>> GOOD EVENING. IT IS 6:00 PM. EXCUSE ME.
[I. Call to Order]
[00:00:05]
A QUORUM IS PRESENT AND THE MEETING HAS BEEN DULY CALLED AND POSTED IN THE TIME AND MANNER REQUIRED BY LAW.I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE DR. ANDY HURST, THE SENIOR PASTOR AT ST. LUKE'S METHODIST CHURCH TO OPEN THE MEETING WITH PRAYER AND LEAD THE AUDIENCE IN THE PLEDGES TO THE AMERICAN AND TEXAS FLAGS. DR. HURST.
>> FATHER GOD, WE THANK YOU TODAY THAT EVERY CHILD IN OUR SCHOOLS IS CREATED FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY IN YOUR IMAGE.
GOD, WE THANK YOU THAT EVERY CHILD HAS ABSOLUTE WORTH, VALUE, AND SIGNIFICANCE.
GOD, WE THANK YOU THAT EVERY EDUCATOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, INDEED, EVERY BOARD MEMBER, IS CREATED FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY IN YOUR IMAGE, THAT EACH PERSON MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT IS A PERSON OF ABSOLUTE WORTH, VALUE, AND SIGNIFICANCE.
GOD, WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD CONTINUE TO BLESS EVERY EDUCATOR IN OUR DISTRICT SO THEY CAN TRULY BE A BLESSING TO THE CHILDREN THEY TEACH AND LEAD AND SERVE.
WE ASK GOD THAT YOU WILL REMIND EVERY EMPLOYEE OF THE PROFOUND DIFFERENCE THEY'RE MAKING IN THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN.
GOD, REMIND THEM THAT THE BEST WAY TO CHANGE THE WORLD TOMORROW IS BY INVESTING IN CHILDREN TODAY.
LORD JESUS, WE'RE VERY AWARE THAT YOU SAY THAT IN THIS WORLD, WE WILL HAVE TROUBLE.
BUT YOU ALSO PROMISE THAT WE CAN TAKE HEART FOR YOU HAVE OVERCOME THIS WORLD.
LORD, THE TROUBLES IN THIS WORLD ARE OBVIOUS.
CHILDREN ARE EXPERIENCING SCARCITY AND ABUSE AND BROKENNESS ALL AROUND US.
CHILDREN ARE IN HOMES WHERE THEY AREN'T BEING SUPPORTED IN THEIR ACADEMIC ENDEAVORS.
CHILDREN ARE BEING RAISED IN A WORLD WHERE THEY'RE VERY AWARE OF HOW VULNERABLE THEY ARE JUST IN SO MANY PLACES.
CHILDREN ARE BEING TAUGHT TO HATE INSTEAD OF TO LOVE, TO BULLY RATHER THAN TO ENCOURAGE, TO SEEK EXPEDIENTS RATHER THAN EXCELLENCE.
LORD, THESE CHILDREN MATTER TO YOU.
WE DO PRAY THAT YOU WOULD USE ALL OF US TO LOVE THEM, EVEN AS YOU LOVE THEM.
USE ALL OF US TO BELIEVE IN THEM, EVEN AS YOU BELIEVE IN THEM.
USE ALL OF US TO INVEST IN THEM, EVEN AS YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR ALL TO THEM AND FOR THEM.
LORD, PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FOR THEY ARE TRULY YOUR CHILDREN AS WELL.
LORD GOD, GUIDE THIS MEETING TONIGHT.
MAY YOUR WISDOM ABOUND HERE IN THIS PLACE, AND IN THESE YOUR SERVANT LEADERS.
LORD USE THEM, ENCOURAGE THEM AND BLESS THEM AS THEY SEEK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR SCHOOLS FOR THE GOOD OF OUR CHILDREN, AND THE GOOD OF OUR WORLD.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, DR. HURST FOR COMING AND OPENING US UP IN SUCH A DELIGHTFUL MANNER.
[II. Recognition]
WE'RE GOING TO START WITH SOME RECOGNITIONS.THIS MIGHT BE A FUN, LOUD ONE TO START WITH.
I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE CESAR DE LEON, OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS TO RECOGNIZE OUR STATE QUALIFYING MARIACHI GROUP.
>> WELL, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, DR. ROLLO, PRESIDENT BRIDGES.
IT IS ALWAYS AN HONOR TO BE HERE AND I HAVE A GREAT SURPRISE FOR YOU GUYS, FOR ALL OF YOU, ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND EVERYONE WATCHING FROM HOME.
I'D LIKE TO REQUEST FOR YOU GUYS TO TAKE SOME OF THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE, SO WE CAN PRESENT THIS TO OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY. [APPLAUSE]
[00:09:03]
>> [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SINGING [INAUDIBLE] [APPLAUSE] [BACKGROUND].
TRUSTEES, COMMUNITY OF LUBBOCK ISD, I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED THAT LITTLE GIF, THAT LITTLE JOY TO START OUR MEETING.
CLEARLY THE BEST WAY I BELIEVE TO START OUR BOARD MEETING, SO MAYBE WE CAN MAKE A NOTE, DR. ROLLO.
EVERY BOARD MEETING HAVE A MARIACHI PERFORMANCE.
I'D LIKE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT OUR TEAM WHILE THEY'RE GETTING READY FOR US TO TAKE THE PICTURES.
AFTER COMPETING AT THE REGIONAL MARIACHI FESTIVAL IN EL PASO, TEXAS, THE CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL MARIACHI MESTENO AND LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL MARIACHI DE ORO QUALIFIED TO COMPETE AT THE UIL STATE MARIACHI FESTIVAL IN SEGUIN EARLIER THIS MONTH.
[00:10:07]
>> LUBBOCK ISD HAS OFFERED MARIACHI PROGRAMMING SINCE 2007.
SINCE 2007, LUBBOCK ISD HAS FOSTERED A RICH TRADITION OF MARIACHI MUSIC WITH A STRONG EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPING YOUNG MUSICIANS AND THE WHOLE CHILD THROUGH RIGOROUS TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES.
THE DISTRICT'S MARIACHI PROGRAMS HAVE FLOURISHED WITH STUDENTS RECEIVING CONSISTENT RECOGNITION AT THE REGIONAL AREA, LOCAL AND STATE LEVELS, UNDERSCORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LUBBOCK ISD'S COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL AND MUSICAL EXCELLENCE FOR EVERY CHILD EVERY DAY.
THIS SUCCESS IS A TESTAMENT TO THE HARD WORK OF BOTH STUDENTS AND TEACHERS, AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT'S INVESTMENT IN PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE ART OF MARIACHI MUSIC.
THANK YOU. WE'LL HAVE OUR STUDENTS COME IN IN JUST A QUICK SECOND, AND WE'LL BE READY FOR THAT.
BUT I WANTED TO JUST TELL YOU, THANK YOU.
OUR STUDENTS ARE VERY EXCITED AND OUR TEACHERS FOR THEM TO HAVE THIS MOMENT HERE WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD.
I KNOW THEY'LL BE SMILING REALLY BIG WHEN THEY GET HERE. THANK YOU.
>> THE MEMBERS OF THE CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL MARIACHI MESTENO, DIRECTED BY MR. GARZA, WHO'S BACK THERE.
COME ON, AMON. RIGHT HERE. COME ON.
[APPLAUSE] WE HAVE ZOE CASTANO.
[APPLAUSE] ISAAC JERRY MARTIN.
[APPLAUSE] MARIO RASCON, [APPLAUSE] AND ANNA CICERO SAGUILAR. [APPLAUSE].
>> MR. GARZA, YOU CAN SHAKE YOUR HAND.
>> THIS IS MR. LEONEL GARZA, THE DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRA MARIACHI AT CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL.
NOW, FRIENDS, LET'S DO A GROUP PICTURE WITH ALL OF US TOGETHER.
IF YOU WANT TO SCOOT THIS WAY.
PERFECT. [OVERLAPPING] [BACKGROUND] [LAUGHTER] [OVERLAPPING].
>> THERE YOU GO. ONE MORE TIME.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE]
[00:15:18]
>> [BACKGROUND] THANK YOU SO MUCH TO OUR INCREDIBLE FRIENDS FROM THE CORONADO MARIACHI GROUP.
LET'S GIVE THEM ONE MORE ROUND OF APPLAUSE. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.
NOW, BOARD MEMBERS, I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR GOOD FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL MARIACHI DE ORO, DIRECTED BY MS. GONZALEZ.
I THINK SHE'S STILL OUT THERE HELPING STUDENTS.
WE HAVE DENAE ARREDONDO, COME ON, [APPLAUSE] NEELA BAEZA, [APPLAUSE] ALEJANDRO ESTRADA, [APPLAUSE] ELI GRANADOS, [APPLAUSE] ARTURO HUERTA-MENDIETTA, [APPLAUSE] KYLAN KITCHEN, [APPLAUSE] [INAUDIBLE] EZEKIEL MARTINEZ, [APPLAUSE] JADA MORENO , [APPLAUSE] MARIANA MORENO, [APPLAUSE] JAILYNN OYERBIDES, [APPLAUSE] ZACHARY PEREZ JUNIOR, [APPLAUSE] JUAN RAMIREZ GUZMAN, [APPLAUSE] JULIETTE RODRIGUEZ, [APPLAUSE] ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ, [APPLAUSE] OSCAR SCIENCE, [APPLAUSE] AND LEANDRA ZAVALA.
[APPLAUSE] AGAIN, Y'ALL, THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN JUST ON ITS OWN.
THERE'S A LEADER TO THIS, AND THAT IS MS. KIMBERLY GONZALEZ.
[APPLAUSE] AGAIN, MS. GONZALEZ IS THE MARIACHI DIRECTOR AT LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL.
TEAM, LET'S TAKE A GROUP PICTURE.
[00:20:55]
[APPLAUSE] COMMUNITY OF LUBBOCK ISD, I THINK THEY NEED ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE.[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. BOARD MEMBERS, I WANTED TO SHARE WITH EVERYBODY.
I THINK THIS IS A PERFECT TIME FOR OUR MARIACHI PARENTS TO MEET THEIR STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF THE ROOM HERE SO YOU GUYS CAN MEET YOUR STUDENTS. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
[APPLAUSE] [BACKGROUND] NOW, BOARD MEMBERS, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE.
WE HAVE THE RECOGNITION FOR THE ALL-STATE TMEA MUSICIANS, AND LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THEM.
SIX, THAT'S RIGHT, SIX LUBBOCK ISD BAND AND CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA STUDENTS RECENTLY EARNED THE ALL-STATE HONORS.
FIVE STUDENTS EARNED THE RECOGNITION FROM THE TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS TMEA, AND ONE STUDENT EARNED THE HONOR FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS SMALL SCHOOL BANDS, ATSSB.
THE ALL-STATE PERFORMING GROUPS REPRESENT THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE LEVEL OF MUSICAL RECOGNITION IN BAND, CHOIR, AND ORCHESTRA IN THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS.
I WILL TELL YOU ALL, THIS ACHIEVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF MUSIC EDUCATION IN OUR INCREDIBLE DISTRICT, WHERE STUDENTS RECEIVE TOP TIER INSTRUCTION AND SUPPORT FROM DEDICATED EDUCATORS.
THE DISTRICT'S MUSIC PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO CULTIVATE TALENT, FOSTER DISCIPLINE, AND PROMOTE ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE, WHICH IS EVIDENT THROUGH THE SUCCESS OF THE STUDENTS AT THE STATE LEVEL.
THESE ACCOLADES NOT ONLY REFLECT INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT ALSO THE STRENGTH OF THE OVERALL MUSIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY WITHIN LUBBOCK ISD, PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED IN COMPETITIVE AND PROFESSIONAL MUSIC ENVIRONMENTS IN ADDITION TO POST SECONDARY LIFE.
I LOVE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME FRIENDS.
FROM ESTACADO HIGH SCHOOL, THIRD TIME ALL-STATER, JUSTICE GONZALEZ. COME ON THROUGH, JUSTICE.
[APPLAUSE] HE IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BANDS AT ESTACADO HIGH SCHOOL, MR. JOSE FERNANDEZ.
[00:25:06]
NOW, FROM CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL, THIRD TIME ALL-STATER, MS. ADDIE SHAW.[APPLAUSE] ADDIE IS ACCOMPANIED HERE TODAY BY MR. JOSHUA SHAW, DIRECTOR OF BANDS AT CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] UP NEXT, WE HAVE ELIJAH JONES, FIRST TIME ALL-STATER FROM LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL.
COME ON DOWN, ELIJAH. [APPLAUSE] ELIJAH IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BANDS OF LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL, MR. DALLAS BAYLESS.
[APPLAUSE] NEXT, WE HAVE, Y'ALL, NATHANIEL DE UNGRIA, SECOND TIME ALL-STATER FROM MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] ACCOMPANYING NATHANIEL, WE HAVE MR. RODNEY GURLEY, DIRECTOR OF BANDS FOR MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] NOW, OUR ONE CHOIR ALL-STATER FOR LUBBOCK ISD, OUR GOOD FRIEND AND SECOND TIME ALL-STATER, MR. LANDRY ESCOBEDO FROM CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] LANDRY IS ACCOMPANIED BY HIS DIRECTOR OF CHOIRS AT CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL, MR. ROB ROGERS.
[APPLAUSE] OUR ONLY ORCHESTRA STUDENT REPRESENTING LUBBOCK ISD, FIRST TIME ALL-STATER, KEVIN JAO FROM LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] ACCOMPANYING KEVIN IS MR. ALEJOS ANAYA, DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRAS AT LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER] NOW, Y'ALL, BEFORE YOU LEAVE, ALL OF OUR STUDENTS AND DIRECTORS, WE'RE GOING TO DO A GROUP PICTURE, STUDENTS AND DIRECTORS.
COME ON THROUGH, GUYS, STUDENTS AND DIRECTORS.
[00:30:42]
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE]
>> BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND PARENTS, I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW HOW PROUD WE ARE OF ALL OF OUR STUDENTS.
COMMUNITY, IF WE CAN GET THEM ONE MORE ROUND OF APPLAUSE. IT WAS WONDERFUL.
[APPLAUSE] BUT I WANTED TO MENTION TO OUR GREAT PARENTS, ALL STATE PARENTS, IF YOU GUYS WANT TO MEET YOUR STUDENTS AT SIDE, DON'T FORGET TO GRAB ONE OF THESE CARDS TO GET THE PICTURES, THEY'RE ON THE LITTLE PODIUM.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. CESAR, WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE AND SEEING ALL THOSE WONDERFUL STUDENTS.
I'M GOING TO INVITE ROBIN FULBRIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING TO THE PODIUM TO RECOGNIZE OUR PANTEX SCIENCE BOWL NATIONAL. AWESOME.
>> THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD TO FOLLOW CESAR.
[LAUGHTER] ALTHOUGH I CANNOT MATCH HIS ENERGY, I CAN MATCH HIS DELIGHT IN HONORING OUR NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL QUALIFIERS FROM JT HUTCHINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL.
A TEAM FROM HUTCHINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL SECURED A TRIP TO THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL AFTER A TOUGH COMPETITION AT THE PANTEX REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE BOWL IN JANUARY.
HUTCHINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM ONE, DOMINATED THE BRACKET, GOING UNDEFEATED BEFORE LOSING ITS FIRST MATCH IN A DOUBLE ELIMINATION FINAL AGAINST THE 2024 CHAMPION.
FACING A WINNER TAKE ALL SHOWDOWN, HUTCHINSON REGROUPED AND FOUGHT BACK TO CLAIM FIRST PLACE.
EARNING $1,000 FOR THEIR SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAM, AND AN INVITATION TO THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL IN WASHINGTON, DC THIS APRIL.
I AM SO HAPPY TO INTRODUCE TO YOU THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM.
WE HAVE AARON HI, [APPLAUSE] SADIQAH HOSSIN, [APPLAUSE] LEO KIM, [APPLAUSE] SIMON LEE, [APPLAUSE] AND ADITYA RAMKUMAR.
[APPLAUSE] THIS TEAM IS COACHED BY AMANDA CARMONA.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE] [BACKGROUND]
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE]
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MS. FULBRIGHT, FOR LETTING US RECOGNIZE THOSE SMART KIDS.
LAST IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS.
I'D LIKE TO INVITE AIMEE AYERS, COORDINATOR FOR LEADERSHIP, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE PODIUM. AIMEE, HI
[00:35:05]
>> IT'S ALWAYS A PRIVILEGE TO SEE SO MANY STUDENTS RECOGNIZE, BUT I GET THE JOY OF INTRODUCING SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR TEACHERS.
A NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHER HAS ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL IN THE FIELD OF TEACHING.
THE CERTIFICATION IS A MEANS TO PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENT AND IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING.
BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS PROVE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN THE CLASSROOM EVERY DAY.
WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT STUDENTS LEARN MORE WITH A BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHER.
A DECADE OF RESEARCH SHOWS THAT STUDENTS THAT HAVE A BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHER LEARN MORE THAN THEIR PEERS WITHOUT BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS.
STUDIES HAVE ALSO FOUND THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF HAVING A BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHER IS EVEN GREATER FOR MINORITY AND LOW INCOME STUDENTS.
WE KNOW THAT TEACHERS IMPROVE THEIR PRACTICE.
THROUGH BOARD CERTIFICATION, IT ALLOWS OUR TEACHERS TO HONE THEIR PRACTICE, SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT IN THE CLASSROOM AND DEMONSTRATE THEIR DEDICATION TO THEIR STUDENTS IN THEIR PROFESSION.
CURRENTLY, BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS ALSO DESIGNATE AT THE RECOGNIZED LEVEL WITH TEACHER INCENTIVE ALLOTMENT.
IN JANUARY, LUBBOCK ISD WAS RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL BOARD CHAMPION AT THE TEXAS NATIONAL BOARD COALITION OF TEACHING ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.
THIS IS A VERY INTENSE PROCESS AND THE TEACHERS THAT GO THROUGH IT WORK SO HARD.
THIS YEAR OR TODAY, I AM HONORED TO PRESENT THREE NEWLY CERTIFIED TEACHERS FROM OUR SECOND COHORT.
WE NOW HAVE 10 NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS IN OUR DISTRICT, AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE TWO ADDITIONAL COHORTS THAT HAVE ABOUT 30 TEACHERS THAT ARE WORKING TOWARDS THEIR CERTIFICATION.
ADDITIONALLY, THE APPLICATION FOR THE FIFTH COHORT OFFICIALLY IS OPENED, AND TONIGHT THEY WILL BE RECEIVING TWO PINS, ONE FROM LUBBOCK ISD, AND ONE FROM THE TEXAS NATIONAL BOARD COALITION.
AS I CALL YOUR NAME, YOU'LL COME UP.
MANDY ALGATE, MUSIC TEACHER AT ROSCOE WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] APRIL GRAHAM, ENGLISH TEACHER AT MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL.
THEN ELGIN GREGG, BAND DIRECTOR AT MCCOOL ACADEMY.
THIS IS APRIL GRAHAM, ENGLISH TEACHER AT MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] [BACKGROUND] YOU DIDN'T HEAR YOUR NAME.
I'M SORRY. THIS IS APRIL GRAHAM, SHE'S AN ENGLISH TEACHER AT MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] [BACKGROUND] [LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE] THEN WE HAVE ELGIN GREGG, HE'S BAND DIRECTOR AT MCCOOL ACADEMY.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE]
[00:40:35]
>> EXCITING. THANKS, EVERYONE FOR BEING HERE AND LETTING US LOVE ON OUR STUDENTS, LOVE ON OUR PARENTS, AND OUR TEACHERS, OF COURSE.
THRILLED TO HAVE YOU ALL HERE AND RECOGNIZE YOU.
[III. Executive Closed Session]
WE'LL MOVE ON TO OUR NEXT ITEM OF BUSINESS.AN EXECUTIVE CLOSED SESSION WILL BE HELD UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551.
IT'S 6:40 PM, AND WE ARE ADJOURNED TO SESSION.
[IV. Reconvene from Executive Closed Session (Part 1 of 2)]
AND WE ARE RECONVENED FROM EXECUTIVE CLOSED SESSION.DO WE HAVE ANY ACTIONS FOLLOWING THE CLOSED SESSION?
>> WE DO. I MOVE THAT WE HIRE ERIC TIJERINA AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE FOR LUBBOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION IN A SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY?
>> ANY OPPOSED SAME SIGN? [LAUGHTER] MOTION CARRIES 6-0. CONGRATULATIONS, CHIEF.
>> FIRST OF ALL, I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU, DR. ROLLO, FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN ME.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BOARD FOR THEIR CONFIDENCE IN ME.
I'M TRULY GRATEFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
I DON'T HAVE MUCH TO SAY OTHER THAN I SEE WHAT THE BOARD, DR. ROLLO, I SEE WHAT Y'ALL DO ON A DAILY BASIS.
THE LOVE AND COMMITMENT THAT YOU HAVE FOR THIS DISTRICT IS INSPIRING.
I CAN'T WAIT TO BE PART OF IT WORKING WITH YOU GUYS AS YOUR CHIEF OF POLICE.
AGAIN, I'M GRATEFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, AND I CAN SAY, I WON'T LET YOU DOWN.
>> ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY FAMILY. MY WIFE, AMANDA.
[APPLAUSE] SHE'S BEEN WITH ME.
I'VE BEEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR 33 YEARS.
MOST OF MY ASSIGNMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN FAMILY FRIENDLY, AND SHE'S NEVER COMPLAINED OR SHE MIGHT HAVE COMPLAINED ONCE OR TWICE.
[LAUGHTER] BUT SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN BY MY SIDE, AND SHE'S MY BIGGEST SUPPORTER.
I HAVE ANOTHER SON NAMED ADEN, BUT HE COULDN'T BE HERE.
>> I HAVE TWO RAIDERS AND A LONGHORN [LAUGHTER].
I DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS GOING TO COME, BUT MARK, AND MY NEPHEW, ISAIAH IS HERE.
[APPLAUSE] AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU, CHIEF. [APPLAUSE]
>> WE HAVE SOME VERY HAPPY POLICE OFFICERS HERE TODAY.
>> I FORGOT TO THANK [INAUDIBLE]. [LAUGHTER]
>> YOU OWE THEM SOME COFFEE TOMORROW, I THINK.
>> YES, MA'AM. I MOVE THAT WE HIRE KEVIN BOOE AS THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE?
>> ANY OPPOSED SAME SIGN? MOTION CARRIES 6-0.
>> MEMBERS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES, DR. ROLLO, I'M TRULY HONORED TO STEP INTO THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES FOR LUBBOCK ISD.
THIS DISTRICT HAS BEEN MY HOME FOR 29 OF MY 30 YEARS IN THIS CAREER.
IN THAT TIME, I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING IN SEVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, THREE MIDDLE SCHOOLS, AND THREE HIGH SCHOOLS AS A TEACHER, COACH, AND AN ADMINISTRATOR.
EACH ROLE HAS SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE ON MANY CORE BELIEFS.
BUT THROUGH THEM ALL, ONE THING HAS ALWAYS STOOD OUT TO ME THE MOST, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE QUALITY OF THE ADULTS THAT WE PUT IN FRONT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.
WHETHER IN THE CLASSROOM AND FINE ARTS PERFORMANCES, IN CLASSROOMS, IN GENERAL EDUCATION OR SPECIAL EDUCATION, UIL COMPETITIONS ARE ACROSS MANY ATHLETIC VENUES, HIGH QUALITY ADULTS WHO CARE DEEPLY ABOUT THEIR WORK AND ABOUT THE YOUNG PEOPLE THEY SERVE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
THEY INSPIRE, THEY MENTOR AND THEY LEAD WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE THAT TRANSFORM LIVES ALL THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.
[00:45:04]
AS I TAKE ON THIS NEW ROLE.I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ALONGSIDE OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MS. KRISTAL FLOYD, AND THE HR TEAM TO ENSURE OUR ADMINISTRATORS, OUR DIRECTORS, AND OUR HEAD COACHES HAVE EVERYTHING THAT THEY NEED SO THAT OUR LISD FAMILIES RECEIVE ALL THAT THEY DESERVE, BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
I AM SUPPORTED THIS EVENING BY MY AMAZING WIFE, DINA.
SHE ACTUALLY WORKS IN CAM CALISENS DEPARTMENT.
SHE'S THE ELEMENTARY MATH SPECIALIST, AND IS THE ONE WHO ALWAYS CHANGED MY AMAZON PASSWORD.
[LAUGHTER] MY MOM, MILLY, LONGTIME TEACHER AT RUSH AND PRESENT SMITH ELEMENTARY IN LISD.
THEN MY NUMBER ONE MENTOR, THE MAN THAT I BUILT MY ADMINISTRATIVE PHILOSOPHY FROM, MY DAD, JACK BOOE.
[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
I LOOK FORWARD TO WORK WITH YOU. [APPLAUSE]
>> THANK YOU, KEVIN. DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER ITEMS?
>> WE HAVE NO OTHER ITEMS RIGHT NOW AT THIS POINT.
WE ARE GOING TO BREAK FOR PICTURES AND LET FAMILIES COME UP HERE AND TAKE PICTURES AND GET THE ROOM RESET, AND THEN WE WILL RECONVENE AND PROBABLY WILL BE ABOUT FIVE MINUTES.
GET YOUR FAMILY AND COME UP HERE.
WE ARE RECONVENED FROM OUR BREAK.
[V. Trustee Comments]
I WILL OPEN THE FLOOR FOR TRUSTEE COMMENTS NOW.>> I'M HAPPY TO. FIRST TO OUR MARIACHI KIDS, GIVEN THE FACT THAT I CAN'T SING OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, I'M AMAZED THAT THEY'RE ABLE TO DO IT AT THE SAME TIME, AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL VOICES AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
TO THE STUDENTS THAT WE COMMENDED HERE, IT'S AWESOME.
AGAIN, WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT OUR KIDDOS HAVE ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO DO A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS HERE, AND IT'S AWESOME TO RECOGNIZE THEM.
TO OUR NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS, IN A TIME WHERE TEACHERS GET ATTACKED MORE THAN THEY GET APPRECIATED, I'M THANKFUL FOR FOLKS WHO DEDICATE THEIR OFF TIME TO BETTER THEIR CRAFT.
AS I TOLD THE GROUP, REGARDLESS OF WHAT SOME MAY THINK, SPECIFICALLY OF THAT GROUP, AND SOME OF THE BILLS THAT ARE PROCEEDING, WE APPRECIATE THE EXTRA EFFORT THAT THEY'RE TAKING NOW AND THE ONES WHO STARTED THE PROCESS HERE AT LSD.
THEN TO CHIEF AND MR. BOOE, I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER TO HAVE THEM BOTH ON.
I THINK IT SAYS A LOT FOR THAT MANY OFFICERS TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF A GENTLEMAN THAT IS TAKING THAT ROLE.
I DID TELL HIM THOUGH THAT HE'S NOW THE LEADER, SO HE WILL BE HATED.
[LAUGHTER] I HOPE HE'S READY FOR THAT PRESSURE, BUT JUST THANKFUL FOR BEING ABLE TO RECOGNIZE SO MANY GREAT PEOPLE.
>> LET ME GO. IS THAT WHY YOU'RE USUALLY LAST? I DON'T WANT TO TAKE UP THAT. JOHN USUALLY SAYS SOMETHING.
>> I ALREADY HAD A BUNCH OF GUM IN MY MOUTH, THAT'S WHY I WAITED.
[LAUGHTER] I JUST WANT TO REITERATE.
I'M NOT GOING TO REITERATE WHAT CURRY JUST SAID BECAUSE IT'S ALL TRUE, AND I KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE A LATE NIGHT FOR US AND FOR YOU GUYS, THAT WAY YOU GUYS CAN GET HOME EARLY, BUT I GET THE GOOSEBUMPS EVERY TIME I HEAR THE MARIACHIS PLAY BECAUSE THESE KIDS ARE PHENOMENAL, AND THEY'RE GOING TO UIL STATE AND THEY CONTINUE TO GO.
CORONADO IS NEW AT THIS, BUT MAN, THEY ARE EXCELLING MORE THAN I CAN IMAGINE, EVER THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD.
I SAY THAT BECAUSE I NEVER EXPECTED CORONADO TO JUMP IN THE GAME AND DECIDE TO DO MARIACHIS, BUT I'M GLAD THAT THEY DID.
IT'S A CULTURE AND IT'S EVERYWHERE, AND IT'S GREAT TO SEE THEM DO IT AND ADVANCING THAT THEY ARE SO QUICKLY.
SAME THING WITH THE REST OF THE KIDDOS IN FINE ARTS, THE KIDS THAT JUST GOT RECOGNIZED FOR WHAT THEY'RE DOING.
TIME AND TIME AGAIN, I SAY THIS, THIS IS WHAT LISD, THIS IS WHAT THEY DO.
THIS IS WHAT OUR STAFF DOES, ADMINISTRATORS DO TO EXCEL OUR STUDENTS TO A GREATER PLACE.
I JUST CAN'T SAY IT ENOUGH TO OUR PARENTS, SO THANKS TO THE PARENTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE TRUSTEES, OF COURSE.
I CAN GO ON AND ON, BUT I'M NOT ONE OF THOSE BIG SPEAKERS THAT SPEAK VERY WELL AND INTELLIGENTLY, BUT I WILL SAY THIS THAT MAY GOD BLESS OUR KIDDOS, OUR FAMILIES, AND CHIEF TIJERINA.
WHAT A GREAT CHOICE, AN AMAZING CHOICE. WE'RE EXCITED.
HE'S ACTUALLY BEEN UNDER THE LEADER ALSO OF CHIEF MENDOZA, SO WE KNOW THAT WE'RE ALL GOING TO BE IN A GOOD PLACE.
AS YOU SAW TODAY, NOBODY'S GOING TO COME AND BOTHER US HERE TODAY BECAUSE WE'RE QUITE SAFE TODAY.
BUT ANYWAYS, THANK YOU, EACH AND EVERYONE FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.
IT'S AMAZING TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE. THANKS.
[00:50:01]
>> RYAN, ONLY TO ADD ONE THING AND YOU MAY HAVE SAID IT AND I MISSED IT, BUT WE CAN'T SAY TOO MUCH CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LADY PLAINSMEN BASKETBALL TEAM.
>> HEADING TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT AND THEN ESTACADO.
>> I MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE FOR THAT.
>> YEAH. I'M TRYING TO KEEP YOU OUT OF HOT WATER.
>> BEST OF LUCK TO THEM, AND PROUD OF THEM.
>> FIRST TIME SINCE 1980 SOMETHING?
>> THAT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT.
>> NEXT ONE IN 2010, THE MEN'S TEAM.
>> WE'RE EXCITED. WE WISH THEM NOTHING BUT THE BEST, AMEN.
>> WE'VE HAD A LOT OF GREAT THINGS GOING ON TONIGHT.
THAT'S PRETTY MUCH WHAT I WANT TO SAY.
WE GOT A LOT OF GOOD THINGS GOING ON, AND WE'RE GOING TO KEEP DOING IT. THANK YOU.
>> I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW VERY PROUD I AM OF THE STUDENTS WE RECOGNIZED THIS EVENING, OUR NATIONALLY BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS.
ONE THING THAT WE DIDN'T SHARE IS THAT THE ONES WHO'VE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS ARE NOW SERVING AS MENTORS TO THOSE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS, WHICH IS A REALLY SPECIAL THING.
IT IS A TWO-YEAR, VERY RIGOROUS, MOST PRESTIGIOUS CERTIFICATION A TEACHER CAN GET IN THE UNITED STATES.
WE ARE VERY, VERY OF THESE TEACHERS WHO HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO TAKE THAT JOURNEY, AND THEY HAVE ALL SAID IT'S THE BEST PROFESSIONAL LEARNING THEY HAVE EVER INVESTED TIME IN.
GRATEFUL FOR THEM. SERGEANT TIJERINA HAS BEEN OUR INTERIM SINCE THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, AND I COULD NOT BE MORE PLEASED WITH WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IN HIS LEADERSHIP.
WE ARE INCREDIBLY BLESSED TO HAVE HIM NOW AS OUR FORMAL CHIEF OF POLICE IN LUBBOCK ISD AND WE ARE IN REALLY GOOD HANDS.
I INTERVIEWED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE OFFICERS AND ASKED WHAT QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS, NOT WHO, WHAT QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS THEY WANTED IN THEIR NEW CHIEF, AND THEY ALL SAID, WE WANT CHIEF TIJERINA.
[LAUGHTER] EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, AND THEN THEY EXPANDED BY TELLING ME WHY, BUT HE IS A GREAT LEADER AND WE'RE EXCITED TO HAVE HIM IN THAT ROLE.
