JISD School Board approved the district’s participation in “Operation Connectivity,” a joint effort with TEA which will enable the district to purchase technology equipment and services to provide better remote instruction, during Tuesday night’s Special Board meeting.
According to minutes provided by Superintendent Rob Barnwell, Jay Patrick, the District’s Technology Director, told the Board the program allows for a “matching funds” allotment from TEA, essentially making the district’s technology purchases half-price. The interlocal agreement is with Region 4 Educational Service Center, which will be facilitating the program.
Patrick told the Herald that initially the program would be used to acquire additional “Hot Spots” to check-out to students for use at their homes where they do not have adequate internet connectivity.
Notes Provided by Superintendent Rob Barnwell
Special Meeting
August 4, 2020
The meeting was called to order by President Jason Bonner at 6:00 pm.
Members present were Jason Bonner, Bobby Langbartels, Kevin Godfrey, Leah Cooper, Dr. Kent Thigpen, and J.P. Abernathy. Ned Fratangelo was absent.
District personnel present: Rob Barnwell, Mike Wood, and Jay Patrick. Others present: Bridget Ortigo.
Ms. Cooper gave the invocation. Mr. Bonner led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
After a short overview from Mr. Barnwell, Mr. Patrick explained further the components surrounding the agenda item related to “Operation Connectivity”, a joint effort with TEA which will enable the district to purchase technology equipment and services to provide better remote instruction to all JISD students. This program allows for a “matching funds” allotment from TEA, essentially making our purchases half-price. The interlocal agreement is with Region 4 Educational Service Center, which will be facilitating the program. Motion by Mr. Abernathy, seconded by Mr. Langbartels, to approve the agreement, as presented. Motion carried, 6-0.
Mr. Barnwell updated the Board regarding the various summer projects underway.
Mr. Abernathy made a motion to approve the consent agenda (budget amendment for the purchases associated with the “Operation Connectivity” project in the amount of approximately 101 thousand dollars). Motion was seconded by Ms. Cooper. Motion carried, 6-0.
Mr. Barnwell asked that the minutes reflect the previous acceptance of resignations from Ms. Bernice Morrow and Ms. Taisha Holt.
There were no other personnel needs. (No recommendation, no motion, no action).
Due to no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 pm.