Harlandale Independent School District

The meeting focused extensively on proposed compensation adjustments for personnel, specifically teachers. Recommendations included increasing the starting teacher salary to $50,500 and providing continuing teachers with an $825 pay increase, equating to a 1.5% general increase overall, along with equity adjustments for staff in later career stages to improve market competitiveness. The discussion also covered market comparisons for other staff categories, including exempt staff (Central Administration, Campus Administration, and Professional Staff) and non-exempt staff (paraprofessionals). Central Administration staff were noted to be 7% below market median, Campus Administration staff 3% below, and Professional Staff matched the market median on average. Support staff showed variation, with Central Administrative Support 11% below market, Campus Administrative Support 8% above market, and Instructional Support 8% above market.

The recorded segment of the meeting involved discussions pertaining to directing legal counsel to proceed with a specific assessment (Item 38) and subsequent discussions related to that direction. There was also deliberation regarding the interviewing of applicants wishing to serve as chief of a single-member district 5 until the next regular election.

The Insurance Committee convened to review proposals for property insurance coverage following an RFP process, anticipating a premium increase due to recent hail storms. Four proposals were evaluated: Hartford, Affiliated FM, TECAT, and the TECAT Cooperative. Discussions centered on premium costs versus deductible structures, particularly for wind and hail damage. The current annual premium is approximately $222,000 with a $50,000 all-peril deductible. The TECAT Cooperative proposal had a premium exceeding $500,000, while Hartford proposed $232,000 with an increased deductible for wind/hail. Affiliated FM proposed a premium of $214,986 (or $220,986 with terrorism coverage) but featured a wind/hail deductible based on a percentage of location value (minimum $100,000). PECAT had the lowest premium at $49,000 but featured a $10,000 all-peril deductible, which was considered too low for the entity's risk tolerance, especially given anticipated premium increases elsewhere. Staff recommendation favored Affiliated FM due to its competitive premium and inclusion of additional coverages like flood insurance, aligning with the Superintendent's view that the general fund could absorb higher deductibles following five years without a major loss exceeding $50,000.

The meeting began with recognitions, including the district's participation in CPS Energy's demand response program, resulting in a presentation of an incentive payment. Further recognitions were given to Dr. James Ernnandez for receiving the Ron Moore Award for STEM education contributions, Mr. Daniel Pena for being named a Department of Defense STEM Ambassador, and students Octavia Orta and Nater Bashenai for their success in a cyber threat defender card design challenge. Announcements covered the successful United Way campaign fundraising, generosity during a toy drive, and an invitation for student participation in the 'Name the Theme' contest for the 50th annual cultural arts fair. An update on student attendance data was provided, noting fluctuations due to illness, and information regarding enrollment/withdrawal trends was mentioned. The main agenda item involved a presentation by the RTI and Dyslexia Coordinator on elementary math student outcomes using Renaissance Star Math data, detailing progress towards year-end proficiency goals for first and second grades in both English and Spanish sections, and discussing how this early data serves as a leading indicator for future state assessment performance.

The meeting addressed several public comments during the designated citizen hearing portion, where time limits were strictly enforced. Topics included recognizing the Director of Communications for their assistance to the Hallandale Council PTA, involving a presentation of an appreciation plaque. Another segment involved recognition for a departing member or director, Mr. Fernandez, acknowledging his commitment to the community and students. A citizen speaker discussed the critical crossroads facing public schools and expressed support for public schools over charter options, emphasizing the importance of board integrity. Another public comment concerned a former colleague and general support for the board's hard work. Significant discussion followed regarding a nurse who was recently suspended, with the speaker defending the nurse's 18-year record, including being nominated for Teacher of the Year, and raising concerns about the basis for the suspension and potential impact on the nurse's livelihood. Other matters involved discussions on material required for campus businesses, updates on district benchmark testing results showing slight improvements across most areas except eighth-grade math, and changes in protocols for career technology education and student support/intervention counseling. Finally, the board considered approval for several donations and expenditures, including funds for athletic sports and a monetary donation for a playground that was reportedly donated to a church after becoming unusable.