KEVIN BOOE HAS BEEN WITH LUBBOCK ISD FOR 29 OF HIS 30 YEARS IN EDUCATION.
HE HAS SERVED IN ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND HIGH SCHOOL, SO HE HAS EXPERIENCE ACROSS ALL LEVELS, AND HE HAS GONE THROUGH SCHOOL CONSOLIDATIONS TWICE NOW.
THAT EXPERIENCE, AS WE MOVE FORWARD, WILL BE VERY, VERY HELPFUL TO MAKE SURE WE'RE LOVING PEOPLE AND TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE THROUGH SOME DIFFICULT TIMES.
WE'RE VERY, VERY GLAD TO HAVE HIM ON BOARD IN THIS ROLE.
KRISTAL FLOYD IS ACTUALLY EVEN MORE EXCITED THAN I AM BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN DOING THAT ROLE BY HERSELF FOR A LITTLE WHILE, SO VERY PLEASED TO HAVE HIM JOIN OUR TEAM HERE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE ONE ITEM FROM
[IV. Reconvene from Executive Closed Session (Part 2 of 2)]
EXECUTIVE CLOSE SESSION WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF. TRUSTEE WEDDIGE?>> I MOVE THAT WE APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR AS PRESENTED.
>> THERE'S A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE?
>> ANY OPPOSED SAME SIGN? MOTION CARRIES 6-0.
NOW WE WILL MOVE INTO THE PUBLIC HEARING PORTION OF OUR MEETING TONIGHT.
[VI.A. 2024 Texas Academic Performance Report]
IT IS 7:47 PM AND WE WILL NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.THE PURPOSE OF OUR PUBLIC HEARING IS TO HEAR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE 2024 TEXAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT OR TAPR.
I WILL NOW INVITE MIRANDA RUVALCABA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PODIUM TO PRESENT HELLO, MIRANDA.
>> GOOD EVENING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, PRESIDENT BRIDGES, DR. ROLLO.
THE FOLLOWING SLIDES PERTAIN TO THE 2024 TEXAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT OR TAPR FROM THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR.
THE TEXAS EDUCATION CODE REQUIRES DISTRICTS TO PUBLISH AN ANNUAL REPORT AND HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING THAT INCLUDES AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE TAPR.
DISTRICTS ARE REQUIRED TO POST THIS INFORMATION IN A VARIETY OF LOCATIONS AND MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO REQUESTS IT.
AMONG THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE POSTING DISTRICT STATUS FOR: DISTRICT ACCREDITATION: ACCREDITED, DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY RATING: NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO PENDING LITIGATION, FINANCIAL RATING: A SUPERIOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION DETERMINATION STATUS: NEEDS ASSISTANCE.
LET'S BEGIN WITH OUR DISTRICT PERFORMANCE FROM '23-'24.
THE FOLLOWING SLIDES SHOW A QUICK PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW BY SUBJECT COMPARED TO THE STATE.
ON THE LEFT IS A COMPARISON FOR READING BY GRADE LEVEL OR EOC AT THE APPROACHES PERFORMANCE LEVEL.
ON THE RIGHT IS A CUMULATIVE VIEW AT THE APPROACHES,
[00:55:01]
MEETS AND MASTER'S PERFORMANCE LEVEL.THIRD AND FIFTH GRADE RLA APPROACHES SCORES OUTPERFORM THE STATE.
WHILE RLA APPROACHES LEVELS DROP SLIGHTLY FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ALL LEVELS HAVE INCREASED FROM 2019.
FOR MATH, LUBBOCK ISD EXCEEDED THE STATE AT THE APPROACHES PERFORMANCE LEVEL IN THIRD AND FIFTH GRADE.
THIS GRAPH SHOWS THE MATH SUMMED PERCENT HISTORY AT EACH LEVEL FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
SHOWN HERE IS A QUICK REVIEW OF LUBBOCK ISD SCIENCE RESULTS FOR FIFTH, EIGHTH AND BIOLOGY EOC WITH FIFTH APPROACHES LEVELS SURPASSING THE STATE.
HERE WE HAVE THE SCIENCE FIVE YEAR SUMMED PERCENT BY PERFORMANCE LEVEL.
LAST ARE COMPARISON RESULTS FOR LUBBOCK ISD GRADE EIGHT SOCIAL STUDIES AND US HISTORY EOC.
HERE ARE THE SOCIAL STUDIES SUMMED PERCENT BY PERFORMANCE LEVEL.
ALL LEVELS INCREASED FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THIS GRAPH SHOWS COMPARISONS TO THE STATE WHEN ALL GRADES ARE SUMMED BY SUBJECT, ALONG WITH CUMULATIVE BY PERFORMANCE LEVEL OF ALL GRADES AND SUBJECTS.
OVERALL GRADES AND SUBJECTS COMBINED BROKEN DOWN BY PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS CAN BE SEEN HERE.
MEETS AND MASTER'S PERFORMANCE LEVELS REMAIN CONSISTENT FROM LAST YEAR.
LAST YEAR, WE ALSO RECEIVED SCORES FOR ACADEMIC GROWTH IN READING AND MATH.
HERE WE HAVE OUR ACADEMIC GROWTH COMPARISON TO THE STATE IN BOTH READING AND MATH FOR ALL STUDENTS AND FOR ACCELERATED LEARNERS WHO ARE STUDENTS THAT FAILED THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
YOU CAN SEE THAT IN MATH, LISD OUTPERFORMED THE STATE IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR LOWEST PERFORMING STUDENTS.
HERE WE HAVE OUR 2024 ACADEMIC GROWTH COMPARED TO 2023.
THE DISTRICT SAW INCREASED GROWTH FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR IN FOURTH, FIFTH, SIXTH, AND EIGHTH GRADE READING, AND ENGLISH ONE, AS WELL AS SEVENTH GRADE MATH.
THE DISTRICT TAPR INCLUDES A BILINGUAL EDUCATION OR ESL SECTION.
THIS BAR GRAPH COMPARES THE ALL SUBJECT APPROACHES PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR THE STATE AND DISTRICT TO THE DISTRICT BILINGUAL AND ESL PROGRAMS. STUDENTS RECEIVING SERVICES OUTSCORED STUDENTS WITH PARENT DENIAL OF SERVICES.
SHOWN HERE IS A FOUR YEAR COMPARISON BY PROGRAM.
NOW LET'S MOVE ON TO THE DISTRICT PROFILE SECTION OF TAPR.
OUR DISTRICT ENROLLMENT SINCE 2001 SCHOOL YEAR HAS FLUCTUATED.
CURRENTLY, WE ARE IN DOWNWARD TREND SINCE THE 2014, '15 SCHOOL YEAR.
THIS IS THE ETHNICITY BREAKDOWN COMPARING THE DISTRICT TO THE STATE.
LISD HAS A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN, HISPANIC, AND AMERICAN INDIAN STUDENTS THAN THE STATE.
WHEN LOOKING AT THE DISTRICT ETHNICITY BREAKDOWN OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS, OUR ASIAN AMERICAN INDIAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN GROUPS HAVE HELD STEADY.
OUR HISPANIC STUDENT GROUP HAS INCREASED AND WHITE STUDENT GROUP HAS DECREASED IN NUMBER.
THE TAPR REPORTS TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS BY GRADE AND THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE COMPARED TO THE STATE.
LUBBOCK ISD IS BELOW THE CLASS SIZE OF THE STATE IN ALL GRADES AND SUBJECTS.
LUBBOCK ISD PERCENTAGE OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS DECREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR, BUT IS HIGHER THAN THE STATE.
WHEN COMPARING DISTRICT PROGRAMS TO THE STATE, BOTH IN 2015 AND 2024, THE PERCENTAGE OF BILINGUAL EDUCATION HAS INCREASED.
THE PERCENTAGE OF GT STUDENTS IS CLOSER ALIGNED TO THE STATE'S PERCENTAGE, AND BOTH THE DISTRICT AND STATE PERCENTAGES CONTINUE TO INCREASE FOR THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS BEING SERVED BY SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
[01:00:06]
FOR AN APPLES TO APPLES COMPARISON, TOTAL STAFF BREAKDOWN WAS RECONFIGURED TO EXCLUDE AUXILIARY STAFF SINCE THOSE SERVICES ARE CONTRACTED OUT.LUBBOCK ISD STAFF BREAKDOWN SHOWS AN INCREASE IN PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FROM 2015.
THE CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION STAFF PERCENT IS LOWER THAN THE STATE AVERAGE.
THE DISTRICT'S PROFESSIONAL STAFF, WHICH ARE CAMPUS ADMIN, PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT, AND TEACHER, MAKE UP 75% OF TOTAL STAFF COMPARED TO THE STATE'S 63%.
WHEN LOOKING AT TEACHERS BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, LUBBOCK ISD HAS A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF TEACHERS THAN THE STATE WITH FIVE OR LESS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
THIS HAS INCREASED SINCE 2015.
62% OF LISD TEACHERS HAVE 10 OR LESS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE COMPARED TO THE STATE WITH 56%.
THIS CIRCLE GRAPH SHOWS THE '22-'23 ACTUAL FINANCIAL DATA BREAKDOWN COMPARED TO 2013-'14.
OUR ACTUAL PER STUDENT REVENUE WAS $14,097, AN INCREASE OF 1300 $60 FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
LET'S LOOK AT THE COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS INDICATORS FOR '23-'24.
SINCE THIS DATA REPRESENTS ANNUAL GRADUATES FOLLOWED INTO THE NEXT FALL, IT IS LAGGING DATA FROM THE '22-'23 SCHOOL YEAR, SO ALMOST TWO YEARS OLD.
LONGITUDINAL GRADUATION RATES FOLLOW A COHORT OF STUDENTS BEGINNING THEIR NINTH GRADE YEAR, WHAT PERCENT GRADUATED IN FOUR, FIVE OR SIX YEARS, AND A LOOK AT EACH CLASS BY THOSE WHO GRADUATED AND RECEIVED A TEXAS CERTIFICATE OF HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY, CONTINUED AND ENROLLED IN THE FALL AND DROPPED OUT OR DID NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL IN THE FALL.
WHEN LOOKING AT STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED IN 4, 5 OR 6 YEARS, LISD GRADUATION PERCENTAGES WERE LOWER THAN THE STATE.
>> THE PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS GRADUATING ON TIME IN FOUR YEARS CONTINUES TO DECLINE IN 2023.
THIS COMPARISON TO THE STATE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE OF 23 GRADUATES UNDER THE RECOMMENDED OR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAMS OR THE FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM WITH AN ENDORSEMENT OR AT THE DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT.
LONGITUDINAL RATES ONLY IN THE COHORT OF STUDENTS BEGINNING THEIR NINTH GRADE YEAR IN 2020.
ANNUAL RATES INCLUDE ALL STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2023.
THE COLLEGE AND CAREER OR MILITARY READY GRADUATE COMPONENT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL 2023 GRADUATES WHO MEET AT LEAST ONE OF THE 10 CRITERIA.
THIS COMPONENT IS DIVIDED UP INTO TWO AREAS, COLLEGE READINESS, WHICH IS MEETING CRITERIA IN ONE OF THE FIRST FIVE INDICATORS, AND COLLEGE AND CAREER MILITARY READY, MEETING CRITERIA ON ONE OF THE LAST FIVE INDICATORS.
THE BLUE TABLE SHOWS THAT OVERALL, LUBBOCK ISD HAD 80.4 PERCENT OF ITS 2023 GRADUATES MEET AT LEAST ONE OF THE 10 CRITERIA.
AVERAGE ACT SCORES FOR DISTRICT 2023 GRADUATES WERE HIGHER THAN THE STATE AVERAGE.
AS A REMINDER, THE DISTRICT SAT RESULTS INCLUDE THE DISTRICT INITIATIVE OF TESTING ALL 11TH GRADE STUDENTS EACH YEAR.
THIS REPORT FROM THE TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD SHOWS WHERE 2023 GRADUATES ENROLLED FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOL ALONG WITH THEIR FIRST YEAR GPA.
STUDENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE OR OUT OF STATE UNIVERSITIES ARE NOT INCLUDED.
SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT OF STUDENTS ENROLLING IN A TWO OR FOUR YEAR UNIVERSITY HAD A C AVERAGE OR HIGHER AFTER THEIR FIRST YEAR,56 PERCENT HAD A B OR HIGHER AND 42 PERCENT HAD AN A OR HIGHER.
WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT CAMPUS AND DISTRICT PROGRESS TOWARDS OUR HOUSE BILL THREE GOALS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY, MATH PROFICIENCY, AND CCMR. OUR FIRST GOAL IS FOR THIRD GRADE READING AND MATH 39 PERCENT OF CAMPUSES MET THE READING GOAL OF 52 PERCENT AND 29 PERCENT OF CAMPUSES MET THE MATH GOAL OF 50 PERCENT.
AS A DISTRICT, 50 PERCENT OF STUDENTS PASSED THE READING ASSESSMENT, AND 44 PERCENT PASSED THE MATH ASSESSMENT, RESULTING IN THE DISTRICT NOT MEETING BOTH MATH AND READING GOALS.
OUR NEXT GOAL IS FOR EIGHTH GRADE.
WE HAD 50 PERCENT OF THE CAMPUSES MEETING THE READING GOAL OF 51 PERCENT.
FOR MATH, WE HAD 30 PERCENT OF THE CAMPUSES MEETING THE GOAL OF 38 PERCENT.
AS A DISTRICT, READING AND MATH SCORES WERE AT 52 PERCENT AND 25 PERCENT,
[01:05:02]
RESPECTIVELY, RESULTING IN THE DISTRICT MEETING THE READING GOAL FOR EIGHTH GRADE.FINALLY, WE HAVE OUR CCMR GOAL WITH 60 PERCENT OF CAMPUSES EXCEEDING THE 83 PERCENT GOAL.
AS A DISTRICT, 80.4 PERCENT OF LUBBOCK ISD SENIORS EARN CCMR CREDIT, NOT MEETING THE DISTRICT CCMR GOAL.
THE DISTRICT IS REQUIRED TO INCLUDE IN THEIR ANNUAL REPORT THE REPORT ON VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL INCIDENTS BY CAMPUSES.
SHOWN HERE IS THE REPORT FROM 2023, 2024, WITH THE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS REPORTED BY CAMPUS.
IN CLOSING, HERE ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LUBBOCK ISD.
THE DISTRICT APPROACHES SCORES FOR READING LANGUAGE ARTS SURPASS THE STATE IN BOTH THIRD AND FIFTH GRADE.
THIRD AND FIFTH GRADE MATH APPROACHES SCORES OUTPERFORM THE STATE.
FIFTH GRADE SCIENCE APPROACHES SCORES UP-PERFORM THE STATE, AND THE DISTRICT MET ONE OUT OF THE FIVE HOUSE BILL THREE GOALS.
THAT CONCLUDES MY PRESENTATION.
>> MIRANDA, THOSE WERE FROM WHAT YEAR, THEY WEREN'T THIS YEAR. THEY WERE LAST YEAR'S.
>> SOME OF THEM WERE BEHIND TWO YEARS?
>> YES. THE STAR SCORES ARE FROM LAST YEAR, SO FROM 2023/24, AND THEN THE CCMR DATA, THE FINANCIAL DATA, THAT WAS FROM TWO YEARS AGO.
>> JUST FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND, COULD YOU LET US KNOW WHY THEY'RE BEHIND?
>> THE TAPR REPORT GETS PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THEM TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL OF THE STAR SCORES.
THAT'S WHY THE STAR SCORES ARE DELAYED.
BUT FOR THE CCMR SCORES, THEY NEED THE INFORMATION FROM THE GRADUATES THAT CONTINUE ON THE NEXT YEAR.
THEY NEED TO HAVE FROM WHAT THEY DO WHEN THEY GO TO COLLEGE.
THAT'S WHY THEIR SCORE THEIR INFORMATION IS DELAYED.
>> THAT IN THE MILITARY AND JUST THE PROGRAMS THAT THEY ENROLL IN IN COLLEGE.
>> THANK YOU. THAT CLARIFIES IT. THANK YOU.
>> WE HAVE PUT SOME SYSTEMS IN PLACE AROUND CCMR THAT DO NOT REFLECT IN THAT DATA BECAUSE THAT DATA IS LAGGING.
>> BUT WHEN WILL WE GET THOSE RESULTS SINCE YOU'RE DELAYED?
