The DeLeon Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday evening, September 10, for their regular monthly meeting.

The meeting began with a short “Meet & Greet” reception with all new staff members of the district. The Board members were introduced and then time was spent with the trustees getting to know the newest members of the DISD faculty and staff.

The meeting was called to order by Board president Lisa Nowlin at 5:35 p.m. The consent agenda was reviewed by the administration with the Board.
It was noted that enrollment for the district remained strong and was up to 683 students, with 285 students enrolled in the elementary grades, 194 students at the intermediate/middle school level, and 204 students at the high school.

Test scores and the district’s performance for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) were reviewed by the administration. It was noted that the district and each campus met AYP standards for the previous year. Test scores for the district showed improvement, particularly in the areas of reading/language arts and math.

The 2006-07 final ad valorem property tax report was reviewed by the board. The district collected a total of $1,682,729.25 in property taxes for the previous year, which including delinquent taxes collected, was 100.299% of the levy assess last year.

School districts are accountable to the state for collecting at least 96% of their tax levy or they will be penalized on the state’s financial accountability system.

The 2007-08 teacher appraisal calendar was approved by board, as was all necessary agreements to count 4-H activities as extra-curricular absences for those students participating in that organization. The Board also approved the county extension agents to serve as adjunct instructors with the district for the same purpose.

The Board also approved amended resolutions with the district’s depository, F&M Bank, authorizing signatures on the district’s bank accounts.

The consent agenda was approved by the board as presented.

As matters of action, the Board approved final amendments to the 2006-07 district budget. The amendments as approved showed the district having exceeded revenue targets for the year.

The question was raised by Board Vice-President Larry Don Womack about designating all extra-funds for future construction and renovations for the district.

The administration indicated that this was possible and would be recommended when the district’s audit was completed in the coming weeks.

The amendments were approved by the Board as presented.

The contract to purchase the DeLeon Hospital/Clinic buildings from the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District was presented for final Board approval. The contract calls for the district to purchase the property for $50,000 in its entirety, excluding the Kimmell Wellness Center.

The point was raised by the Board regarding a desire to include an option in the contract that would allow the district first right to purchase the Wellness Center if the hospital board ever decided to sell the property.

The Board approved the contract as presented with the insertion of the purchasing option and authorized the district’s superintendent to complete the transaction and represent the district in final negotiations and at closing. The contract will now be sent to the Hospital District Board for their approval.

An updated version of Local Policy – Student Rights and Responsibilities was approved by the Board. The adoption of this new policy, following recommendations established by the legislature, allows the district to be in full compliance with the recent Religious Viewpoints Anti- Discrimination Act passed during the last session of the Texas Legislature. The act allows students, as permitted by the policy, to speak at certain events, primarily morning announcements and at commencement activities, under the rules of limited open forum. The policy as adopted has a narrow focus and is limited in nature.

The final matter of the meeting was the discussion of details regarding those trustees who will be attending the state school board convention to be held in Dallas at the end of the month. Currently four trustees are scheduled to represent the district at the convention.