Monta Jeffley

The board discussed the 2026-2027 school year budget, addressing current budget assumptions, updates, and financial strategies including compensation options. The discussion covered reasons for the budget deficit, such as flat state allotment, inflation, unfunded mandates, and declining enrollment. The board also reviewed capital outlay requirements for transportation, potential impacts of staff reductions, and the implementation of a priority-based budget. Additionally, the district confirmed a transition to a new fiscal year start date.

The Council meeting covered several topics, including guest presentations from a local emergency room provider regarding healthcare and sponsorship, a proposal from a student to host lunch outside, and a recognition of a student-led initiative involving special needs students in dance performances. Additionally, representatives from a youth development program presented their curriculum, which includes topics on sexual health, healthy relationships, puberty, and drug and alcohol prevention.

The committee meeting focused on the review and adoption of mandatory safety and security verbiage for school construction and renovation projects, known as Educational Specifications. Key topics included legal requirements for confidentiality of security audits, criteria for access control, secure vestibules, door hardware, entry-resistant glazing, two-way communication systems, signal strength for emergency responders, and panic alarm technology. Additionally, the committee discussed the Texas Education Agency audit process during a closed session and held an open forum for safety-related inquiries.

The committee discussed the introduction and demonstration of a new K-9 vendor, highlighting a shift to a cost-savings model with scheduled visits. There was an evaluation of the emergency 911 button technology to ensure compliance with SPAT requirements, including addressing issues related to false alerts. Other key topics included the use of handcuffs as a security tool, protocols for security specialists responding to incidents involving Special Education students when there is a threat of serious bodily injury, and a review of findings from Region 10 intruder audits. The committee also moved into a closed session to discuss specific campus audit findings.

The board discussed progress monitoring for third-grade reading language arts. Key topics included the presentation of goal progress measures (GPMs) for early literacy, which incorporate incremental targets to align with long-range district goals by 2030. The administration reviewed performance data for reading fluency and comprehension, specifically for kindergarten through second-grade students. Discussions also covered adjustments to assessment windows for bilingual students, the implementation of structured literacy frameworks based on the science of reading, and the professional development initiatives supporting new teachers in primary grades to address staffing challenges.