>> IS THAT HOW THAT WORKS, REALLY?
>> WHERE WILL THIS BE AT ON OUR WEBSITE?
>> THIS GETS POSTED FROM THE BOARD, MEANING ON THAT ON I GUESS OUR BOARD BOOK.
THAT'S WHERE THIS GETS POSTED.
>> I'D LIKE TO SEE SOME OF THAT ONE IS A LITTLE BIT TOO FAST FOR ME TO READ.
>> YEAH. WE'LL HAVE TO LOOK IT UP.
>> YES. I'LL HAVE THE SNAPSHOTS FOR YOU.
NORMALLY, I HAVE THEM FOR YOU, THE LITTLE BOOKLET FOR YOU.
>> BUT THEY HAVEN'T POSTED THAT YET, EVERYTHING JUST GETTING DELAYED.
>> I GET IT. THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE THAT.
>> THANK YOU, MIRANDA. HAS ANYONE SIGNED IN TO MAKE COMMENTS TO THE BOARD REGARDING THE 2024 TAPR? HEARING NONE. IF THERE ARE NO COMMENTS.
REGARDING THE 2024 TAPER REPORT, WE WILL NOW CLOSE THE CALLED PUBLIC HEARING AND RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD.
IT IS 8:02 PM AND THE PUBLIC HEARING IS NOW CLOSED.
THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS IS CITIZEN COMMENTS.
[VII. Citizen Comments]
BEFORE WE BEGIN, I WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW THE PROVISIONS AND BOARD POLICY GOVERNING THE PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS REFLECTED IN BED LOCAL.THE AUDIENCE SHALL NOT ENTER INTO DISCUSSION OR DEBATE ON THE MATTERS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD.
I WILL REMIND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD THAT THE CITIZEN COMMENTS SECTION OF OUR BOARD MEETING IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF LISTENING TO PATRONS, BUT WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMMENT OR DEBATE ON ISSUES THAT ARE NOT POSTED.
NO PRESENTATION SHALL EXCEED THREE MINUTES AND A TIME OR WILL GO OFF WITH THE COMPLETION OF THREE MINUTES.
I WOULD ASK THAT YOU CONCLUDE YOUR COMMENTS WITHIN THE TIME LIMIT ALLOWED.
AS I CALL YOUR NAME, IF YOU WILL COME UP TO THE PODIUM AND STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.
>> THANK YOU. GREETINGS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ALL OF YOU, AND ESPECIALLY DR. KATHY ROLLO.
BECAUSE I WAS IN MY CLASS ONCE.
I AM DEBORAH ZENECER, AND I'VE TAUGHT IN OUR DISTRICT FOR OVER 35 YEARS.
I OFTEN TELL THE STUDENTS THEIR TEACHERS LOVE THEM AND WOULD EVEN DIE TO PROTECT THEM AND YET, UNSPEAKABLE EVIL HAS CREPT IN TO ATTACK THEIR INNOCENT LIVES IN THE FORM OF
[01:10:01]
THE WRITTEN SEXUALLY EXPLICIT BOOKS THAT WE'RE FINDING IN OUR LIBRARIES AT ALL LEVELS.SAME BOOKS THAT ARE BANNED FROM PRISONS.
MY GROUP, I JUST WENT DOWN WITH CITIZENS FOR EDUCATION REFORM TO AUSTIN.
LAST MONDAY AND TUESDAY, WE HIT EVERY SINGLE OFFICE AND MOSTLY, OF COURSE, TALK TO THE AIDES AND THE INTERNS.
ONE OF THEM, IN PARTICULAR, REALLY KNEW HIS STUFF AND HE TOLD US ABOUT THE INJUNCTION WHICH YOU GUYS ARE VERY AWARE OF.
NOT BEING A LAWYER, I LOOKED UP INJUNCTION AND FOUND IT'S TO PROTECT SOMEONE FROM PERSONAL HARM, TO PREVENT DAMAGE, TO REPUTATION, LOSS, SAFETY, EVEN MONEY.
I WAS WONDERING, WHO ARE THEY PROTECTING WITH THESE BOOKS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS IN THE LIBRARIES? I HATE TO THROW A DAMP ON THIS GLORIOUS DAY OF CELEBRATION, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WASN'T HANDLED QUICKLY.
THE BOOK PUBLISHING COMPANIES, OF COURSE, DON'T WANT TO LOSE MONEY, SO THEY DID FILE THAT INJUNCTION.
I SIMPLY AM ASKING YOU TO PLEASE DO ALL IN YOUR POWER, AND I KNOW IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LOT OF COURAGE AND WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO BECAUSE YOU MIGHT BE AFRAID OF BEING SUED OR WHATEVER, BUT I THINK THAT THE PUBLISHING COMPANY SHOULD BE MORE AFRAID OF BEING SUED THAN YOU GUYS.
THAT'S REALLY ALL I HAVE RIGHT NOW AND I'M JUST THANKFUL THAT YOU GUYS ARE ALL HERE AND UP ON THIS AND WORKING ON IT.
I KNOW THAT THE SENATE THEY SAID THE REASON IT WASN'T IMPLEMENTED WAS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO TEETH IN THE BILLS AND THEY ASSUMED IT WOULD JUST HAPPEN, I GUESS, WHICH IS PRETTY FOOLISH.
BUT THEY ARE WORKING ON IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER AND I KNOW YOU'LL SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS ANYWAY YOU CAN.
>> ALL RIGHT. NEXT, CHRISTY GIMZA.
>> IF MY ADVOCACY IS RUFFLED FEATHERS, IT'S BECAUSE I FIRMLY BELIEVE WE ARE EACH OTHER'S KEEP.
I CARE ABOUT ALL OF OUR KIDS WHICH IS WHY I'M SPEAKING YOU TODAY AND WHY I'M GOING TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
ONE OF THE MANY REASONS THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT IS SO IMPORTANT IS TO HELP PEOPLE HONEST.
I'M GIVING YOU A SMALL SAMPLING OF DOCUMENTS THAT I'VE SUBMITTED TO THE TEA AS A PART OF A FORMAL ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST THREE LUBBOCK ISD ADMINISTRATORS.
LAST SPRING, AFTER RELUCTANTLY REPORTING CONCERNS ABOUT A TEACHER EXHIBITING POOR BOUNDARIES, INCLUDING RED FLAGS WERE GROOMING, NOT WITH BOOKS, I WAS ASSURED BY THE SCHOOL THAT MY CONCERNS WOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
THERE IS THE SAYING THAT GOES, HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN TRUST SOMEONE? THE ANSWER IS, TRUST THEM AND YOU'LL FIND OUT.
I TRUSTED THE SCHOOL AND THE DISTRICT AND THAT TRUST WAS BROKEN.
IN A TEXT THREAD YOU'RE GOING TO SEE BETWEEN ADMINISTRATORS DATED JULY 23RD.
WELL, AFTER THE REPORTED ISSUE EVOLVED INTO A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, ONE ADMINISTRATOR EXCLAIMS, THE INCIDENT THAT WON'T GO AWAY, PLEASE COME TO MY OFFICE TO CREATE A DOCUMENT FOR CATHY.
THIS DOCUMENT WAS INCOMPLETE CAMPUS INVESTIGATION REPORT THE DISTRICT SUBMITTED TO THE TEA WITH A DOCUMENTED COMPLETION DATE OF MAY 22ND.
FACT DATING AND INVESTIGATION REPORT IS CONSIDERED A FORM OF FALSIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS.
I REQUESTED TO SEE THIS REPORT MULTIPLE TIMES STARTING IN MAY.
HAD I NOT CONTINUED TO PURSUE THIS ISSUE, THIS TEACHER WOULD STILL BE TEACHING IN LUBBOCK ISD.
BEYOND THE MANY ETHICS CONCERNS, I'VE REPEATEDLY EMAILED DR. ROLLO ASKING FOR CLARITY ABOUT INVESTIGATION POLICIES AND HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.
I WILL AGAIN ASK THIS, IF A TEACHER IS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR INAPPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES, DOES THE DISTRICT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEARCH THE TEACHER'S PHONE, INCLUDING APPS? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY REFUSE? AT A JUNE 6TH MEETING, NO ONE AT CENTRAL OFFICE KNEW THE ANSWER TO THAT AND THEY STILL DON'T ANSWER IT.
DISTRICT TRAINING MATERIALS I'VE SEEN DO NOT ADDRESS THIS DETAIL.
ADMINISTRATORS WHO LIT OF PARENTS WHO ARE NOT RESPONSIVE TO REASONABLE INQUIRIES, WHO FALSIFY INVESTIGATION REPORTS WHO FAIL TO SUBMIT KEY EVIDENCE, AND GROOMING CASES SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR CHILDREN'S SAFETY.
I'M SHOCKED THE DISTRICT DOESN'T TRACK THE NUMBER OF THESE INVESTIGATIONS OR THEIR OUTCOMES, MEANING THERE IS NO DATA.
THE DATA WE TRACK IS THE DATA WE ARE OBLIGATED TO ACT UPON.
THIS IS A STUDENT SAFETY ISSUE.
IT'S ONE THAT STATISTICALLY MUCH MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR THAN A SCHOOL SHOOTING.
LOVING PEOPLE REQUIRES RESPECT, TRUST, VULNERABILITY, AND BRAVERY, PERFECT LOVE CAST OUT FEAR, AND WHEN THERE IS A CULTURE OF COVER-UP AND FEAR,
[01:15:02]
IT HARMS BOTH STAFF AND STUDENTS.MY DAUGHTER IS A THRIVING STUDENT AT LUBBOCK HIGH.
I WANT EVERY CHILD TO HAVE THE SAME GREAT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HAS HAD AT LUBBOCK ISD.
WHILE I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN DR. ROLLO, I BELIEVE MOST DISTRICT STAFF WORK TIRELESSLY FOR OUR KIDS.
I WANT TO THANK TEACHERS, STAFF, AND TRUSTEES WHO WORK TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY.
THAT CONCLUDES THE SIGN UPS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE WILL MOVE INTO SECTION 8 OF THE AGENDA, WHICH IS FINANCIALS.
[VIII. Financials]
APPROVAL OF BUDGET SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDING DECEMBER 31ST, 2024.BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2024.
STATEMENT OF TAXES COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH ENDING, DECEMBER 31ST, 2024, AND THE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 1ST TO DECEMBER, 2024. DR. CURRY.
>> EVENING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
I'LL TAKE YOU THROUGH THESE VERY QUICKLY.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
THE FIRST ONE IS GOING TO BE YOUR BUDGET SUMMARY.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT OF THE PERCENTAGES ON THE FAR RIGHT, YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THAT WE WERE 53 PERCENT SPENT.
THAT'S ABOUT ON PAR AND SO WE DO HAVE SOME FRONT-LOADED EXPENDITURES ALONG WITH SOME EXPENDITURES THAT COME IN THE YEAR.
THAT'S THE REASON YOU SEE THE PERCENTAGES VARYING, BUT WE'RE AVERAGING RIGHT WHERE WE NEED TO BE.
MOVING ON TO DEBT SERVICE, THAT IS OUR INS, AND SO YOU CAN SEE THAT WE ARE CARRYING A FUND BALANCE THERE, AND SO THAT IS GOOD, AND WE ARE GOING TO USE THAT TO DEFEASE AND PAY DOWN DEBT, SO THAT'S WHAT THAT IS GOOD FOR.
MOVING ON TO THE FOOD SERVICE.
THE FOOD SERVICE IS DOING VERY WELL.
WITH THE CHANGE AND HOW WE CAN SPEND FOOD SERVICE MONEY, WE'RE LOOKING AT HOW WE CAN SPEND DOWN THAT FUND BALANCE AND HELP OUR KIDS IN FOOD SERVICE.
MOVING ON TO CAPITAL PROJECTS, THAT'S GETTING A LITTLE THIN JUST DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE'RE SPENDING ALL THE 2018 BOND MONEY.
WE'RE DOWN TO THE INTEREST NOW.
FINISHING THAT OUT. ALL THE PROJECTS ARE DONE AND NOW WE'VE GOT A LITTLE BIT EXTRA MONEY TO DO SOME ACS AND A FEW THINGS HERE AND THERE ON THAT.
THE NEXT ONE IS OUR BUDGET SUMMARY OF ALL OF OUR GRANTS AND TITLE PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE.
YOU CAN SEE HOW WE'RE SPENDING ON THAT.
WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS.
HAVE A COUPLE I'LL DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO.
THAT IS OUR BEYOND DISTRICT MONEY THAT SET ASIDE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, AND THEN ABOUT THIS TIME WE MOVE IT OVER TO COVER THE EXPENDITURES.
THEN WE HAVE THE MILLION DOLLARS AT THE BOTTOM THAT WE SET ASIDE BACK AT THE START OF THE BUDGET SEASON FOR THE HEALTHCARE INFUSION.
THE NEXT ONE IS JUST A FEW MORE REVENUE EXPENDITURES THAT WE'RE RECOGNIZING.
THEN WE HAVE OUR HEAD START PROGRAM, AND MS. REDELA DOES A GREAT JOB WITH THAT.
WE MANAGE THE FUNDS VERY PRUDENTLY AND WE DO REALLY WELL THERE.
THEN YOUR NEXT ONE IS OUR TAXES.
YOU COULD SEE THAT WE'RE ABOUT 38 PERCENT, 36 PERCENT COLLECTED AND THAT'S ABOUT ON PAR FOR WHERE WE SHOULD BE.
WE'LL START SEEING MORE COME IN THE COMING MONTHS AND WE END UP SOMEWHERE AROUND 99 PERCENT.
>> YOU CAN SEE WITH THE TAX LEVY ROLL THAT THE LCAD THERE'S A LITTLE BIT OF LAGGING DATA.
THEY GET THE MONEY, THEY GOT TO PROCESS IT, THEN THEY SEND IT TO US.
THAT'S THE REASON THERE'S A LITTLE BIT OF LAGGING DATA BETWEEN OUR DOCUMENTS AND WHAT THEY HAVE.
THE LAST ONE IS OUR INVESTMENTS.
THE THING I'LL DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO IS THE RATE OF RETURN ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT.
IT IS DROPPING JUST A LITTLE AND WE EXPECTED THAT WITH THE ECONOMY.
STILL DOING VERY WELL AT 5.5% RETURN, BUT NOT THE 6 OR 6.25 THAT WE WERE SEEING A YEAR, TWO YEARS AGO.
I'LL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DECEMBER FINANCIALS.
>> JUST ONE. ON THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS, WAS THAT RECOGNIZING LISD-TV REVENUE?
>> I THINK IT'S JUST A LITTLE TYPO THERE. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THAT'S ALL I WANT TO CALL OUT.
>> YEAH, THAT'S THEIR REVENUE.
WHEN THEY TELEVISE THINGS, THEY GET FUNDS FOR THAT AND THEY RECOGNIZE THAT MONEY WHEN THEY TAKE AND DO TRIPS WITH THEIR KIDS AND STUFF.
>> YEAH, WHICH IS GREAT THEY'RE ABLE TO DO SOME OF THAT.
>> THANK YOU. AS TRUSTEES, DO YOU HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 2024 FINANCIAL REPORTS AS PRESENTED?
>> I HAVE A MOTION IN SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE INDICATE BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED SAME SIGN? MOTION CARRIES 6-0.
[01:20:01]
THANK YOU. CONSENT AGENDA.[IX. Consent Agenda]
CONSIDER BOARD APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE WORKSHOP MEETING HELD JANUARY 9TH, 2025 AND THE REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 23RD, 2025.DO WE HAVE ANY CORRECTIONS TO THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AS PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED? HEARING NONE, THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED AS PRINTED.
BEFORE WE CONTINUE, DO WE HAVE ANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE SIGNED IN TO ADDRESS THE BOARD REGARDING A POSTED BOARD AGENDA ITEM? SEEING NONE FROM ERIN, THANK YOU.
WE'LL MOVE TO SECTION 10 ITEM 10 ON OUR AGENDA TONIGHT, ACADEMIC ACTION ITEMS.
[X.A. Approval of Reading Language Arts Instructional Materials Adoption for Kindergarten through Grade 5]
APPROVAL OF READING LANGUAGE ARTS INSTRUCTION MATERIALS ADOPTION FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 5.DR. ROLLO, I'LL LET YOU KICK US OFF.
>> YES. AS WE HAVE SHARED WITH YOU IN COMMITTEE MEETINGS, WE ARE BRINGING YOU ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL AT TONIGHT'S MEETING.
