S-T ISD TAKS Scores Up "Across the Board"

Newly Elected Trustees Sworn In - Parents Weigh In On Recent Negative Media Attention.

A meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held May 16, 2006, at 6:00 PM in the S-T ISD Board Room. The meeting began with canvassing of the recent general election returns in which Ken Haggard, Esequiel "Zeke" Ortiz, and Keith Petrus were declared the winners. After being sworn-in by Pastor Fernando Gonzales, the newly elected trustees took their places at the board table.

Members of the community speaking in the Public Forum portion of the meeting included John Lynch, Betty Strong, Lisa Baker, Alice Gonzales, Thomas Mengers, Barbara Vinson, Ninfa Castillo, and Denise Scott. Most speakers expressed concern over recent media attention regarding an S-T ISD teacher who emailed a sexually explicit video clip to a student. Channel 6 News was the first local news service to report on the incident. The Corpus Christi Caller-Times and San Antonio Express later picked up the story. John Lynch suggested that board members and administration pull together to "work through the current media problem." Also speaking in Public Forum, Mrs. Ninfa Castillo expressed disappointment in the district's student transfer policy.

Student visual artists Brian Carabajal 11th grade, Celeste Taylor 10th grade, and Daen Luna 10th grade, received special board recognition as Congressional Art Participants.

In his Superintendent's Report, Dr. Brett Belmarez updated the board on the results of the recent legislative session and its positive impact on local tax rates and school finance.

Campus principals reported outstanding results "across the board" in TAKS scores. Partial results include 100% in 4th Grade writing, a 5th Grade science increase of 28%, 7th Grade writing 100% , and double digit improvements in all but two subject areas at the High School level.

Trustees briefly adjourned to closed session to discuss "Superintendents duties related to the use of district mailboxes."

Action items in Tuesday's meeting included:

• Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Canvassed Returns of the May 13, 2006, Trustee Election.
This item was approved.

• Reorganization of Board of Trustees Officers.
The board elected Rick Olivares President, Ysrael Salinas Vice President, and Daniel Gonzales Secretary.

• "To take action, decision or determination or vote on matters discussed in closed session." (Mr. Rick Olivares)
This item was resolved in closed session.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of the Recommended Compensation Plan for the 2006-2007 School Year.
This item was tabled pending legislative action at the state level.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Board Policy FFA (Local): Student Welfare: Wellness and Health Services.
This item was approved.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s).
No personnel recommendations were made at this time.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled Monday, June 10, 2006, 6:00 p.m. A special meeting to conduct mandatory trustee training on the Open Records and Open Meetings Acts will take place Tuesday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m.