Thorndale ISD discusses growth, accountability
The Thorndale ISD board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 12.
In administrative reports Elementary Principal Michael Young talked about upcoming accountability training and looking at student data from a very individualized perspective.
Middle School Principal Scott Frei and High School Principal Jennifer Parnham also talked about upcoming training to help with understanding the upcoming changes to the school accountability system. There was a question from a board member about teacher resources and the principals all answered that teachers have all of the curriculum resources that they have requested with the exception of a few that were being ordered soon.
Additionally, Superintendent Adam Ivy added that the district has always tried to get any resource that would be beneficial for their students.
Instructional Technologist Lindsay Franklin talked about the upcoming Community Involvement program. She reported that she has eight members in this year’s class along with several members of past classes that are planning on attending again this year.
Frei also talked about the number of new students in the middle school, which prompted the question of whether or not the district may need additional portable buildings in the future. Ivy stated that he felt that the current portable buildings should provide some room for growth at the elementary but that the district will have to keep an eye on the expected growth. The board then approved the consent agenda with no questions for clarification.
The next item on the agenda was the discussion of board policy update 119. Ivy reviewed the update and the local policy changes that were included. The board voted 5-0 to approve update 119.
The campus and district improvement plans were up next. Ivy talked about how the plans were written in early summer and ready to approve but that they decided to wait to include new accountability data. This allowed the campuses to write new goals and objectives to reflect the recent STAAR data. The board discussed how the new data has changed the learning culture on the campuses. The board voted 6-0 to approve the Campus and District Improvement plans.
Ivy asked the board to designate him as the Local Records Management Officer. He said that this is consistent with language in the new local policy CPC and that it allows for the policy to remain consistent when there are staff changes. The board voted 6-0 to designate Ivy in this role.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion of approving an Memorandum of Understanding with Central Counties Services. Ivy explained that CCS is a resource that allows student to receive mental health support both on and off campus. He said that this is an MOU that has been in place for several years that needs to be updated. The board voted 6-0 to approve the MOU.
Up next, Ivy asked the board to grant him the authority to resolve a property damage claim related to damage caused by the use of lawn equipment on campus. Ivy explained the situation and felt that their was sufficient evidence to support the claim. Ivy added that the grounds department does a great job and trying to work carefully so that these things do not happen but despite their best efforts a window was broken. The board voted 6-0 to allow Ivy to settle this claim.
Business Manager Rebecca Peel asked the board to consider joining a purchasing cooperative through the Harris County Department of Education. She said that this would help to meet other procurement requirements of our food service department when ordering through Amazon. The board voted 6-0 to approve this agreement.
Ivy then discussed a list of possible projects that need to be completed. He stated that he did not anticipate any large projects this year but wanted to try and knock out as many of the smaller items as possible. Some of the projects that the board discussed included adding lights to the band tower, making safety upgrades in the middle school, replacing the roof on part of the elementary and making several other upgrades. Ivy said that he was also working on getting quotes for other projects. The board then voted 6-0 to approve several budget amendments to allow funding for these projects along with approval to complete the roofing project.