YOU APPROVED THE BLUEBONNET MATH CURRICULUM FOR ELEMENTARY AT A PREVIOUS MEETING.
THIS IS THE READING LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM THAT WE'RE BRINGING TO YOU TODAY.
I'M GOING TO HAVE MISTY SHARE WITH YOU SOME INFORMATION BEHIND THIS AND THEN WE'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE.
>> AS WE WANT TO JUST GIVE YOU SOME REMINDERS AROUND THE BLUEBONNET READING CURRICULUM.
WE'RE BRINGING IT TO YOU WITH DISTRICT CUSTOMIZATION AND ASKING FOR YOUR APPROVAL.
AS A REMINDER, WE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN WHAT IS NOW CURRENTLY BLUEBONNET; WHAT WAS CALLED BEFORE AMPLIFY SINCE 2021.
WE HAVE USED ALL OF THOSE ITERATIONS THAT WE BEGAN TO PILOT, THEN USED ACROSS THE DISTRICT, DISTRICT-WIDE AS THOSE HAVE CHANGED OVER TIME.
THIS IS SUCCESS FROM WHAT IS THE LAST POSTED PIECE OF SUCCESS WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THAT 2019-2023 CHANGE ON STAAR, BUT MIRANDA CONTINUED TO REFERENCE THINGS IN THE TAPER REPORT THAT WE'VE SEEN MORE RECENTLY THAT SHOW THAT OUR READING SCORES IN ELEMENTARY CONTINUED TO INCREASE AS WE'VE USED THIS CURRICULUM OVER TIME.
REMEMBER THAT THIS IS AN EVOLUTION OR AN ITERATION CHANGE.
WE'RE LOOKING AT WHAT STARTED AS AMPLIFY AND HAS CHANGED OVER TIME.
JUST LIKE YOUR IPHONE CHANGES AND YOU LOOK AT AN UPGRADE, IT'S WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT AS WE UPGRADE OVER TIME AND MOVE FORWARD.
AS DR. ROLLO MENTIONED, YOU DID APPROVE THE MATH BLUEBONNET LAST MONTH AND THESE SAME ELEMENTS THAT ARE PART OF THOSE PRODUCTS ARE PART OF THE READING BLUEBONNET PROGRAM AS WELL.
THE PURPOSE BEHIND THIS IS THAT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE KNOWLEDGE MAP IN READING, IT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND LITERATURE, AND INCREDIBLE CONNECTIONS FOR OUR KIDS TO READ ON A REGULAR BASIS.
IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE DOING A DEEP DIVE IN OUR REVIEW, WE KNOW THAT THIS PRODUCT HAS A FOCUS ON OUR FIGHT FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, ON EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW AND AN ABOLITION OF SLAVERY WITH A THROUGH LINE OF RELIGIOUS LITERATURE WITH HISTORICAL CONTENT.
IN ORDER TO EVALUATE THAT, TEA HAS PROVIDED RELIGIOUS SOURCE MATERIAL INFORMATION TO TEACHERS EXPLAINING WHAT THEY ARE ALLOWED AND NOT ALLOWED TO SAY INSIDE THE CLASSROOM.
THIS KNOWLEDGE MAP SHOWS YOU LOTS OF THINGS THAT YOU SEE THAT KIDS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, WHETHER THAT'S ABOUT THE MIDDLE AGES OR JAZZ OR LOOKING AT EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY.
THERE'S LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT BOTH SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND LITERATURE TO WHAT THEY'RE DOING IN READING CLASS.
IN ORDER TO DO A DEEP DIVE, WE CREATED A COMMUNITY GROUP WITH YOUR HELP OF DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES THAT SPEND TIME LOOKING AT EVERY LESSON THAT HAD RELIGIOUSLY SOURCED CONTENT INSIDE OF THOSE LESSONS.
THAT GROUP MET ON JANUARY 13TH AND SPENT HOURS TOGETHER READING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THOSE LESSONS.
THEIR GOAL INSIDE THAT WAS TO EVALUATE WHAT WE WOULD DO TO EITHER ADOPT, ADAPT, OR ABANDON A LESSON BASED UPON OUR COMMUNITY FEEDBACK AND THE NEEDS THAT FIT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR COMMUNITY AS WE MOVE FORWARD.
BASED UPON THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS, WE ARE MAKING MODIFICATIONS AND BRINGING TO YOU A DISTRICT CUSTOMIZE ADOPTION FOR RECOMMENDATION.
OUR RECOMMENDATION TONIGHT IS THAT WITH THAT CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, WITH OUR TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND COMMUNITY THAT REPRESENTED A BROAD PERSPECTIVE, THAT WE RECOMMEND AN ADOPTION OF RLA K-5 BLUEBONNET WITH THE DISTRICT CUSTOMIZATION INCLUDED.
I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> I JUST WANT TO REITERATE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A VERY EFFECTIVE CURRICULUM AND SOMETHING WE'VE BEEN USING.
THEN THE CUSTOMIZATION COMES INTO PLAY IN ADDRESSING SOME OF
[01:25:02]
THE LESSONS THAT THE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE GROUP FELT WERE PROBLEMATIC.>> JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTOOD THAT. THANK YOU.
>> I WOULD INVITE ANYBODY ON THE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT OR ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE IF YOU HAVE ANY FEEDBACK, IF YOU LOOKED AT THIS MORE IN DEPTH.
>> I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT DURING DISCUSSION BEFORE WE VOTE BECAUSE THERE IS A DISCUSSION.
>> YOU WANT ME TO GO AND DO IT NOW? OKAY. WELL, SHE WAS ASKING QUESTIONS. YOU'RE GOOD WITH HER NOW THEN?
>> I AM PART OF THAT COMMITTEE AND WE'VE HEARD IT THOROUGHLY.
THOUGH I CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE WITH SOME OF THE THINGS, MORE IMPORTANTLY, I THINK THAT THE CHANGES THAT WERE MADE BY THE DISTRICT WERE GOOD CHANGES FOR SURE.
I GET IT THAT IT WAS TO TRY TO APPEASE BOTH SIDES.
THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE WORKED DILIGENTLY TO DO AND TRY TO DO IT.
WE'RE NOT GOING TO ALWAYS MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY AND I GET THAT TOO.
I MET WITH SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS; SEVERAL PROFESSORS AND I'VE LISTENED LOUD AND CLEAR AT THE END OF THE DAY.
MY JOB IS TO LISTEN TO MY CONSTITUENTS AND THAT'S WHO I'M GOING TO LISTEN TO.
I CAN'T SAY WHY WE'RE THERE AND I'M NOT PUTTING IN MY PERSONAL OPINIONS.
I AM CATHOLIC, I AM A CHRISTIAN, BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT; THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I HAVE TO READ THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME.
I THINK IT'S SO IMPORTANT THAT I READ THIS BECAUSE IT'S PART OF MY DISCUSSION AS WELL.
IT'S ABOUT TEACHING KIDS VALUES.
THEN WHY MUST IT BE ATTACHED TO A RELIGIOUS BELIEF? VALUES ARE UNIVERSAL.
THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE CONNECTED TO A RELIGIOUS BELIEF TO HAVE MEANING.
WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT HOW WE CAN TEACH KIDS ABOUT EMPATHY, BEING KIND, AND SO FORTH WITHOUT HAVING TO ATTACH IT TO A RELIGIOUS BELIEF.
THIS IS PART OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT I WENT TO AND MOST OF THEM SAID THE SAME THING TO ME.
THEN THERE WAS ALSO THE OTHER PARTS AND CONS.
I OUTWEIGHED ALL OF IT TOGETHER.
FOR THE REASONS THAT I'M GOING TO VOTE, THESE ARE MY REASONS I'M GOING TO WHEN WE COME TO THE VOTE.
AGAIN, IT BREAKS MY HEART THAT WHEN IT COMES TO THIS; WHERE WE'RE AT IN THIS TIME. DO I BELIEVE IN GOD? MY KIDS GO TO CATECHISM ON WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
I GO TO CHURCH ON A DAILY BASIS AT 5:30 EVERY DAY AS LONG AS I DON'T HAVE A MEETING.
BUT THAT'S WHAT I DO, BUT THAT'S MY PERSONAL BELIEF. I'LL LEAVE IT AT THAT.
>> DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BLUEBONNET READING LANGUAGE ARTS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS WITH DISTRICT CUSTOMIZATION FOR ADOPTION FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 5?
>> MOTION IS SECONDED. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE INDICATE BY SAYING AYE.
>> TWO NAYS AND FOUR AYES. CORRECT?
>> CARRIES 4-2. I WILL SHARE FROM TRUSTEE RATLIFF.
HE JUST WANTED US TO KNOW THAT HE APPRECIATED THE TIME AND EFFORT THE DISTRICT PUT FORTH WITH THE ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMITTEE AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK FOR THE CURRICULUM AND HE WAS IN FAVOR OF ACCEPTING AS WELL THE PROGRAM.
[X.B. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of the Navy to Establish and Operate a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Unit]
APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE A JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS UNIT. DOCTOR ROLLO.YES. LUBBOCK ISD IS BLESSED TO HAVE NOT ONE BUT TWO ROTC PROGRAMS. OUR ONE AT LEBO HIGH IS WITH THE NAVY AND OUR ONE AT ESTACADO IS WITH THE ARMY.
THIS IS A NEW MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE A JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS.
THIS PROGRAM IS EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL IN LUBBOCK ISD AND OUR STUDENTS HAVE AMAZING TRAINING THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, BUT THEY DID UPDATE THEIR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
>> QUESTIONS? DO YOU HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATED JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS UNIT?
>> MOTION IN A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE INDICATE BY SAYING AYE.
[XI.A. Approval of Annual Review of Investment Policy]
APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF INVESTMENT POLICY. DR. LUCAS.>> THANK YOU. THIS IS THE SAME INVESTMENT POLICY THAT WAS PUT BEFORE YOU AT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING AND WE HAVE TO REVIEW THIS ANNUALLY.
THE THINGS THAT I WILL DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO IS THAT WE'VE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH OUR INVESTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES IN
[01:30:03]
THE PAST AS REFERENCED WITH OUR RETURNS ON INVESTMENT AND ALSO ALL OF OUR INVESTMENTS HAVE TO BE COLLATERALIZED.THEY'RE COLLATERALIZED AT ABOUT $180 MILLION SO THEY DO TAKE CARE OF US ON THAT.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'LL ANSWER THEM, BUT THIS IS WHAT WAS PUT IN FRONT OF YOU AT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
>> OKAY. I WOULD COMMEND TIM, YOURSELF, THE FOLKS THAT CAME BEFORE YOU, ALL THOSE FOLKS THAT ARE IN THAT.
NOT ONLY THE RETURN THAT WE GET FROM OUR BANKING PARTNER WHICH PAYS FOR A LOT OF BILLS.
I DON'T THINK PEOPLE REALIZE THAT, BUT ALSO THE DEFEASANCE THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO ON BONDS, WE'RE NOT PERFECT.
WE SCREW UP OUR FAIR SHARE BUT I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF AREAS SPECIFICALLY WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS THAT WE TRY TO USE IT AS WISELY AS WE CAN.
I THINK OUR INVESTMENT POLICY SUPPORTS THAT MISSION.
I HOPE THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS SEE THAT WITH WHAT WE'RE DOING.
>> THANK YOU FOR DRAWING ATTENTION TO MR. BARNES.
HE DOES A PHENOMENAL JOB AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HIM OR SEE HIM.
HE'S BEHIND THE SCENES AND MANAGING THAT AND INVESTING THAT AND KEEPING THAT.
MOVING IN AND OUT EVERY DAY IS A BIG JOB AND HE DOES A GREAT JOB FOR US.
>> DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POLICY AS PRESENTED AND APPROVE THE LISTING OF QUALIFIED BROKERS FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES?
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
[XI.B. Approval of Audit Agreement for External Auditor for the District]
APPROVAL OF THE AUDIT AGREEMENT FOR EXTERNAL AUDITOR FOR THE DISTRICT, DOCTOR WILKINS.>> YES, MA'AM. THIS IS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SECURING BSGM; BOLINGER, SEGARS, GILBERT AND MOSS AS OUR AUDITOR.
THEY'VE BEEN OUR AUDITOR FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND THEY'VE DONE A GREAT JOB FOR US.
THEY'RE ALWAYS A HELPING HAND AND THEY WORK REALLY HARD.
WE WORK REALLY WELL TOGETHER AND SO WE BRING THIS TO YOU TO HOPEFULLY EXTEND THAT FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH THEM.
>> DO YOU HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BOLINGER, SEGARS, GILBERT AND MOSS LLP AS A DISTRICT'S EXTERNAL AUDIT FIRM FOR THE 2024/2025 FISCAL YEAR?
>> MOTION IS SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
APPROVAL OF DISTRICT PURCHASES, MR. ROBERT.
[XII. Procurement and Contracts]
>> YES. GOOD EVENING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES. GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL.
>> JUST TWO ITEMS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION THIS EVENING.
THE FIRST ITEM IS AN ANNUAL ITEM THAT WE BRING FOR YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
IT'S THE EIGHTH GRADE TALKINGTON SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS PARTNERING WITH THE TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY.
IT'S A SUMMER PROGRAM THAT THEY DO.
THE TALKINGTON FOUNDATION COVERS THIS AND WE JUST PASS THE FUNDS ON.
THEN THE SECOND ONE IS THE PORTABLE CLASSROOMS FOR RAMTECH.
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO ACCOMMODATING SOME OF THE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATIONS AS WE GO THROUGH THAT PROCESS AND FIGURING OUT WHERE THIS IS THE ACTUAL PURCHASE OF THE BUILDINGS ONLY.
I WANT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT THAT IS BECAUSE THIS IS JUST THE PURCHASE OF THE BUILDINGS.
THIS IS NOT THE CONSTRUCTION FEES, THE INSTALLATION FEES, AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS.
WE'LL BRING THAT TO YOU LATER ON. I'M SORRY.
THIS ALLOWS US TO GET THOSE BUILDINGS PURCHASED AND ORDERED SO THAT THEY CAN GET HERE IN TIME FOR US TO PUT THEM IN PLACE.
>> WITH THAT BEING SAID RICK, THE CURRENT BUILDINGS; BECAUSE I ASKED YOU TO LOOKED INTO SOME OF THOSE BUILDINGS TO SEE IF WE COULD USE ANY OF THOSE.
YOU SAID THEY WERE NOT IN GOOD CONDITIONS AT ALL.
>> WE ARE GOING TO USE ONE OF THE BUILDINGS-
>> O.L. SLATON, WE ARE GOING TO MAKE THAT MOVE BECAUSE IT'S IN REALLY, REALLY GOOD SHAPE.
SOME OF OUR OTHER CURRENT PORTABLE BUILDINGS FOR THE COST OF MOVING THEM VERSUS A NEW BUILDING THAT HAS A GOOD ENVELOPE TO IT, WE FEEL LIKE THE RETURN FOR THAT IS BETTER ESPECIALLY SINCE WE ARE GOING TO BE NEEDING THESE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO ACCOMMODATE.
WE'LL BE MOVING THOSE BUILDINGS THAT ARE NO LONGER UP TO PAR?
>> THAT'S CORRECT. YES, MA'AM.
>> WE'LL GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.
WE HAVE TO PUT THEM UP FOR OPTION AND GO THROUGH THAT PROCESS.
>> BECAUSE THEY'RE DEFINITELY AN EYE SORE.
>> YOU HAVE A COLLECTIVE MOTION TO APPROVE THE DISTRICT PURCHASES AS PRESENTED.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE?
APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION, JOB ORDER, CONTRACTING DELIVERY METHOD, AND DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.
>> YES, MA'AM. THIS IS A STANDARD ITEM YOU SEE FREQUENTLY FROM US.
THERE ARE THREE PROJECTS THAT ARE RELATED TO THIS, AND WE'RE REQUESTING THAT YOU DELEGATE THE AUTHORITY FOR THE EVALUATION OF BIDS,
[01:35:03]
PROPOSAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES.THE THREE PROJECTS WE'RE REFERRING TO SOME MISCELLANEOUS ROOFING PROJECTS FOR THREE OF OUR HIGH SCHOOLS.
WHAT WE'RE DOING IS PROTECTING THE GYM FLOORS.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR GYM FLOORS ARE IN A SPOT WHERE WE DON'T GET WATER ON THEM BECAUSE THEN IT'S EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE FOR US TO REPAIR THOSE FLOORS.
THAT'S WHY THERE'S PARTIAL ROOFING REPAIRS THAT WE'RE DOING THERE.
THEN THE RENOVATIONS FOR SOME CLASS ROOM AT ATKINS, AND THEN THE THIRD ONE IS THE INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION RELATED TO PORTABLES BY THESE CONSOLIDATIONS.
THAT'S WHY I WAS POINTING OUT.
THIS IS WHERE WE'LL START THAT PROCESS OF SECURING WHAT THOSE FUNDS NEED TO LOOK LIKE.
I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY OTHER QUESTIONS.
>> YOU HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR CHOOSING CRITERIA, RELATIVE WEIGHTS, RANKING, SELECTING, AND EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS, AND APPROVAL OF THE USE OF CONSTRUCTION JOB ORDER, CONTRACTING DELIVERY METHOD FOR THE PROJECTS PRESENTED.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION CARRIES 6-2-0.
DISTRICT WIDE INTRUDER DETECTION AUDIT REPORT FINDINGS. DR. ROLLO.
[XIII. Districtwide Intruder Detection Audit Report Findings]
>> YES. AS YOU ARE WELL AWARE, WE ARE IN OUR SECOND YEAR OF GOVERNOR ORDERED STATE INTRUDER DETECTION AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.
EVERY CAMPUS WILL BE AUDITED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS AND WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN THOSE AUDITS ARE GOING TO OCCUR.
IT'S A SURPRISE WHEN THOSE AUDITS HAPPEN.
WE ARE ALSO REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT OUT IN A PUBLIC BOARD MEETING IF WE HAVE ANY NON COMPLIANCE ISSUES.
I AM REQUIRED TO SAY THAT LUBBOCK ISD HAS FOUR CAMPUSES THAT WERE NOT COMPLIANT WITH THE INTRUDER DETECTION AUDIT, AND THESE SPECIFIC CAMPUSES WERE DISCUSSED WITH YOU IN OUR EXECUTIVE SESSION.
FOR SAFETY REASONS, WE DON'T WANT TO SHARE THOSE THAT LOUD, BUT I CAN SHARE THAT TRAINING EITHER HAS OCCURRED OR IS SCHEDULED, AND ANY MAINTENANCE ISSUES WITH DOORS HAVE BEEN FIXED ALREADY.
>> THANK YOU. THERE'S NO ACTION ON THAT ITEM.
WE WILL MOVE TO THE NEXT ITEM, WHICH IS LEVEL 3 GRIEVANCE HEARING, AND WE WILL TAKE A BREAK SO THAT WE CAN GET SET FOR THAT IN THE ROOM.
ON THE AGENDA IS THE GRIEVANCE HEARING OF LLOYD ZUNIGA.
[XIV. Level III Grievance Hearing]
DR. ROLLO, HAS THERE BEEN A REQUEST FOR THE HEARING TO BE AN OPEN SESSION?>> THE BOARD WILL REMAIN IN OPEN SESSION TO HEAR THE LEVEL 3 COMPLAINT OF MR. ZUNIGA.
MR. ZUNIGA FILED A LEVEL 1, 2 COMPLAINT PURSUANT TO BOARD POLICY FNG LOCAL ON DECEMBER 10TH, 2024, REGARDING A BOOK IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARIES THAT HE FELT WAS INAPPROPRIATE AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANY OF THE LISD LIBRARIES, PARDON ME.
FOLLOWING THE RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE'S DENIAL OF MR. ZUNIGA'S COMPLAINT, HIS COMPLAINT WAS HEARD AT LEVEL 2 ON DECEMBER 16TH, 2024 BY BRIAN ELLYSON, THE LEVEL 2 HEARING OFFICER.
PURSUANT TO BOARD POLICIES, FNG LOCAL AND EFB LOCAL, MR. ELLYSON PROVIDED A TIMELY RESPONSE TO MR. ZUNIGA ON JANUARY 10TH, 2025, DENYING MR. ZUNIGA'S REQUEST TO MOVE THE BOOK FROM THE LISD LIBRARIES.
MR. ZUNIGA APPEALED HIS COMPLAINT TO LEVEL 3 ON JANUARY 13TH, 2025.
ACCORDING TO BOARD POLICIES FNG LOCAL AND EFB LOCAL, THIS TIMELY LEVEL 3 HEARING WAS SCHEDULED.
BOARD MEMBERS ARE BEING PROVIDED COPIES OF THE APPEAL FORMS AND RESPONSES AS WELL AS OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT CONSTITUTE THE RECORD IN THIS GRIEVANCE.
EACH TRUSTEE HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THE BOOK IN QUESTION.
ALSO FOR THE RECORD, THERE IS A QUORUM OF THE BOARD PRESENT AT THIS PROCEEDING AND I'M BETH BRIDGES, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR LUBBOCK ISD.
TO ESTABLISH ON THE RECORD THAT THE BOARD CAN RENDER A FAIR DECISION, I ASK THAT ANY MEMBER OF THIS HEARING BODY WHO CANNOT BE FAIR AND UNBIASED IN DECIDING THIS MATTER TO EXCUSE HIMSELF OR HERSELF.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO FEELS THAT THEY SHOULD BE EXCUSED?
>> I DO. I WILL RECUSE MYSELF.
>> TRUSTEE CHAVEZ WILL EXCUSE HERSELF ON THIS MATTER.
>> IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE MOST ACCURATE RECORD POSSIBLE, A TAPE RECORDING AND VIDEO OF THIS PROCEEDING IS BEING MADE.
PLEASE AVOID TALKING WHEN OTHERS ARE SPEAKING SO THAT THE TAPE WILL REFLECT THE PROCEEDINGS ACCURATELY.
ALSO PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF WHEN YOU SPEAK SO THAT THE RECORD WILL BE CLEAR.
WILL MR. ZUNIGA OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME.
>> YES. MY NAME IS LLOYD ZUNIGA.
[01:40:02]
>> YOU LET ME KNOW HOW THIS GOES.
>> THANK YOU, MR. ZUNIGA. WILL THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LUBBOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME.
>> WE HAVE CONVENED TODAY TO CONSIDER THE GRIEVANCE OF LLOYD ZUNIGA.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS HEARING IS TO GIVE MR. ZUNIGA THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULLY PRESENT ANY TESTIMONY OR EVIDENCE HE MAY HAVE IN SUPPORT OF HIS GRIEVANCES AS STATED IN HIS COMPLAINT AND TO ALLOW THE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE TO PRESENT PERTINENT TESTIMONY AND OR EVIDENCE.
THE HEARING PROCEDURE WE USE IS SIMPLE.
MR. ZUNIGA WILL GO FIRST AND PRESENT HIS COMPLAINTS.
MR. ELLYSON, THE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE, WILL THEN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND.
MR. ZUNIGA, YOU OR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, YOU MAY MAKE YOUR PRESENTATION BY PRESENTING ANY RELEVANT TESTIMONY OR EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF YOUR ALLEGATIONS AND AT THE CONCLUSION OF THAT PRESENTATION, MR. ELLYSON MAY MAKE HIS OWN PRESENTATION AS HE DEEMS NECESSARY.
I WILL ALLOW EACH PARTY A MAXIMUM OF 15 MINUTES TO MAKE THEIR PRESENTATION.
IF EITHER PARTY HAS REMAINING TIME, A MAXIMUM OF FIVE MINUTES MAY BE RESERVED FOR CLOSING COMMENTS.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A TRIAL TYPE EVIDENTIARY HEARING.
IT IS INSTEAD A HEARING ACCORDING TO BOARD POLICY AND IT WILL BE CONDUCTED ACCORDINGLY.
THUS, MR. ZUNIGA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH FNG LOCAL AND EFB LOCAL, YOU ARE PRECLUDED FROM BRINGING UP ANY ISSUE NOT ALREADY REFLECTED IN THE RECORD.
THIS IS NOT A COURT PROCEEDING, THUS THERE WILL BE NO CROSS EXAMINATION.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME RELATED TO THESE PROCEDURES?
>> NO. WE'LL PROCEED. MR. ZUNIGA, YOU NOW HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND YOU MAY NOW BEGIN YOUR PRESENTATION.
LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT THE TIME IS NOW 8:42 PM.
DO YOU WISH TO RESERVE TIME TO MAKE CLOSING COMMENTS?
>> FIRST OFF, I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE THIS EVENING.
I KNOW YOU GUYS KIND OF HAVE TO BE HERE, BUT FOR THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE TO BE HERE, AND FOR THOSE WHO CAME AND STAYED FOR HOURS WHO SUPPORT THIS GRIEVANCE.
I THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.
I'LL JUST EXPLAIN VERY SIMPLY WHAT HAPPENED.
MY SON BRINGS HOME A BOOK AND IT'S CUSTOM IN OUR HOME WE READ OUR BOOKS TOGETHER.
WE SIT DOWN AND WE'RE READING THIS BOOK THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT.
I FLIP THROUGH AND SEE SOME PICTURES, ONE IN PARTICULAR OF TWO MALES HOLDING HANDS WHILE HOLDING A BABY.
THE PICTURE STRUCK ME A LITTLE OFF, BUT I JUMP TO CONCLUSION SOMETIMES, SO I DID WHAT EVERY SMART MAN WOULD DO AND GO AND ASK MY WIFE WHO IS HERE.
I SAID, BABE, AM I LOOKING AT THIS WRONG? THIS BOOK SEEMS A LITTLE STRANGE TO ME.
WHEN SHE SAID THAT I KNEW SOMETHING'S NOT RIGHT HERE.
I SAID, SON, WE'RE GOING TO FINISH THIS ANOTHER TIME.
BY THE WAY, I DON'T KNOW WHERE DECEMBER CAME FROM, BECAUSE I DID THIS IN SEPTEMBER.
BUT ANYWAY, THAT'S NEITHER HERE NOR THERE.
I WENT THE NEXT DAY, FILED SEPTEMBER AND TALKED TO THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.
I SAID, HEY, I NEED SOME HELP HERE.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS.
THERE'S A BOOK THAT I FEEL WAS JUST INAPPROPRIATE FOR ELEMENTARY AGE STUDENTS.
SHE SAYS, WELL, LET ME FIGURE OUT WHAT WE NEED TO DO.
FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAD COME UP.
THEY ASKED ME TO FILL OUT A FORM, LET THEM KNOW WHAT I FEEL IS WRONG.
BY THE WAY, I HAVE THREE CHILDREN, TWO OF WHO GO TO THE BEST ELEMENTARY, I MIGHT SAY, ROSCOE WILSON ELEMENTARY, WHERE BUDDY HOLLY WENT TO SCHOOL, IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT.
I'M SURE EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT. SEE, I'M STUCK IN A ROCK AND A HARD SPOT, AND I'LL BE COMPLETELY HONEST.
YOU SEE, I LOVE ROSCOE WILSON.
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE SCHOOL.
THEY ARE AMAZING. WE ARE THERE, AND WE LOVE IT.
BUT WHEN I SAW THIS, REALLY TIPPED THE SCALE WAS MY DAUGHTER SAYS, OH, DAD, THE LIBRARIAN READ THIS TO US LAST YEAR TO EVERY CLASS.
NOW, FOR ME, MY SON CHECKS IT OUT.
I DON'T KNOW. BUT MAYBE HE KNEW IT.
MAYBE IT HAD BEEN READ TO HIM. DAD HADN'T SEEN IT YET, BUT WHEN DAD SEES IT, HE SAYS, HEY, HOLD ON, SON, SOMETHING'S NOT GOOD HERE.
[01:45:01]
WHAT'S NOT GOOD HERE? WELL, I'LL SAY THAT A PICTURE OF TWO MEN HOLDING HANDS WITH A BABY IS CONCERNING FOR ME.THE REASON IS CONCERNING FOR ME IS BECAUSE I TRULY BELIEVE THAT OUR TEACHERS HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO TEACH. OH, MY GOODNESS.
THEY HAVE THEIR HANDS FULL, BUT WHAT A WONDERFUL JOB THEY'RE DOING AS WE SAW IT TONIGHT.
WHAT A WONDERFUL LUBBOCK ISD WE HAVE HERE IN LUBBOCK.
I AM A GRADUATE OF LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL, BY THE WAY, THE GREATEST HIGH SCHOOL IN TOWN.
I'LL TELL YOU, WE WERE SO CLOSE.
BECAUSE THE FIRST COMMITTEE WAS 6:00-5:00, AND WE WOULDN'T EVEN HAVE TO BE HERE TONIGHT.
TO JUST GET A BOOK REALLY THAT DOESN'T NEED TO BE THERE.
THE BOOK IS TALKING ABOUT CLEANING, PUTTING THINGS UP, DOING THINGS.
MY QUESTION IS WHAT DO TWO MEN HOLDING HANDS HOLDING A BABY HAVE TO DO WITH CLEANING A HOUSE OR DOING ANYTHING ELSE.
THEY ASKED ME A PRETTY IMPORTANT QUESTION.
THEY SAID, HEY, WELL, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE TEACH? I SAID, THERE IS A BOOK THAT I READ WHEN I WAS A KID.
YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD OF IT. IT'S CALLED CAT IN THE HAT.
IT'S ABOUT THIS CAT WHO SHOWS UP WITH THESE TWO KIDS AND MAKING EVERYTHING A MESS AND HAVING TO CLEAN IT UP.
YOU SEE, TO ME, IT'S VERY SUBTLE.
THE PICTURES AND THE THINGS, IT'S VERY SUBTLE.
WHAT I DON'T APPROVE OF OR WHAT I DON'T THINK IS RIGHT IS THAT IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL, THIS IS BEING TAUGHT TO OUR CHILDREN, NUMBER 1, WITHOUT MY CONSENT, AND NUMBER 2, WITHOUT ANYBODY ELSE KNOWING.
IT SEEMS JUST A TAG BIT LIKE GROOMING TO ME. JUST A TAG BIT.
I DON'T APPROVE, AND LIKE I SAID, PLEASE HEAR ME, I AM IN SUCH A HARD SPOT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I LOVE THE SCHOOL.
I HAVE HAD ZERO ISSUES EVER UNTIL NOW.
MY WIFE, SHE KEPT TELLING ME, HEY, COME SIT DOWN.
THE GENTLEMEN, MR. RODRIGUEZ, HE SAYS, SIR, HAVE A SEAT RIGHT HERE.
I HAVEN'T SAT NOT ONCE, AND I'LL TELL YOU WHY.
WHEN IT'S SOMETHING THIS IMPORTANT, YOU DON'T SIT.
YOU STAND, AND YOU SAY THIS ISN'T RIGHT.
WE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK OUT OF HERE.
REAL QUICK, ON THE COMMENTS, PAGE NUMBER 12.
BY THE WAY, ALL OF THE YESES WERE EMPLOYEES, WHICH I FIND UNDERSTANDABLE.
THEY CAN'T GO AGAINST WHAT THE SCHOOL IS TRYING TO DO.
YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF LIBRARIANS WHO MAYBE ARE RETIRED, ONE OF WHICH SAID, HEY, LOOK, I'D BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE THAT I READ THIS OUT TO, MAYBE BE CAREFUL ABOUT THAT.
ONE OF THE PARENTS WHO WAS APPROVING OF IT SAID, AS I SAID, IN MY OTHER REVIEW, WHICH I FOUND WAS INTERESTING.
I DON'T KNOW IF THEY HAD THEM REVIEW SOMETHING ELSE ALREADY AND KNEW HOW THEY MIGHT VOTE. I DON'T KNOW.
BUT EVERY TEACHER THAT THEY ASKED, EVERY TEACHER SAID, NO, WE DON'T NEED THIS IN THE SCHOOL.
I HAVE ENOUGH TO DO THAN TRY TO HAVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THINGS THAT THIS MIGHT BRING UP.
MY QUESTION TO YOU IS, WHY WOULD A BOOK WITH TWO MEN HOLDING HANDS HOLDING A BABY, WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING ABOUT OUR KIDS? OUR KIDS NEED TO LEARN MATH AND READING AND WRITING, AND SOCIAL STUDIES, AND HISTORY.
>> LET'S MAKE THE HOMES TALK ABOUT SOCIAL ISSUES.
LET'S MAKE THE HOMES TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT THE WORLD IS DOING.
LET'S JUST EDUCATE OUR KIDS ON EDUCATION, NOT SOCIAL ISSUES.
