, including a student selected for the Texas All State Choir and an artist whose work was selected for a statewide exhibition. A special recognition was given to an individual for dedication leading to an early cancer diagnosis for a student. Public forum included advocacy for increased access to books and fully staffed libraries across all campuses, citing research linking librarian presence to literacy scores. Action items included the approval of an educator contract abandonment related to a resignation. The superintendent provided an update, beginning with a report on student safety.

The meeting began with compliance affirmation regarding the Open Meetings Act. The board temporarily adjourned to executive session under various Texas Government Code sections. Upon reconvening, the board recognized several staff members as Staff of the Month from various campuses and the CDC. A special presentation recognized the Mayor ISD Police Department, represented by Chief Craig Goodman, for achieving Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation status from the Texas Police Chief Association. Key discussion points in open session included a superintendent update on student safety initiatives and the outcome of the recent 2025 bond election, noting that the community's needs remain despite the bond's failure, and outlining plans for future community engagement, surveys, and a potential future bond proposal. Action was taken during the close session regarding an educator contract abandonment finding.