FISD prep's for even more growth, Elementary #10

During its regular Nov. 08, 2021 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met to consider outfitting new campuses, selling a pile of bonds to prepare for new schools and expansions, get Financial Integrity Rating System score that's not perfect this year.

• Held a 45-minute workshop to review data regarding elementary school rezoning options.  Two plans were presented, one allowed for better bus utilization, and was generally preferred.
  
• U. S. Flag - Edmund Ritchie, 7th Grade Student at Jackson Middle School, introduced by Principal Ms. Molly Purl, who stated Edmund is a model student, exhibits core values of responsibility and integrity, does what's right, has determination.
  
• Texas Pledge - Ella and Georgia Schneider, 4th Grade Students at Johnson Elementary, introduced by Principal Ms. Nancy McElroy,who said Ella and Georgia blossomed into their own students, no doubt they will change the world, have a love of learning, demonstrate good character.  Ella likes math, both play soccer, Georgia likes science, both are in G/T.
  
• Forney High School Band Recognition
      Mr. Mario Luna, Director of Fine Arts, introduced state finalists.  2009 was first year band went, came in 9th.  Haven't made the top 10 since.  Competition is stiff, basically a circus or musical on the field: bands have had a VW van, life-size airplane and boat.  Mr. Newman was hired last year.  FISD finished 8th in state out of 253 5-A bands.
      Mr. Newman said the importance is the meaning of the show, based on poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - words can be arrows or songs.  When you sling words like arrows, the pain can stick and last.  Words as songs can also stick.  He's proud of the culture and community of the band and FISD.
  
• Veteran Recognition
      Ms. Kristin Zastoupil, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, recognized staff and tonight's pastor, Kyle Roseberry, Robert Auten, Melissa Groshans, Rogerio Garcia, Tyrone Burnett, Latecia McCLine, John Chase, Ross Jones, Lloyd Browning, Charles Richardson, Jimmy Partin, Andre Watkins, Thomas McLaughlin.
  
• Approved Donation of Disinfectant Wipes from Amazon
      Ms. Susan Johnson, Executive Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, said Amazon reached out to Health and Wellness Director Ms. Brown, they had over 4k surplus of wipes, valued at $20k.
  
• Public Hearing of the school Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) - Rating "A" 96 of 100.
      Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer, said there are 20 indicators in 3 categories, about 5 more than in past.  Data used is from 2020 fiscal year.  Solvency indicators - first 6 got max points.  Debt per $100 cost a couple points, due to being fast growth district.  Remaining 2 items got max points.  Financial Competency - management practices - 6 items got max points.  Total score was 96, superior.
      There was no public input.
  
• Monthly Financial Report
      Mr. Chase revenue at 16%, slightly higher than last years' 13% due to being underpaid 2.7 mn; expenditures 25%, large payment for tax note, last year were at 23%.  Food service revenue - 5%, have some slow federal payments coming, were at 5% last year; expenditures at 21%, in Sept. served 132k meals, prior year was 14% with drop due to corona virus.  Debt service income at 1%, same as last year; expenses 69% after large payment, last year were at 73%.
  
• Quarterly Investment Report
      Mr. Chase said 158 mn on deposit, .023% - .25%, income = 22k.
  
• Quarterly Tax Collection Report
      Mr. Chase said got Oct. report, property value went up 18% , 6.5 bn .  Delinquent collections 0.6%, past averages 0.7%.
  
• Student & Community Engagement and Activities Report
      Ms. Robyn Pearce, Executive Director of Innovation and Information Systems, said is important to have student engagement.  Bring the fun back for students and parents.  Partnered with food pantry, plus a canstruction contest.  FamFest kicks off soon, after 2k fun run.  Holly Jolly craft fair.  In Spring, will launch STEAM camps for K-6 at all elementary/intermediate campuses.  Intramural sports for K-12.  esports tournaments K-12 with a large event in April. 
      Dr. Terry said this is a new program, excited about it and the big pink volleyball
  