AGAIN, IT IS MY HEARTFELT AND I HOPE YOU CAN SEE THAT I'M TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS.
[01:50:02]
I BELIEVE WHAT I'M SAYING, I'M NOT JUST UP HERE AND I HAVEN'T JUST WAITED FOR NOTHING.WE WERE SO CLOSE, 06:00-5:00. WE'RE RIGHT THERE.
YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TONIGHT TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? MAYBE WE DON'T NEED THIS BOOK.
NOW, I'D BE NAIVE TO TELL YOU THAT THIS IS THE ONLY BOOK IN THE LIBRARY.
AS MY FRIEND SAID BACK THERE, DEFINITELY NOT.
BUT THIS COULD BE THE FIRST STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
AS WE SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? MAYBE WE JUST PUT BACK CAT IN THE HAT.
WE COULD TEACH THE KIDS HOW TO CLEAN AND HOW TO PICK UP AFTER THEMSELVES WITHOUT HAVING TWO MEN HOLDING HANDS WITH THE BABY.
>> THANK YOU. MR. ELLYSON, YOU NOW HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 15 MINUTES TO RESPOND TO MR. ZUNIGA'S COMPLAINT.
DO YOU WISH TO RESERVE TIME FOR CLOSING COMMENTS?
>> THANK YOU. YOU MAY PROCEED.
>> THANK YOU, PRESIDENT BRIDGES.
GOOD EVENING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, DR. ROLLO, MR. ZUNIGA.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE HEARING, I'VE PROVIDED YOU EACH WITH A BINDER OF THE GRIEVANCE.
AS THE HEARING OFFICER FOR LEVEL 2 GRIEVANCE, MY RESPONSE STARTS ON PAGE OF YOUR BINDER.
I REVIEWED SEVERAL EXHIBITS THAT ASSISTED ME WITH MY DECISION IN THIS GRIEVANCE, WHICH I WILL EXPLAIN AND WILL SHOW THE DOCUMENTATION.
I WAS MADE AWARE THAT EACH OF YOU HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THE BOOK, BATHE THE CAT.
I THINK THAT YOU WILL SEE THAT THE DISTRICT FOLLOWED ALL LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL STEPS.
MR. ZUNIGA, AS HE HAS STATED IN HIS COMPLAINT, COMPLAINS THAT BATHE THE CAT, WHICH IS A BOOK IN THE LUBBOCK ISD LIBRARIES, CONTAINS AN IMAGE OF TWO MEN HOLDING HANDS, AND IT IS PERCEIVED THAT THEY ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP.
MR. ZUNIGA FEELS THAT THE BOOK IS INAPPROPRIATE AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANY OF THE LUBBOCK ISD LIBRARIES AND ASKED THAT THE BOOK BE REMOVED FROM ALL LUBBOCK ISD LIBRARIES.
PLEASE SEE THE HIGHLIGHTED LANGUAGE AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE 9 AND ON PAGE 10.
MR. ZUNIGA COMPLIED WITH BOARD POLICY EFB LOCAL BY REQUESTING THE INFORMAL AND THEN FORMAL RECONSIDERATION.
AS REQUIRED, THE RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE MET IN A TIMELY MANNER.
THEREAFTER, AS SHOWN ON PAGE 12, THE RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE MADE ITS REPORT WITH A 65 VOTE TO KEEP THE BOOK.
COMMENTS ARE ON THE RIGHT-HAND COLUMN.
AS INDICATED ON PAGE 11, PURSUANT TO BOARD POLICY EFB LOCAL, MR. ZUNIGA MADE AN APPEAL TO LEVEL 2, WHICH I HEARD.
AFTER HEARING MR. ZUNIGA'S COMPLAINT AT THE LEVEL 2 HEARING, I SPOKE WITH MS. STACY STEVENS, THE PRINCIPAL AT ROSCOE WILSON, AND MS. KIM ALLISON, THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING.
I REVIEWED BOARD POLICY EFB LEGAL AND LOCAL, THE TEXAS LIBRARY STANDARDS CREATED BY THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY ARCHIVES COMMISSION, TSLAC, AND THE TEXAS EDUCATION CODE 33.021, WHICH FOCUSES SPECIFICALLY ON SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
I'LL TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW BOTH STATE AND LOCAL POLICIES FOR HOW THE MATERIAL IS SELECTED FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES AND HOW MATERIAL IS CONSIDERED FOR REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
EFP LEGAL STATES, AND I QUOTE, "A DISTRICT POSSESSES SIGNIFICANT DISCRETION TO DETERMINE THE CONTENT OF ITS SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
A DISTRICT MUST, HOWEVER, EXERCISE ITS DISCRETION IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
STUDENTS' FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS ARE IMPLICATED BY THE REMOVAL OF BOOKS FROM THE SHELVES OF A SCHOOL LIBRARY.
A DISTRICT SHALL NOT REMOVE MATERIALS FROM A LIBRARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DENYING STUDENTS ACCESS TO IDEAS WITH WHICH THE DISTRICT DISAGREES.
A DISTRICT MAY REMOVE MATERIALS BECAUSE THEY ARE PERVASIVELY VULGAR OR BASED SOLELY UPON THE EDUCATIONAL SUITABILITY OF THE BOOKS IN QUESTION." IN THE CASE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION VERSUS PICO, THE US SUPREME COURT DEFINES THE LEGAL STANDARD AS PERVASIVELY VULGAR OR BASED SOLELY UPON THE EDUCATIONAL SUITABILITY.
THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION, TSLAC, GUIDES LIBRARY MATERIALS SELECTION.
ALSO ON PAGE 7, EFB LOCAL STATES WHEN SELECTING LIBRARY MATERIALS, THE MATERIALS SHALL BE SELECTED AND ACQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES ADOPTED BY TSLAC AND THE DISTRICT STANDARDS AND PRIORITIES EXPRESSED IN THE POLICY.
WHEN SELECTING, ACQUIRING, AND EVALUATING LIBRARY MATERIALS, LIBRARIANS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS, STAFF SHALL ENSURE THAT THE MATERIALS MEET THE FOUR POINTS OUTLINED IN EFP LOCAL POLICY.
[01:55:02]
TO PARAPHRASE, POINT 1, ASK THAT ALL MATERIALS SELECTED ENHANCE THE STANDARDS THAT WE TEACH WHILE PAYING ATTENTION TO OUR STUDENTS' INTERESTS, MATURITY, AND ABILITY.POINT 2, ASK THAT ALL MATERIALS GROW STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE AND APPRECIATION FOR LITERATURE.
THREE, ASK THAT ALL MATERIALS ENCOURAGE READING AND HIGHER LEVELS OF THINKING.
POINT 4, ASK THAT ALL MATERIALS REPRESENT EVERYONE AS A WHOLE.
AS SEEN ON PAGE 9, WHEN A PARENT, GUARDIAN OR DISTRICT EMPLOYEE WISHES TO CHALLENGE A BOOK, EFP LOCAL STATES, "A DISTRICT EMPLOYEE OR A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A DISTRICT STUDENT MAY REQUEST THE RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIAL MAINTAINED IN THE DISTRICT'S LIBRARY PROGRAM." ACCORDINGLY, MR. ZUNIGA REQUESTED RECONSIDERATION.
THUS, CONTINUE ON PAGE 9 TO PARAPHRASE, THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES SHALL GUIDE THE REVIEW OF THE REQUEST OF THE LIBRARY MATERIAL.
PRINCIPLE 1 ASKS THAT EVEN THOUGH PROCEDURE WAS FOLLOWED BY A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN SELECTING THE MATERIAL, PARENTS, GUARDIANS, DISTRICT EMPLOYEES, OR STUDENTS CAN OBJECT TO THE MATERIALS USED.
PRINCIPLE 2 STATES THAT THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN'S RIGHTS EXTEND TO ONLY THEIR CHILD.
PRINCIPLE 3 STATES THAT WHEN A BOOK IS CHALLENGED, THE DISTRICT CANNOT RESTRICT ACCESS OF THE MATERIAL TO THE STUDENTS DURING THE RECONSIDERATION PROCESS.
ALSO, CHALLENGE MATERIALS CANNOT BE REMOVED JUST BECAUSE OF THE IDEAS IN THE MATERIAL, THE BACKGROUND OF THE AUTHOR, OR THE BACKGROUND OF THE CHARACTERS IN THE BOOK.
FINAL DECISIONS SHOULD BE BASED ON THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE MATERIAL FOR THE ATTENDED AUDIENCE.
READING AT THE TOP OF PAGE 9, ACCORDING TO PENAL CODE 43.24, OBSCENE CONTENT IS NOT PROTECTED BY THE US CONSTITUTION.
LIBRARY BOOKS SHALL NOT INCLUDE HARMFUL MATERIAL, OBSCENE MATERIAL, MATERIAL THAT IS PERVASIVELY VULGAR OR EDUCATIONALLY UNSUITABLE, OR OTHER LEGALLY PROHIBITED MATERIAL.
PLEASE TURN TO PAGES 13 AND 14.
AS SEEN, THOSE ARE DEFINED AS SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL AND HARMFUL MATERIAL.
THEREFORE, WHEN A REVIEW COMMITTEE IS REVIEWING A BOOK AND IS ASKED TO CONSIDER THE BOOK FOR REMOVAL, THEY MUST CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING THREE THINGS AS A WHOLE.
ON PAGE 14, HARMFUL MATERIAL MEANS MATERIAL WHOSE DOMINANT THEME TAKEN AS A WHOLE, IN POINT 1, APPEALS TO THE PARENT INTEREST OF A MINOR IN SEX, NUDITY, OR EXCRETION, TWO, IS PATENTLY OFFENSIVE TO THE PREVAILING STANDARDS IN THE ADULT COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WITH RESPECT TO WHAT IS SUITABLE FOR MINORS, AND THREE, IS UTTERLY WITHOUT REDEEMING SOCIAL VALUE FOR MINORS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL READ THE BOOK IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THEN CONVENE TO DETERMINE IF THE BOOK MEETS THESE CRITERIA.
MR. ZUNIGA ASKED THAT THE BOOK BATHE THE CAT BE REVIEWED BY THE DISTRICT'S REVIEW COMMITTEE.
THE COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF THREE PARENTS, TWO LIBRARIANS, TWO EMPLOYEES, AND FOUR TEACHERS.
THEY REVIEWED THE BOOK INDIVIDUALLY BETWEEN OCTOBER 29TH AND NOVEMBER 12TH OF 2024.
THEN THEY MET AS A GROUP ON DECEMBER 11TH, 2024 TO CAPTURE FINAL THOUGHTS.
THE COMMITTEE VOTED TO KEEP THE BOOK.
AS A RESOLUTION, IT WAS OFFERED THAT THE DISTRICT RECOGNIZES THAT A STUDENT IS AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO SELF-SELECT FROM THEIR SCHOOL LIBRARY.
HOWEVER, PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ARE THE PRIMARY DECISION MAKERS REGARDING THEIR STUDENTS' ACCESS TO LIBRARY MATERIAL.
OUR LIBRARIANS HAVE A PROCESS FOR WORKING WITH PARENTS AND CREATING LISTS AND OR TOPICS THAT THEY WANT THEIR STUDENTS TO AVOID WHEN CHECKING OUT A BOOK OR ANY OTHER LIBRARY MATERIAL.
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS MAY SELECT ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL FOR THEIR STUDENTS.
IN MY LEVEL 2 RESOLUTION, I ENCOURAGE MR. ZUNIGA TO VISIT WITH HIS STUDENTS LIBRARIAN TO ENSURE THEY UNDERSTOOD HIS PREFERENCES ON WHAT HIS STUDENTS CAN AND CAN'T HAVE ACCESS TO IN REGARD TO LIBRARY MATERIALS.
AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE CAMPUS ADMINISTRATOR AND OUR DISTRICT'S ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING, AND AFTER REVIEWING THE BOOK AND REVIEWING BOTH LOCAL AND STATE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS, I DETERMINED THAT IF THE BOOK WERE TO BE REMOVED, IT WOULD VIOLATE BOTH THE LEGAL AND LOCAL POLICIES ON THE BASIS THAT THE BOOK DID NOT RISE TO THE LEVEL OF PERVASIVELY VULGAR.
IT WAS EDUCATIONALLY SUITABLE FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY.
THEREFORE, I AM ASKING THAT THE BOARD UPHOLD THE LEVEL 2 DECISION AND DENY MR. ZUNIGA'S GRIEVANCE TO HAVE THE BOOK REMOVED FROM ALL LUBBOCK ISD LIBRARIES. THANK YOU.
>> MR. ZUNIGA, YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES FOR CLOSING.
[02:00:03]
>> THAT GUY IS PRETTY GOOD, ISN'T HE? I UNDERSTAND. HERE'S THE DEAL.
IF YOU TAKE THE BOOK OUT, YOU'RE GOING TO GET SUED, OR THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT.
POSSIBLY BEING SUED BECAUSE IT GOES AGAINST SOMEONE'S FIRST AMENDMENT.
THE LAW SAYS YOU CAN'T TAKE OUT THE BOOK, AS I'VE SPOKE WITH MR. ELLYSON IN HIS OFFICE.
I SAID, SIR, I HEAR YOU, BUT IT IS JUST NOT RIGHT.
YOU SEE, IT'S ABOUT DOING THE RIGHT THING, AND WORRYING ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES LATER.
YOU STAND FOR WHAT'S RIGHT AND YOU DO WHAT'S RIGHT NO MATTER WHAT IT COSTS YOU.
WE'RE IN A TIME NOW IN OUR COUNTRY THAT WE HAVE TO DECIDE HOW WE'RE GOING TO GO, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO TEACH, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO.
NOW, FOR SOME OF, IT MIGHT NOT MATTER AT ALL WHAT THEY TEACH OR WHAT THEY SHOW THEM OR WHAT THEY DO.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ONES THAT IT DOES MATTER FOR? WHAT ABOUT THE FIVE THAT SAID, NO, WE SHOULDN'T HAVE? CLOSE. THE FIVE THAT SAID, NO, WE SHOULDN'T HAVE THIS IN THE SCHOOL.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE? WHAT ABOUT THEM? I FEEL IN MY HEART THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVE YOUR DECISION MADE UP ALREADY.
I'M HOPING I'M WRONG. BUT WHAT I'M HOPING IS THAT WE CAN DO WHAT'S RIGHT TONIGHT.
ONE SMALL BOOK, ONE SMALL STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO SAY, HEY, WE PROBABLY DON'T NEED TO BE TEACHING IN SCHOOLS.
LET'S MOVE ON. LET'S MOVE FORWARD.
I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR TIME, AND I KNOW IT HAS BEEN SUCH A LONG DAY.
THANK YOU FOR JULIE JUST HEARING ME.
I STAND HERE AS ONE MAN, BUT I GUARANTEE YOU THERE ARE MANY WHO FEEL THE WAY THAT I FEEL.
YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY. YOU CAN DO IT.
I THINK YOU CAN MAKE THE DECISION TO SAY WE CAN TAKE THIS BOOK OUT.
BY THE WAY, I WON'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE.
I'M NOT GOING TO PUT IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
LET'S JUST DO THE RIGHT THING.
>> MR. ELLYSON, YOUR FIVE MINUTES CLOSING.
>> SITTING IN THE SEAT THAT I SIT IN, I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR MR. ZUNIGA, AND WE HAD A REALLY GOOD CONVERSATION.
WITH THE DISTRICT, I'VE OBVIOUSLY TAUGHT.
I'VE BEEN IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE ROLE, AND THEN I'VE SAT IN THIS SEAT.
AS I WORK WITH PARENTS ON A NUMBER OF SITUATIONS, I LEARNED VERY ON IN MY ADMINISTRATIVE CAREER THAT I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND I HAVE TO LOOK AT THINGS THROUGH THE LENS OF PARENTS, I HAVE TO LOOK AT THINGS THROUGH THE LENS OF STUDENTS.
I HAVE TO LOOK AT THINGS THROUGH THE LENS OF TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS, THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY, THROUGH OUR STAKEHOLDERS.
SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GO BACK TO POLICY, AND THAT'S WHAT I HAD TO DO HERE.
I HAD TO PUT THE PERSONAL FEELINGS ASIDE AND WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH POLICY.
THAT'S THE REASON WHY I MADE THE DECISION THAT I MADE.
I GO BACK TO THAT, WHEN WE LOOK AT LIBRARY MATERIAL, WE HAVE TO LOOK AT EVERYONE AS A WHOLE, AND WE HAVE TO INCLUDE MATERIAL FOR OUR LIBRARIES FOR EVERYONE.
