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The school board meeting on Monday, March 8th, began with open forum. Suree Burke spoke on behalf of parents who wish to start a youth basketball program. Currently, Johnson City kids who want to participate in a basketball league must drive to Marble Falls. The target age for the program will be kids in the 3rd-6th grades. Participation in the league will enable kids to learn the game and master skills necessary to be competitive in the sport before they begin UIL competition in the 7th grade. A petition in support of the program has been signed by many Johnson City parents and an organizing committee will be formed once the school board makes a decision regarding use of a district gym. Since the City of Johnson City does not have a basketball facility, Ms. Burke was seeking support from the school board as well as their OK to use a school gym without cost. Since the program is a start-up, there are no funds to pay for use of any facility and all fundraising efforts will be directed towards purchasing equipment. This does not mean that the league would never pay for use of school facilities in the future.

The basketball program will be similar to the one which was organized by the Community Church of the Hills. That program ended in 2007.

The consent agenda passed unanimously. The first item on the Action items list was consideration to adopt all conforming textbooks. The committee designated to review textbooks used by the district recommended the school board ratify their choice of conforming textbooks. The books contain nothing out of the ordinary. A motion was made and carried to adopt the textbooks. The school board then considered the approval of Policy Update 87 that affects local policies, mainly non-renewal of term contracts, resignations, employee welfare, equal education opportunities and student welfare (freedom from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation). These policy updates resulted from changes made during the last legislative session. Superintendent

Shanley recommended adoption and the board approved them unanimously.

Following adoption of the policy updates, the board voted by secret ballot for their choice of who would sit on the Board of Directors Place 6 for the Region 13 Education Service Center. The board had resumes of both Richard Johnson and Paul Curtis, the two seeking the Place 6 spot. Next, the board, per recommendation by Superintendent Shanley, adopted the change to Policy DCB (Local) regarding employment practices and term contracts. This change was passed down by TASB (Texas Association of School Boards).

A new committee was formed to take under consideration a site for a possible new stadium. Committee members include Randy Brodbeck, Cynthia Keene, and Matt Pletcher. The committee will also consider whether this is the appropriate time for beginning such a large scale project. The two places that would be feasible for a new stadium are the synthetic track by the high school and at the practice field located on the hilltop behind the high school. The third option would be major renovations to the current stadium. The district has been saving money to pay for a new stadium or to renovate the current stadium. Because the district has been prudent with their money, the fund amount stands at $1.4 million. A bond election to pay for a new stadium, or to pay for renovations to the current stadium, is not an option. Also, the committee will need to consider future state funding. Right now, state funding looks minimal.

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During the Superintendent’s report, Superintendent Shanley reported that overall enrollment is at 680 students. He also discussed the 2010-2011 school calendar development process, stating that no changes to the process have occurred. After a committee develops two calendars and district staff vote on which calendar they want, the board will get final approval. The two main objectives for the calendar are to end the school year before June 1st, and to close the first semester by Christmas break. Dr. Truelock then presented the second quarter investment report. The report is basic showing opening balances, purchases, redemptions, interest earned and month end balances. Shanley requested to move the report to the consent agenda, and the board agreed.

Coach Braden presented the summary regarding District 24A and 14A Executive Committee meetings. On February 1st, the UIL realigned Texas school districts and JCISD changed from 2A to 1A. For next year’s district games, JCISD will compete in basketball against Centerpoint, Mason, and Medina and against LaPryor, Brackettville, and Centerpoint in football. JCISD was the organizing chair for the basketball and football district meetings. The basketball organizational meeting was held in Centerpoint. Medina was elected permanent chair and ticket prices were set at $2.00 and $3.00, the same as other districts. Also, it was decided that no noise makers will be allowed during games. Half time was also increased to ten minutes to allow for performances by groups like Little Dribblers.

At the football organizational meeting, Centerpoint was elected permanent chair. The issue of sideline protocol was discussed and the committee decided that only authorized personnel will be allowed on the field. Further, ticket prices were set at $5.00 and $3.00 for varsity games and $3.00 and $2.00 for non-varsity games. The Golden Eagle Pass, which is a senior citizen pass used by seniors to enter home games, will now be recognized at each out-of-town district game. Lastly, the executive committee agreed to use a San Antonio service that provides trainers for football games. This option is more cost effective for smaller districts than hiring a full time trainer. The group provides a trainer for each game for both teams at a cost of $75.00 per game plus $25.00 for transportation. The fee will be split between both schools. The volleyball, track and baseball/softball districts will be announced shortly.

Afterwards, the board went into closed session to consider the contracts of all the teachers at each campus plus the Special Education Specialists, librarian, nurse, Curriculum Coordinator, and Speech/Language Pathologist. When the open meeting resumed, Randy Brodbeck announced that the contracts for all employees had been renewed for the following year.