Priscilla Cox

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognition of School Board Appreciation Month and updates from school principals regarding semester awards ceremonies and the high ranking of the Cole Open Cybersecurity Team. The Finance and Operations report detailed the Department of Defense's facility assessment and ongoing design work for Elementary School playground renovation, with equipment installation planned for the summer. The Board unanimously approved the Financial Reports for December 2025 and the selection of the Financial Auditing Firm for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. The Board also approved TASB-initiated Policy Update 126, which involved numerous local policies related to board meetings, contracted services, cybersecurity, and employee conduct, with specific questions raised regarding policy changes impacting term contract nonrenewal and special education monitoring. During a closed session, personnel matters including hiring, resignations, and retirements were considered, along with a discussion on Superintendent/Board Member roles and consultation with legal counsel regarding pending litigation. Upon reconvening, the Board took action to approve the litigation matter discussed in closed session.

This Campus Improvement Plan for Fort Sam Houston Elementary outlines a roadmap to enhance academic outcomes, foster a supportive school culture, and develop a highly effective workforce. Key priorities include improving student proficiency in reading, math, and science, especially for 3rd and 5th graders; recruiting, retaining, and supporting staff through professional development, mentorship, and clear communication; and cultivating a welcoming, safe, and valued environment for all students, staff, and community members through engagement activities and safety protocols. The plan emphasizes serving the military child and promoting a quality education where every student achieves success.

The Regular Business Meeting covered several agenda items, including special performances by the school choirs, public comments, and reports from the Superintendent and Principals highlighting various campus achievements, student awards in humanities and scholarships, and transition successes for special education students. Key operational discussions included the critical need for timely submission of Impact Aid Survey forms, which account for half of the District's operating revenue, and the construction progress of the Elementary PTO storage facility. The Board approved the annual Audit Report for the year ending August 31, 2025, with an unqualified opinion, approved FSHISD-initiated revisions to purchasing and facilities construction policies to align thresholds with current Education Code, and approved the Goals and Performance Objectives for the 2025-2026 District and Campus Improvement Plans. Actions were also taken to approve a Dual Credit Memorandum of Understanding with St. Philip's College and the Public Information Act Non-Business Days for 2026. The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including several hires, resignations, retirements, and reassignments, as well as discussions regarding Superintendent or Board Members' roles, duties, and assignments.

The Regular Business Meeting included several administrative and informational items. Key discussions involved recognizing elementary and secondary administrators for National Principals' Month and receiving reports from school principals detailing highlights such as Culinary BBQ Team achievements, Cybersecurity Team participation, and upcoming school events. The Technology report highlighted engagement in a new gamified phishing campaign, with 612 simulated emails reported. A Sports Psychologist provided an overview of support services for student athletes and coaching staff. A Public Hearing was held to discuss the 2024-2025 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Report, where the District earned the maximum rating of A (Superior) with a score of 100 points. Financial Reports for September 2025 were approved, as was a Resolution acknowledging the review of the Investment Policy for 2025-2026. Reports were also presented on the Gifted and Talented Program and the Emergent Bilingual Program. The Board entered Closed Session to discuss personnel matters (hiring, resignations, retirements), Superintendent/Board Member roles, and deliberation regarding the Districtwide Intruder Detection Audit Report findings.

The resolution addresses the requirement for the Board of Trustees to review the District's investment policy and strategies annually, as mandated by the Public Funds Investment Act. It includes the adoption of the investment policy for the fiscal year 2025-2026, ensuring compliance with the Act. The policy outlines approved investment instruments, safety measures, investment management practices, liquidity and maturity considerations, diversification strategies, and monitoring procedures for market prices and rating changes. It also details investment strategies for operating, custodial, and capital project funds, along with guidelines for safekeeping, custody, and the solicitation of bids for certificates of deposit. Furthermore, it addresses interest rate risk and internal controls to protect public funds.