• Master Planning Report
      Ms. Kim Morisak, Chief Operations Officer, introduced Jeff Fisher, who said Johnson coming along well, foundations and paving going in.  Willet about same state.  NFHS athletic field house - new turf, working on bull-pens and batting cages.  FHS baseball - can see finish line on it, about 3 weeks.  Aquatic center starting to look like a pool, paving done.
      Ms. Morisak said finally got suddenlink line moved, will start pouring concrete soon.
      Daniel from Huckabee then showed OC renderings - classrooms for all ages, multipurpose large enough for graduation.
      Newest projections: doubling in 10 years, triggers green light for new construction.  Prior projections for this year in: 2016:11,518; 2019:12,938; actual:14,235.  Expect OC to open fall 2023, also elementary #10.  Design projects: Expand North Transportation lot; Intermediate core facility expansion; Expansion for Brown and Rhea.
  
• Public Comment - none.
  
• Approved as one consent item:
  • Budget Amendment
    
  • the Learning Management System (LMS) Provider and Authorize Administration to Negotiate Contract - documents show this is the lowest cost bid, at $500k.
    
  • Purchase of Scoreboard and Timing System for the Aquatic Center

• Approved purchase of fixtures, furniture and equipment for Johnson and Willett Elementary
      Mr. Chase said similar to Jackson, Rhodes, asking for not-to-exceed approval.  Usually use buying co-ops.  Total for both schools: 6 mn.  Mr. Andrews asked if that's what was spent for Griffin - Mr. Chase said is probably less, but is what's budgeted.  Dr. Terry said they will take same approach as those schools, due to supply chain shortages, they need flexibility.  Will see what can be used from Johnson.
  
• Approved an order authorizing the issuance by the Forney Independent School District of its unlimited tax school building and/or refunding bonds in one or more series (as designated by purpose and series); levying a continuing direct annual ad valorem tax for the payment of one or more series of bonds; prescribing the form, terms, conditions, and resolving other matters incident and related to the issuance sale, and delivery of one or more series of bonds, including the approval and distribution of one or more official statements pertaining thereto; authorizing the execution of one or more paying agent/registrar agreements, and purchase contracts each pertaining to a series of bonds; complying with the letter of representations on file with the depository trust company; delegating the authority to certain members of the board of trustees and district staff to approve and execute certain documents relating to the sale of each series of bonds; and providing an effective date.
      Mr. Chase said designing OC for months, then school expansions, elementary #10, design projects: total 280 mn.  Plan sales in Feb. and Aug., will be able to fund this due to growth.  Paying interest only for 10 years, usually have callable bonds.  Financial Advisor has given green light to this.  Interest cost can't exceed 6% (never came close to this, expect 3%).  Will also refinance callable bonds of 9.3 mn (if save 3%).  Order would expire Nov 8, 2022.
      Dr. Terry said growth projections expect 1700 kids per year for 10 years, 30k by 2030, growing faster every quarter.  Want to expend some of what bond committee recommended.  It's amazing can afford 280 mn sales.  Running out of seats.
  
• Approved AIA with Huckabee Architect
      Ms. Morisak said this will green-light Huckabee to design HS expansions, elem #10, school expansions.
      Dr. Terry recommended continuing with Huckabee.
  
• Approved civil engineering contract with J Volk Consulting for elementary #10
      Ms. Morisak said want to use a different civil engineer, who worked on Devonshire, has experience in the area. 
      Dr. Terry said this will be a beneficial partnership.
      Documents show the contract is for $105,500.
  
• Heard FDB LOCAL as a first reading
      Mr. Rick Geer, Chief of Human Services, said this governs intradistrict transfers, how a parent may review/appeal a denial of transfer.  First reviewed by student services, then to the committee, then to school board.  These changes allow district to be more efficient.
      Dr. Terry said process doesn't really change, becomes more efficient.  Mr. Pharris said appreciates administration being proactive
  
• NO executive session re:
  
• Deliberate Regarding Employment of Professional Contract Personnel, Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code §551.074
  
• Consideration and Possible Action Regarding the Pursuit of Sanctions for Educator Abandonment of Contract, Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code 551.074, Personnel Matters
  
• Consultation with Attorney, Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code 551.071