THEN WE HAVE TO WORK WITH OUR PARENTS AND MAKE SURE THAT WE UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR CHOICES ARE FOR THEIR KIDDOS,
[02:05:02]
AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR STUDENTS AREN'T ALLOWED TO CHECK OUT THE BOOKS THAT THEIR PARENTS DO NOT WANT THEM TO CHECK OUT.THAT'S WHERE I'M AT IS, AGAIN, I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR MR. ZUNIGA, BUT I HAVE TO STAND ON THE POLICY.
>> I FORGOT SOMETHING. I KNOW I'M OUT OF TIME.
DO YOU HAVE 10 SECONDS, 30 SECONDS?
PSALMS 28:03, AND 4, "DO NOT TAKE ME AWAY WITH THE WICKED AND WITH THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY, WHO SPEAK PEACE TO THEIR NEIGHBORS, BUT EVIL IS IN THEIR HEARTS.
GIVE THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR DEEDS, AND ACCORDING TO THE WICKEDNESS OF THEIR ENDEAVORS, GIVE THEM ACCORDING TO THE WORK OF THEIR HANDS, RENDER TO THEM WHAT THEY DESERVE."
>> THANK YOU BOTH. AS WE PROCEED, I'M LIMITING QUESTIONS TO ONE PER BOARD MEMBER.
THE BOARD MAY ASK A CLARIFYING FACTUAL QUESTION WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE GRIEVANCE.
ANY RESPONSE BY THE PRESENTER SHOULD BE BRIEF.
THIS IS NOT A METHOD TO EXTEND THE TIME ALLOTMENT OF EITHER PRESENTER. QUESTIONS?
>> MR. ZUNIGA, I'VE GOT A QUESTION FOR YOU.
WERE YOU AWARE OF THERE BEING A POLICY PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING WITH YOUR KIDDO THAT YOU COULD GO TO THE LIBRARY AND SAY, HEY, I DON'T WANT?
>> NO, SIR. I WASN'T AWARE THAT THEY WERE READING THE BOOK IN THIS LIBRARY WITHOUT ME KNOWING EITHER. YES.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME ON THIS? I DON'T KNOW.
>> MR. ELLYSON, I DO HAVE A QUESTION.
I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY IN YOUR RESOLUTION THAT YOU PROVIDED.
WE CAN HAVE PARENTS CREATE LIST AND OR TOPICS THAT THEY DON'T WANT.
IT'S NOT JUST A BOOK MAYBE NAME OF A BOOK.
I MEAN, IT MIGHT BE A CERTAIN GENRE OR CERTAIN TOPIC THAT A PARENT COULD TELL A LIBRARY I DON'T WANT MY CHILD TO HAVE THOSE TYPES OF BOOKS?
>> NO MORE QUESTIONS? WELL THE QUESTION SECTION.
NOW THAT THE BOARD HAS HEARD THE GRIEVANCE, THE BOARD HAS THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS.
IT MAY GRANT THE GRIEVANCE AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE RELIEF WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE REMOVAL OF THE BOOK FROM LISD LIBRARIES.
IT MAY DENY THE GRIEVANCE AND UPHOLD THE DECISION OF THE ADMINISTRATION WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE BOOK REMAINING IN LISD LIBRARIES OR IT MAY MAKE NO DECISION.
THE BOARD WILL NOW DELIBERATE IN OPEN SESSION AND I'LL OPEN THE FLOOR FOR TRUSTEE.
>> [NOISE] I'LL DISCUSS. AS SOME OF YOU GUYS ARE NEW.
WE AS MEMBERS HAVE HAD TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT BOOKS BEFORE, WORKSHOP AGENDAS TO TALK ABOUT POLICY.
I DO FIND IT A NOT ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, JUST A SHAME IN GENERAL THAT WE FIND OURSELVES DEALING ON MATTERS THAT DON'T NECESSARILY INVOLVE EDUCATING OUR KIDS ON A DAILY BASIS.
I THINK THAT'S ONE THING THAT MAYBE IN OUR CURRENT SYSTEM PEOPLE MIGHT POINT TO IN PUBLIC ED, BUT ON FIRST BLUSH LOOKING AT THIS ON ITS OWN, I MEAN, I FELT LIKE MR. ELLYSON FOLLOWED POLICY TO A T. THAT POLICY WAS SET BY ONE STATE LAW, BUT THEN ALSO BY THE SCHOOL BOARD BY WHOEVER IT WAS AT THAT POINT THAT ADOPTED THAT.
I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT I THINK POLICY WAS FOLLOWED TO A T HERE BASED ON WHAT WAS IN.
I DON'T THINK THERE WAS ANYTHING THAT MR. ELLYSON COULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENT OR THE PROCESS PRIOR TO THAT.
ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, I WOULD HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH MY KIDS HAD THIS BOOK BEEN IN FRONT OF THEM, IT WOULD HAVE INSPIRED A CONVERSATION AND TO TALK ABOUT AS A FAMILY.
BUT I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT ON MY TIMELINE AT THE AGE THAT I THINK IS APPROPRIATE FOR MY KIDS REGARDLESS OF WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCE, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS, IT CAN BE ON RELIGION, IT CAN BE ON ANYTHING ELSE.
MY CONCERN IS MORE NOT WITH THIS BOOK, BUT WITH OUR POLICIES AS WE'VE TALKED ABOUT HERE RECENTLY, OUR POLICY MAKES IT HARD TO GET A QUICK RESOLUTION TO REVIEWING BOOKS.
IT'S FOLLOWED TO A T, AND IT'S HARD TO FIND PEOPLE AND YOU'VE GOT TO READ THE ENTIRE BOOK AND WHATNOT.
[02:10:01]
I PERSONALLY, WHETHER IT'S THIS BOARD OR FUTURE BOARDS WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOMETHING CHANGE WHERE THE POLICY IS DIFFERENT.MY BIGGEST CONCERN HERE AND WHY I HAVE I THINK SWITCHED HORSES HERE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AS I READ THIS, WE JUST APPROVED A CURRICULUM TONIGHT.
WHERE WE ALLOWED A GROUP TO AMEND CERTAIN LANGUAGE, CERTAIN SECTIONS TO ENSURE THAT WE WEREN'T OFFENDING CERTAIN BODIES OF PEOPLE.
I MAY OR MAY NOT AGREE WITH THAT, THAT HAS NO BEARING.
BUT NOW WE HAVE A SITUATION HERE WHERE WE DON'T HAVE A GOOD REMEDY TO AMEND SOMETHING THAT MIGHT OFFEND A CERTAIN GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS, WHETHER IT'S ONE OR 100.
I DON'T LIKE THAT IN THE SAME BREATH WE'RE SAYING, WE CAN AMEND THIS BECAUSE IT MIGHT OFFEND X, BUT WE CAN'T AMEND THIS BECAUSE IT'S A REALITY.
I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REALITY.
I WANT TO MAKE THAT ABUNDANTLY CLEAR TO THE PEOPLE ON THIS DIAS.
BUT I DO FIND THAT BY HAVING THEM SOME MIGHT SAY, OH, WELL, THE PARENT CAN COME IN AND THEY CAN WRITE A LIST OF BOOKS THEY'RE NOT OKAY WITH.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THAT POLICY, BUT THEN WE'RE PUTTING THE ONUS ON THE PARENT TO COME IN AND LOOK THROUGH EVERY BOOK.
I MAY APPROVE EVERY BOOK FOR MY KIDS.
BETH MAY NOT OR WHOEVER THE CASE IS AND SO I DON'T LOVE THAT.
I THINK ONE OF THE REVIEWERS MADE A COMMENT, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BOOK, BUT I WOULD BE SELECTIVE ON THE GROUP THAT IT WAS PRESENTED TO.
I THOUGHT THAT WAS VERY INTRIGUING.
WHAT IT BOILS DOWN TO ME IS, IF I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE READ LOUD IN A GROUP SETTING, HOW CAN I THEN BE OKAY WITH IT BEING IN THE LIBRARY? BUT AGAIN, I WANT TO MAKE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR WITH YOU FOUR THAT ARE STILL UP HERE.
MY PROBLEM IS WITH OUR POLICY, THAT'S A BOARD DEAL.
THAT IS NOT WITH MR. ELLYSON OR THE COMMITTEE OR ANYTHING ELSE.
BUT I THINK WHEN YOU HAVE AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE AND THEY COME BACK 6-5, THAT'S REALLY HARD TO MAKE A DECISION.
EVEN IF IT WERE THE FLIP SIDE, I THINK WE'D FIND OURSELVES IN THE SAME SPOT AND SO I'VE STRUGGLED WITH THIS, AND AGAIN, I THINK FOR ME, IT BOILS DOWN TO A SITUATION WHERE I THINK MR. ELLYSON MENTIONED ONCE, AND I'M PARAPHRASING, OUR POLICY SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT PARENTS HAVE THE FINAL AUTHORITY AND I AGREE WITH THAT.
BUT IF WE'RE READING THE BIBLE OUT LOUD TO KIDS, PARENTS DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY UNTIL AFTER.
IF WE'RE READING SOMETHING ABOUT ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES, THE PARENTS DON'T HAVE A RIGHT FOR THAT AFTERWARDS.
I THINK IT'S GOT TO GO BOTH WAYS IN WHATEVER WE'RE DOING.
>> MR. CURRY, YOUR POINT AND WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS BEFORE.
I THINK IN BOTH OF THE EXAMPLES YOU GAVE, THERE'S OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO SELECT ALTERNATIVE PATHS.
I THINK THAT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND I THINK THEN WE DO GIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO PARENTS TO MAKE THAT CHOICE.
I SEE BRIDGE'S POINT, ENTIRE GENRES OR SUBJECT MATTERS.
THE LIBRARIANS, WE HAVE LIBRARIANS TO HELP SORT THOSE BOOKS AND MAKE THOSE DECISIONS.
I THINK WE ARE CONSISTENT IN OUR EVALUATION AND OPPORTUNITIES [NOISE] WE HAVE FOR PARENTS TO OBJECT TO CERTAIN THINGS AND REMOVE THOSE FROM ACCESS FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
>> I COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE IN GENERAL.
I THINK SPECIFICALLY THOUGH, ONE PRODUCT [NOISE] WE'RE ASKING FOR APPROVAL BEFOREHAND.
THE OTHER PRODUCT THERE'S NO APPROVAL PROCESS BEFORE IF IT'S BEING READ ALLOWED IN A LIBRARY OR IF IT'S ALREADY BEEN CHECKED OUT.
THERE'S NOT A PHONE CALL TO A PARENT BEFORE THEY CHECK ANYTHING OUT.
I'M NOT GETTING INTO SEMANTICS, BUT I THINK I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU THAT THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES TO SOME THINGS, BUT I DON'T SEE THIS SITUATION WHERE THERE'S ANY ALTERNATIVE, IN HIS GRIEVANCE HE MENTIONED THAT HIS DAUGHTER GOT IT READ TO THE YEAR BEFORE.
HE DIDN'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO X OUT LIKE WE DO IN OUR FINAL VIDEOS.
PARENTS NOW CAN X OUT OF THAT STUFF.
AGAIN, I ABSOLUTELY HATE THAT THIS IS EVEN A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION, BUT I DON'T FIND IT.
IN GENERAL, I THINK WE HAVE THE SAME, BUT I DON'T THINK SPECIFICALLY WITH RESPECT TO
[02:15:01]
LITERATURE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO KIDS ON LEVELS, IT RISES TO THE SAME AS WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT IN WITH THE BLUE BONNET.>> I WOULD RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE.
>> YEAH, BUT THAT'S WHAT WE'RE FRIENDS, RIGHT?
>> YES, MA'AM AND I'LL HUG YOU AFTERWARDS.
AS YOU MENTIONED DURING THE LEVEL 2 GRIEVANCE HEARING, YOU SHARED THE FOLLOWING AND THERE WAS BULLETED STATEMENTS AND I WANT TO READ THAT FIFTH ONE.
YOU FEEL THAT THE SCHOOL SHOULD SEEK PERMISSION FROM PARENTS BEFORE READING BOOKS CONTAINING ANY TYPE OF SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS.
THE NEXT STATEMENT YOU MADE, YOU FEEL THAT OTHER BOOKS CAN TEACH THE SAME MESSAGE WITHOUT USING A SAME SEX COUPLE.
>> YOU SPECIFICALLY SAID THAT.
THAT'S WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, THE SEX OF THE COUPLE.
WOULD YOU WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING WITH ME?
>> LET ME KNOW BECAUSE I'M READY.
>> THANK YOU. SORRY ABOUT THAT.
>> I THINK FOR ME THE STRUGGLE WITH THIS ENTIRE SITUATION IS A LITTLE BIT OF ALL OF THIS.
THAT WE HAVE THIS IN POLICY, AND THERE WAS GREAT THOUGHT PUT INTO THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES AND HOW WE CAN REALISTICALLY ADDRESS THE LEGAL PORTION OF THIS TOO.
THERE'S RAMIFICATIONS ON ALL SIDES OF THIS.
THERE'S NO QUESTION OR SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
THAT IS MY STRUGGLE THAT THE POLICY, WE ARE STRUCTURED BY OUR POLICY AND IF WE START JUST THROWING THAT OUT THE WINDOW AND NOT ADHERING TO THAT, THEN WHAT'S THE POINT? THE POLICY IS POLICY.
I'M NOT OPPOSED TO AT A FUTURE TIME FOR US TO DISCUSS MAYBE SITUATIONS WHERE A COMMITTEE REVIEW LIKE THIS WHERE IT'S THIS CLOSE.
I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S SOME OTHER OPTIONS THAT WE CAN PUT, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THAT NOW.
>> YEAH, I WOULD JUST SAY, MR. ZUNIGA, I THINK HAD YOU KNOWN ABOUT A POLICY, HAD YOU KNOWN THAT IN YOUR OPINION THERE MIGHT BE A NEED TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS UNDERNEATH THAT POLICY, THAT YOU WOULD DO SO.
MAYBE WE NEED TO BE DOING A BETTER JOB ABOUT COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE THAT THINGS LIKE THIS MIGHT BE OUT THERE.
I THINK TO MY FELLOW TRUSTEES POINTS THAT IN THIS CASE, POLICY WAS FOLLOWED.
I THINK WHETHER WHAT'S IN THE BOOK IS INAPPROPRIATE OR OFFENSIVE IS A MATTER OF OPINION.
I THINK FROM PRE K FORWARD OUR OLDEST KIDDO AT ROSCOE WILSON HAS A CLASSMATE WITH TWO MOMS. THAT'S THE REAL WORLD.
NOW, WHERE YOU FIND DIFFERENCES OF OPINION IS WHOSE PLACE IS IT TO TEACH THAT.
I THINK UNDER OUR POLICIES, [NOISE] WHETHER THEY'RE COMMUNICATED EFFECTIVELY OR NOT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY, I DON'T WANT LUBBOCK ISD TEACHING MY CHILD THAT.
I THINK IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT YOU FOUND OUT AFTER THE FACT.
LIKE I SAID, MAYBE THERE'S SOMETHING OR SOME THINGS THAT WE CAN DO IN THE FUTURE TO BETTER COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILIES.
BUT I THINK POLICY WAS FOLLOWED IN THIS CASE.
>> CAN I CLARIFY, WE HAVE NOT DONE THIS TYPE OF A GRIEVANCE BEFORE.
WHAT WE WERE VOTING ON IS IF THE DISTRICT HAS FOLLOWED THE PROCESS AND THE POLICY IN THIS GRIEVANCE.
>> WELL, NO. WE'RE VOTING TO UPHOLD.
[02:20:02]
>> BUT YOU DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO.
>> IT'S NOT OPEN. THAT'S OKAY.
>> IT'S IT'S A WEIRD. BUT NECESSARY.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD? DO I HAVE A MOTION REGARDING THE DISPOSITION OF THIS GRIEVANCE HEARING?
>> I'LL MOVE, WE DENY THE GRIEVANCE AND UPHOLD THE ADMINISTRATION'S DETERMINATION AT LEVEL 2 REGARDING THE GRIEVANCE.
>> SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> FOUR TO ONE IN FAVOR OF UPHOLDING THE ADMINISTRATION'S DECISION.
THIS HEARING IS CONCLUDED AND THIS MEETING IS ADJOURNED TO 9:21.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.