Members of the Houston board of education met Tuesday night to finalize the 2024-25 calendar and set tuition rates among other matters.
Following a presentation from Randi Wilson, high school science teacher, the board decided to accept a 2024-25 calendar that has classes starting Aug. 21 and graduation on May 10. It includes nine-and-a-half professional development days and 166 total days of student attendance. It also features a full week off for Thanksgiving, a two week Christmas break and a one week spring break among other shorter breaks. The only dissenting vote was Tressie Neugebauer. Discussion of a four-day week took place, but no action was taken.
The district also approved 2024-25 tuition rates of $5,750 for K-8, per ADA, and as the flat rate for all others, compared to $5,250 previously. The South Central Association conference average for 2023 was $6,664, and the high was $8,000. The Piney River Technical Center was approved at a rate of $2,000, compared to $1,950 previously.
In other matters, members:
- Recognized the Special Olympics team for winning gold medals at their first event. The coaches are Nikki Stilley, Alicia Thomas, Auybriana Johnson, Hillary Mumaw and Dara Jackson. Team members include Maycee Stilley, Henry Shelton, Morgan Royal, Austin Royal and Braden Laster.
- Approved the MSBA 2023D Policy Update as presented, with the exception of JFCI-2 (student alcohol and drug testing policy/administrative procedure). The board chose to table the policy to provide more time for review.
- Approved the purchase of a 2025 New Type D School Bus/Blue Bird body model T3FE3508 at a price of $144,935.
- Approved the summer school dates of May 28-31, June 3-6, June 10-13 and June 17-20. Times will be 7:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Approved a policy change to support staff leaves that removes language about receiving a $500 perfect attendance incentive, as the district no longer offers the incentive.
- Approved a bid from Elliott Data Systems, Inc. for the materials and labor to install control access points around campus. Safety grant funds will be used for the purchase.
- Approved the CTE Enhancement Grant and budget which takes into consideration a 30% reduction factor to the amount that is reimbursed. Local contribution would be $34,245.20.
- Approved 24 panel gates from the “old ag shop” as surplus. Proceeds will be deposited into the agriculture student activity account.
- Discussed different options for the PRTC ramp with Superintendent Justin Copley.
- Reviewed and discussed the use of facilities agreement with the city’s parks and recreation department. The board will revisit it during the March meeting.
- Approved a building trades property resolution. It will be presented at a future city council meeting.
- Discussed better forms of communication and operation surrounding lead testing in the district’s water sources.
- Heard from district administrator’s on their annual performance reviews. Leadership plans to work on what things the school would like to see changed.
- Heard updates on ongoing activities at the district from administrators.
The open session meeting that began at 5:30 p.m. adjourned at 8 p.m., members then went into closed session.
The next meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 12 in the high school library media center.
The full minutes can be found here: