TISD hears reports from district administrators

The Thorndale School Board met for its regular meeting on Feb. 11. The board recognized the district’s School Health Advisory Committee for the work they did to coordinate the recent Shattered Dreams event. The Shattered Dreams coordinator, Jeni Anders, talked about the process of putting on the program and introduced the SHAC committee chair, Melody Huber. She also introduced a group of students that participated in the event. The board viewed the Shattered Dreams video that was put together by Educational Technologist Lindsay Franklin and her class. Anders, who is also the TISD Food Service Director, reported to the board that the district recently had a food service audit that occurs every three years. She informed them that the audit went very well. There were only two small findings to make corrections on that included the need to raise prices slightly on a la carte items to meet the federal government’s stringent guidelines. Superintendent Adam Ivy added that Anders does a fantastic job at providing the best possible meals to TISD students and she still operates the cafeteria without district financial assistance. Administrative reports were given, beginning with High School Principal Lee Hafley. Hafley introduced new English teacher Cheyenne Lynch. He explained that she is transitioning into Scott Frei’s position now that he as administrative duties. Hafley also informed the board that the Middle School secretary position had been filled by Amber Robinson. Robinson’s paraprofessional position was also filled by Lisa Rose. Hafley also discussed some exciting new collaboration where teachers from the Middle School and High School have worked together to align accelerated instruction to better assist students in preparing for the STAAR end of course English exams. Ivy informed the board that the district was exploring the possibility of creating a community ambassador program to bring community members into the district to give them a better idea of how school’s work on a daily basis. He said this is something he would like to begin next year. Ivy also added that he would like to start a Wall of Honor to recognize those people that have made big impacts on Thorndale over the years. Ivy presented the 2018 Texas Academic Performance Report. Ivy explained that the academic data in this report is the same the data the board as looked at on several occasions over the last few months. He added that this report also contains data regarding demographics, teacher experience, attendance, graduation rates, endorsements, college and military readiness, SAT/ ACT scores and dual credit completion. Ivy presented some new administrative guidelines and fundraising. He explained that these guidelines will serve to clarify the method for handling donations and expenditures. Ivy added that these guidelines include frequently asked questions that can added when new questions arise. Business Manager Rebecca Peel presented a resolution to the board to extend the district’s depository contract. She informed them that the district has the right to extend the contract twice more before going out for new bids. She told the board that the district has been very happy with Classic Bank and that the 2.6 percent interest rate that the district is currently earning on general accounts is excellent and in most cases better than the rate on CDs. The board approved the resolution. Ivy presented a resolution to call for the May 4 school board election. The resolution will establish a joint election with the City of Thorndale as well as clarify the details concerning election judges, voting locations, etc. The board approved the resolution. The board approved the contracts for principal and athletic director and accepted the retirement of Jana Heine and Kelly Bransom.