Board Notes: May 1, 2008
Garland ISD honored a legacy of more than 225 years at last night’s board meeting in the Harris Hill Administration Building as Trustees recognized the district’s five longest-tenured employees with their Evidence of Excellence award.
In an era when most workers change jobs – even professions – several times throughout their lives, the years of service given by Homer Johnson (60), Carlyne Bishop (42), Kenneth Boone (42), Robert Albritton (41) and Phil Gilbreath (41) exemplify the dedication that GISD devotes to its students each day.
“It’s because of individuals like these – five people who have devoted more than half of their lives to helping the schoolchildren of our district – that Garland ISD is able to provide a high-quality education to the young people of our community,” said Linda Griffin, school board president. “We thank you for your years of service and wisdom.”
Christopher Lawley, a fourth grader at Watson Technology Center, was also recognized with an Evidence of Excellence for claiming Grand Prize at this year’s Regional Science Fair. Lawley’s project, which explained the strengths of various bridge structures, earned top honors among all submissions in the fourth and fifth grade.
More than 500 science projects were submitted from seven area school districts. All were previously selected as Grand Prize winners at each of their individual campuses.
Trustees also adopted a revised 2008-09 school calendar. Neither holidays nor instruction dates will be impacted.
The proposal was made after students and teachers voiced concern over second semester instruction being impacted by first semester examinations. Legislative changes for the current 2007-08 school year forced district officials to administer first semester exams after students returned from Holiday Break. Traditionally, the exams are given before the break.
A district recommendation to alter enrollment criteria at Memorial Preparatory School was also approved. The plan will allow GISD to better meet the district’s growing need for at-risk educational programs.
In other agenda items, GISD Trustees:
- Received recognition plaque by National Association of Letter
Carriers - Heard Texas Scholar/GISD Star Scholars presentation
- Reviewed revisions to Student Code of Conduct (first reading)
- Heard second quarter Risk Management Report
- Approved March 2008 Tax Report
- Approved calling of May 19 special board meeting to canvass
votes of Trustee Election - Reviewed calendar events
- Discussed future agenda items
- Approved minutes of April 17
- Approved committee's recommendation for changes and placement at Memorial Preparatory School
- Approved a ll matters incident and related to providing for the redemption of certain outstanding "Garland Independent School District Variable Rate Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2004B", including the adoption of an order pertaining thereto.
- Approved purchase of: art rolls and construction paper; online instruction courseware; medical testing and evaluation services; student agenda books; secure rolebased remote access integration product; music instruments and supplies; drill team uniforms and supplies; laptop computers (third-year option); computer workstations (second-year option); promotional marketing materials (second-year option); printers and scanners (second-year option); automobile fleet insurance coverage (fifth-year option); software; TAKS intervention programs.
- Approved tax refunds
- Approved Texas Educator Excellence Award (TEEG)
- Approved revised semester exam schedule for secondary campuses
- Approved revisions to Local Board Policies on second reading.