The Bandera ISD August Board Meeting, the first of a brand-new school year, was held on August 11.
All board members attended, the Consent Agenda passed without discussion, and there were no citizen comments.
Superintendent Gary Bitzkie reported on first day numbers noting that there were 183 “no shows,” resulting in the overall district enrollment being 81 students less than last year.
Individually, the campuses were High School at 654 students; Middle School at 688 students; Alkek Elementary at 539 students; and Hill Country Elementary at 429 students.
Bitzkie noted that many younger families seemed to be moving back to San Antonio to participate in an active suburban job market.
In the Regular Agenda, Chief Administrative Officer Donald Tosh asked the Board for an additional technology technician position to keep the many Google Chromebooks in their best shape.
This person would be shared between the High School and Middle School. The Board approved the extra position.
The Board approved the Texas Association of School Boards Update 123 additions and replacements to LOCAL board policy.
After Tosh had outlined the updated District Improvement Plan, each individual campus principal spoke briefly about their 2024-25 Campus Improvement Plan. The Board approved all the plans as presented.
The Optional Flexible School Day program was approved. It was stated that 41 students had graduated since 2018 from that program. Some students needed as little as two weeks to complete their course work and others took longer. These 41 students finished their work and graduated with their class in May.
Director of Operations Dayle Heiner asked the Board for permission to put out a request for proposal to build a partial perimeter fence around the High School.
Heiner said the new highway construction on State Hwy 16 made the southern perimeter accessible to walk-ups where that area had been a steep cliff.
Heiner also added that state safety money would not pay for the fencing, which he estimated to cost about $50,000. The Board approved the request for proposals for the partial perimeter fencing around the High School.
The Board approved Superintendent Gary Bitzkie to approve the agreement to purchase attendance credits for the district.
The incentive pay schedule for 2024-25 was approved. Chief Administrative Officer Donald Tosh and Chief Financial Officer Mike Neuman both stated that this year they had arranged to use the last of the ESSER federal monies and some Title II money to fund incentive pay for teachers and classified staff.
Employees will receive this payment electronically.
Budget Amendment #1 was approved. The Board approved the action to call for an election for School Board places 3 (Tiffany Jones) and 4 (Bo Mansfield) on November 5, 2024.
The Board convened in closed meeting to discuss pending litigation related to the 2022 Medicaid Cost Report.
When they reconvened, the Board directed the superintendent to pursue the actions discussed in Closed Session.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.
