FISD plans for more growth

During its regular Dec. 04, 2017 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met and in summary:

• U. S. Flag - Secondary Student-of-the-Month, Calvin Lee Ribera, 12th Grade Student at North Forney High School: Ms. Courtney Peck, North Forney High School Principal
  
• Texas Pledge - Elementary Student-of-the-Month, Rylee Kate Johnson, 6th Grade Student at Rhea Elementary School: Ms. Barbi Donehoo, Rhea Elementary School Principal
  
• Recognized Forney High School Student Makenzie Brooke Demarest for being elected by the Texas Thespians Chapter of the International Thespian Society to be a State Thespian Officer, by Mr. Mario Luna, Director of Fine Arts who said 19 were picked out of 8,000 students.
  
• Public Comments: none.
  
• Monthly Financial Report: Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer said monthly revenue $7.5 mil, expenses $7.2 million, very close to last year percentage. Balance on hand $28 million.
  
• School Board Compliance/Non-Compliance of Continuing Education Hours Report: Mr. Keith Bell, School Board President said all were required to take legislative update sessions, totaling about 19 hours. He said all board members were complete.
  
• Future Ready/College and Career Update: Dr. Justin Terry, Deputy Superintendent presented a slide show, stating they will begin preparing students k-12, not just 9 - 12. The program focuses on goal-setting. They will be expanding the current programs down to lower grades. Students will be able to get certifications for technology, law enforcement, EMT, health science, electrical / IEC, culinary and veterinary training.
  Regarding the dual-credit advantage program, Dr. Terry said the number of students enrolled in the program increased from 351 last year to 584 this year. Twenty different classes are available. Currently students get 36 credit hours in core academic classes, they plan to expand that to 20 hours by adding Fine Arts/PE + CTE in 2020. He thanked the Forney Education Foundation for 95 scholarships.
  Dr. Jean Conway, president of Eastfield said Forney is by far the largest ISD outside Dallas county that they work with, and accounts for about 20% of the total. She spoke about the benefits for students and parents: lower costs and easier entry into the college experience.
  
• Master Planning Update: Dr. Terry showed the timeline for facilities renovation. The latest demographer report shows even faster growth than anticipated, there will be overcrowding in K-6. A new elementary school for 700 students would cost $24 million; by adding to the buildings at Smith and Rhea, converting them to Intermediate schools they will be able to add 900 students for $17 million. They could be open in Fall 2019.
  For more immediate concerns, he proposes combining small classes at various campuses into new classrooms at the Forney Academic Center. There would be a separate entrance for this section, and a wall built to between the other section. This will add 300 students for $3 million, could be open in Fall 2018.
  
• Approved as consent items:
  
  • Budget Amendment
    
  • Adoption of the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 School Calendars as Final Reading

• Heard TASB Policy Update #109, Affecting 17 Local Policies, as a First Reading: Mr. Rick Geer, Chief of Human Services said many laws became effective Sept 1, they just received the TASB updates.
  
• Appointed Robert Dobbs to the Kaufman County Appraisal District Board of Directors: Mr. Chase said Robt Dobbs has agreed to continue. Superintendent McWilliams said he has done a good job, recommended approval. Ms. Green also said he has done well. Board so moved.
  
• Approved $17 million for the Design Schematic and Budget for the Addition to Rhea and Smith.
  
• Approved $3 million for the Design Schematic and Budget of Renovations to the Forney Academic Center. Superintendent McWilliams said this was efficient use of funds. approved.
  
• Skipped exec session
  
• Approved personnel as recommended by staff.
  
• Adjourned 2012.