Lovejoy ISD - May 10, 2021 Board Brief

Welcome to Lovejoy ISD where Kids Come First.

Each day we are focused on doing our Best Today. Better Tomorrow.

We are One Heart. One Lovejoy.

May 10, 2021

Board Brief

Dear Lovejoy Community:

The district’s communication plan includes updates regarding Board meetings. Following each meeting of the Board of Trustees, we share a recap of the evening’s events.

For those interested in an outline of the Board Meeting, you may find the full agenda here.

Following is the May 10, 2021, Board Brief.

The Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with the Board retiring into Executive Session at 6:00 PM. Executive Session is a time where limited items such as personnel matters may be discussed. No votes are taken in Executive Session. The Board remained in Executive Session until 7:08 PM, at which time they recessed. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:12 PM.

The pledges were led by Lovejoy Elementary School third-grader Chandler George.

At roll call, the following Board Members were present at Lovejoy Elementary School:

Barrett Owens, President

Amy Smith, Vice-President

Anne Smith, Secretary

Chad Collins, Trustee

Jeff Wood, Trustee

Marvin Bobo, Trustee

Jason Jaynes, Trustee

Cabinet members attend all Board meetings. Cabinet members are as follows:

Dr. Dennis Womack, Interim Superintendent

Shay Adams, Chief Financial Officer

Sancy Fuller, Executive Director of Special Education and Academic Support

Dennis Muizers, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Laurie Vondersaar, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Initiatives and Communication

Barrett Owens, Board President introduced the Newly Elected Board Members, Jason Jaynes, Jeff Wood, and Barrett Owens

Dr. Tracy Ginsburg, Executive Director of the Texas Association of School Business Officials presented Lovejoy ISD with the TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management. Lovejoy ISD is one of only 10 school districts throughout the State to receive this award.

Dr. Womack and Campus Principals introduced the 2020-2021 Campus Teachers of the Year. To view the Campus Teachers of the Year slideshow presentation, click here.

Nicole Mills, Hart Elementary

Sheryl Nicholson, Lovejoy Elementary

Melany Porter, Puster Elementary

Vicki Turner, Sloan Creek Intermediate School

Emma Vizcaino, Willow Springs

Tania Vaughn, Lovejoy High School

Dr. Womack introduced the Lovejoy ISD District Teachers of the Year, who will go on to represent Lovejoy ISD in the Region 10 Teacher of the Year program. Congratulations to these outstanding educators.

Kevin Parker, Willow Springs Middle School Principal, introduced and celebrated the WSMS students for their accomplishments and awards.

Kevin Parker, Willow Springs Middle School Principal, introduced and celebrated the Willow Springs Middle School Robotics Team on an outstanding year.

Chris Mayfield Lovejoy High School Principal and Kara Adler, LHS Journalism teacher announced the State UIL Journalism students.

Chris Mayfield Lovejoy High School Principal and Pam Ford, LHS Computer Science teacher announced and celebrated the State Computer Science Team.

Chris Mayfield Lovejoy High School Principal and Tania Vaughn, LHS Robotics Coach celebrated the Robotics team on an outstanding year.

Chris Ross, Athletic Director and Coach Eaton, Lovejoy High School Wrestling Coach celebrated the outstanding accomplishments by the LHS Wrestling Team.

You may find the complete list of all students recognized by the Board of Trustees here.

Regular Board Meetings contain an opportunity for Public Comments. There was one public comment related to non-agenda items:

· Stephanie Merrifield spoke in reference to Budget

The following community members spoke during the Public Comments section related to board agenda items:

· Mahala Ahearn spoke in reference to the Superintendent search

· Craig Ziemkiewicz spoke in reference to the athletic bond package

· Lisa Peters spoke in reference to the hiring of the Superintendent

· Jeff Harvey spoke in reference to the athletic bond package

· Brandon Montgomery spoke in reference to the Superintendent search and changes to face mask policy

· Mike Bardwell spoke in reference to the athletic bond package

· Sonia Vigen spoke in reference to face masks

· Holly Holt spoke in reference to face masks

· Amy Rattleff spoke in reference to face masks

· Amanda Blankenship spoke in reference to face masks

The Board of Trustees approved the Consent Agenda which included:

· Approval of the Minutes of the April 19, 2021, Regular Meeting and May 5, 2021, Special Meeting

· Approval of Monthly Finance Report

· Approval Quarterly Investment Report

· Approval of the Audit Engagement

· Approval of Notification of Resignations

Board President, Barrett Owens shared an update about the Superintendent search process. LISD is working with a third-party search firm, JG Consulting. There were 53 applications from across seven states that have been narrowed to six individuals scheduled to interview.

The Board of Trustees approved the Administrative recommendation to remain consistent with the current mask mandate for indoor activities for the remainder of the school year. Masks would immediately be optional for any outdoor events and activities. Effective, May 29^th masks will be optional district-wide. For the 2021-2022 school year, LISD has already made a statement that masks will be optional.

The Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent to Send Notice of the Proposed Non-Renewal of the Identified Term Teacher(s) / Employee(s)

Trustees approved the Renewal of Chapter 21 Contracts and Non-Chapter 21 Employment Agreements.

Shay Adams, Chief Financial Officer presented a Budget and Legislative Update, which can be found here.

Trustees approved the adoption of the Proposed Tax Rate for 2021-2022 and approved June 14, 2021, as the Public Hearing for the 2021-2022 Budget

Dr. Dennis Womack, Interim Superintendent presented on the Attendance Zone Boundary changes, which can be found here. Trustees approved the attendance zones as presented.

Chris Ross, Athletic Director, presented an update on athletic facilities which may be found here. Trustees approved the Bond Projects as presented.

During the Interim Superintendent’s report:

· Holly Haynes and Wendy Craft presented an Elementary Transition Plan designed to help all elementary students become connected with their 2021-2022 campus, this presentation can be viewed here.

· Dr. Womack shared that a Transportation Survey would be sent to Lovejoy ISD families this week to gather input regarding transportation needs.

Barrett Owens, Board President, thanked Chad Collins for this service as Board President, the community members, and the administration regarding stronger communications. President Owens shared that the Board is committed to balancing the budget.

With there being no further business, the Board adjourned at 11:11 PM.

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