Notes from the Meeting
Regular Meeting – February 11, 2020
The meeting was called to order by President Jason Bonner at 6:00 pm.
Members present were Jason Bonner, Dr. Kent Thigpen, J.P. Abernathy, Bobby Langbartels, Leah Cooper, Ned Fratangelo, and Kevin Godfrey.
District personnel present were Rob Barnwell, Mike Wood, Dr. Lynn Phillips, Lindsey Whitaker, Normel Gilliam, Dr. Tim Phy, Linda Scott, Jay Patrick, Jack Smith, Brandy Musick, and Michael Walker. Others present included many parents and students (from the elementary and junior high campuses who were in attendance as representatives from their respective campuses related to Board Appreciation presentations), Patti Wallace, Caleb Wallace, Heather Neville, Karen Jones, Justin Woods, and Bob Palmer.
Cooper Bonner, elementary student, gave the invocation.
Mr. Bonner led everyone in the Pledge to the American Flag.
There were several students in attendance from various classes at the primary, elementary and junior high campuses who were present to show appreciation to the Board of Trustees for their support of our school. Ms. Whitaker, Ms. Gilliam, Dr. Phy, and Mr. Walker thanked the Board for their dedication and care. Following verbal presentations from the staff and students, some tokens of appreciation were also given to each board member.
There was no one present for Public Comment.
Campus and Administrative reports were given at this time. Mr. Barnwell indicated the routine financial reports were available in the agendas. Mr. Walker introduced and recognized high school senior Caleb Wallace, who recently received the honor of being named to 1st Team Academic All-State for his excellence in athletics and in academics. It is rare for a student to receive such an honor, and there were many congratulatory comments from the Board and others.
Test Scores: Dr. Phillips gave the annual report related to student test scores, which is associated with data that has been previously shared with board members. She pointed out a few high points of information within the presentation, and said that anyone who may have a question about the material should contact her for further clarification and/or explanation.
Mr. Godfrey made a motion to approve the Consent agenda (previous minutes). Motion was duly seconded by Ms. Cooper. Motion carried, 7-0.
School Calendar: A motion was made by Mr. Fratangelo, which was duly seconded by Mr. Abernathy, to approve the 2020-21 school calendar, as presented. Motion carried, 7-0.
School Board Election: Motion by Mr. Fratangelo, seconded by Mr. Abernathy, which called for a board election to take place on May 2, 2020, from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm, for the purpose of electing two (2) school trustees for full three-year terms associated with places 4 and 5. The motion also included the allowance for early voting to take place (8:00 am-4:00 pm each weekday) beginning April 20, 2020 through April 28, 2020, at the Jefferson ISD Administration Building, 1600 MLK Drive, Jefferson, Texas. Motion carried, 7-0.
Facility Goals & Recent Accomplishments: The Board discussed facility goals and recent accomplishments. Mr. Barnwell said this information should help the Board and administrators to begin thinking about prioritizing possible facility upgrades to determine the major projects to be addressed in the near future. Mr. Barnwell also said that he would begin to gather more information regarding quotes for specific, big-ticket items such as paving projects, addressing the football field surface, the press box, the roof at the junior high gymnasium, and the addition of classrooms at the Primary campus. This subject is expected to be included on the agendas of the next few board meetings in order for the Board to prioritize and come up with a plan. Ms. Cooper suggested a possible meeting to be set aside for this particular purpose in order to have plenty of time for administrators and board members to give this subject appropriate time for consideration. No action was taken on this agenda item.
The Board convened into executive session at 6:48 pm to discuss personnel. The Board reconvened into open session at 8:14 pm.
Staff Changes: Mr. Barnwell asked that the minutes reflect the previous acceptance of resignations from Yvonne Rodriquez and Nick Brown.
Mr. Barnwell recommended the Board suspend, without pay, contracted employee Arthur Thomas, beginning immediately, until his contract is considered at a later date. Motion by Mr. Langbartels to approve the personnel needs as presented. Motion was seconded by Ms. Cooper. Motion carried, 7-0.
Motion by Mr. Abernathy, seconded by Mr. Fratangelo, to renew the 3 year contract for Superintendent Rob Barnwell, to run through June 30, 2023. Motion carried, 7-0.
Due to no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.