September 2020
Board Discusses Next Steps in District's Response Plan

Based on the current health conditions in Bell County, Superintendent Matt Smith told the Board that the district plans to move into Scenario 3 beginning Monday, October 5.

In Scenario 3, At-School learners will attend class in person Monday-Friday with a one hour early dismissal on most Wednesdays. Masks will still be required for all students and staff and other prevention and mitigation strategies will be continued.

Block schedules will also continue for secondary students in Scenario 3. While all students are back on campus five days a week, the A/B days lessen the number of transitions throughout the day.

At-Home Learning will continue to be an option for students.
Board Recognitions - Aditi Bhat, National History Day Winner
In the National History Day Competition, held virtually this summer, Belton New Tech High School @ Waskow student Aditi Bhat took the top prize in the “Senior Individual Websites” category. Aditi is the first Belton ISD student to finish first at the national competition. Her project was called “Deeds Not Words’: The Suffragettes, Women Breaking Barriers."
Trustees Adopt 2020-2021 School Year Tax Rate

The Board adopted a decrease in the district’s tax rate for the second year in a row. The approved rate of $1.3651 is a 6.8 percent decrease compared to last year’s rate of $1.4651. 

Under the adopted tax rate, the total projected revenue based on a 98 percent collection rate is $55,019,321, a 5.3 percent increase from last year. This increase, however, does not equate to an increase in money for the district. Districts get the same amount of money per student each year, so the increase in total tax revenue means that the school district receives less money from the state.
Board Recognitions - AP Scholars

Trustees recognized 114 students who earned accolades from the College Board for college-level achievement as demonstrated by their performance on multiple AP exams taken in May 2020. The awards are divided into four categories: AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, AP Scholars with Distinction and National AP Scholars. The students earned 125 awards collectively.
Board Committee Reports

Policy: The policy committee met on Sept. 14 and reviewed Policy Update 115 affecting (LOCAL) policies.

Facilities: The facilities committee met on Sept. 16. The committee discussed the need for continued upgrades to the district's older buildings to create equal opportunities for students. To inform those efforts and strategic planning, work on a district-wide facilities assessment to identify and prioritize needs moved forward this month. A report on that assessment is expected at the Board's March 2021 meeting.
Board Recognitions - Luke Read, President of Texas 4-H
The Board recognized Luke Read, a Belton High School senior who was elected president of Texas 4-H. Luke will represent at the state level of the organization as well as for District Eight and Bell County.
Superintendent's Report

  • Update on enrollment numbers: 12,500 student enrolled as of Sept. 21; this is 320 more students than on the same date last year.
  • Update on next steps of COVID-19 response plan: District plans to move to Scenario 3 beginning Oct. 5.
  • Update on Journey of a Graduate timeline: Stakeholder engagement begins in October with virtual meetings, surveys and ThoughtExchange opportunities.
Board Recognitions - Charlotte Smith, Director of Health Services
Charlotte was recognized for earning recognition for her dedicated service and partnership with the Temple Founder Lions Club. For the past five years, the partnership has offered eye screening services to children in the district and beyond as Charlotte has served as an advisor and advocate for these screening services expanding into other area districts.
Consent Agenda Highlights

  • Expenditures over $50,000 - Goalbook Toolkit and Smartnet Renewal
  • Resolution Adopting Authorized Broker/Dealer List
  • RFPs for Alcohol and Drug Testing Services & Facilities Assessment and Long-Range Capital Planning Services
  • Certified T-TESS Appraisers for 2020-2021
  • Annual Investment Report, Policy Review and Adoption of Resolution Regarding the Review of the Investment Program

To review Belton ISD board meeting agendas and full packet materials, click here.
Dedicated to Students. Dedicated to Community.
On September 30, trustees celebrated the opening of Lake Belton High School. To read more about this dedication event click here.