The Levelland ISD board held its regular board meeting on June 17 to hear reports on safety, the survey, financial reports and an academic report.
The meeting began by going into an executive closed session.
Board members reviewed and approved the Ethics Statement which included equity in attitude, trustworthiness, honor in conduct, integrity, commitment and studentcentered focus.
LISD school board operating procedures were also approved covering communications, regular meetings, special sessions, training, evaluations, elections, media and maintenance and reviews.
Additionally, the board approved Policy Update 127 for the TASB Localized Policy Manual which is a required legal and local policy packet issued by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to member school districts. Released for district review and board adoption, the update reflects recent changes in state/federal law and addresses necessary revisions for campus operations. Update 127 includes both (LEGAL) policies mandated by state/ federal law and customizable (LOCAL) policy recommendations. Major components focus on the following core areas of personnel and employment, superintendent contract evaluations and nonrenewal procedures, student safety, fiscal management and special programs. School boards review and take action to adopt these local parameters into their customized manuals.
The board approved an amendment to the District of Innovation Plan (DOI) to reflect changes made by HB 2. Levelland ISD’s most recent DOI plan had a statement exempting the district from providing notice to parents if their child is assigned for more than 30 consecutive instructional days to an uncertified teacher. With the passage of House Bill 2, school districts can no longer bypass or alter parent notification requirements.
The financial report through May 30 was presented by CFO Teresa Montemayor. There were several reports presented including the Survey Results and Safety and Security Committee Meeting update.
The Survey Report reflected how staff and parents responded to the effectiveness, school communication, academics and overall school environment. LABC, CES and Cactus received several high score ratings for various questions.
The board received a report on District Vulnerability Assessment. On May 4, Levelland ISD had its three-year safety and security audit conducted by David Cox, an approved auditor contracted with the Region 17 Educator Service Center. The audit is a requirement of TEC §37.108, which states “At least once every three years, each school district shall conduct a safety and security audit of the district’s facilities. To the extent possible, a district follows safety and security audit procedures developed by the Texas School Safety Center or a comparable public or private entity.”
Audits are done to identify hazards, threats and vulnerabilities that might pose a danger to life or property and may interfere with a safe, secure and healthy school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. The Safety and Security Audit includes physical security assessments, intruder assessments, emergency operations plan, school climate survey, and training and drills. Following the assessment, TEA generates a report reviewing observed best practices, suggesting improvements, and assigning required corrective actions with specific completion deadlines. Districts are required to report the results of the DVA to school board and then submit the agenda to TEA.
The board also approved amendment to the District of Innovation Plan. Adjustments were made to reflect HB 2 changes as approved by the LISD District Advisory Committee.
Dr. Don Heseman also presented a report on the preliminary STAAR results from all campuses and superintendent approved professional new hires.