Lancaster ISD board meetings bore conservator

by Jeff Melcher

According to TEA Conservator Jim Damm's April progress report on the Lancaster school district (PDF), "The School Board meetings have become so routine the press barely covers them anymore." Mr. Damm doesn't miss the recent months, which he compared to "a 3-ring circus."

The scheduled June meeting Monday night was similarly notable for dogs that did not bark. The meeting started with a 40-minute series of celebrations and recognitions focused on the accomplishments of students and teachers. These included national award winning JROTC winners, top ten graduating seniors, Math Olympiadd medal winners, outstanding teachers devoted school nurses, laudably loud multi-school ensemble choirs, and others. A slightly re-ordered agenda (PDF) postponed recognition of outgoing trustees from item 3 to past item 10 -- but this more than half-hour delay was insufficient to allow Marie Elliott and Ed Kirkland to arrive in time to receive the plaques presented. Debi Miller was present, accepted her recognition, and remained in the gallery for the rest of the meeting.

Acting superintendent Dana Marables asked Beverly Chinn to present just-released preliminary TAKS numbers. Dr. Chinn was cautiously optimistic regarding the impact of the Texas Projection Measure (TPM). Under this newly approved TEA/Dept of Education measurement, the high school and middle school are forecast to move from ratings of "Unacceptable" to "Academically Acceptable" for 2008-09. Many of the Lancaster Elementary campuses will similarly benefit, with several potentially qualifying for the "Recognized" rating. The TPM standard aside, test scores in Lancaster are generally continuing a slow increase. The preliminary results are released only to the districts themselves and Dr. Chinn, therefore, presented no comparison of district scores to neighboring districts, the region, or state average.

The board expressed continued confidence in Dr. Marables, extending her contract by three months, granting a $2000 per month pay raise, and agreeing to an allowance for hotel/lodging expenses.

An action to update the Student Handbook, Dress Code, Code of Conduct document was deferred to allow the board longer to review the long document.

And, late in the evening, the board, with its three newly-seated members, voted on officers. New Trustee Ellen Clark made an incredibly gracious and admiring nomination for Joe Kana, citing his community involvement, military leadership, and ability as a spokeman for the community. Irene Mejia, in turn, re-nominated Carolyn Morris, deferring to her long years of service and training on the board. The vote was Morris 6, Kana 1. Mr. Kana and Ms. Mejia were unanimously re-elected to posts as first and second vice president, respectively, and Marjorie King was appointed by Ms. Morris as board secretary.

In financial matters, newly hired CFO Earl Husfeld presented a series of reports and budget amendments, and contributed to the discussion of potential handling of federal "Stimulus Funding." Mr. Husfeld anticipates that such funds, if available, will be tracked in the districts financial systems with a completely separate "fund code" from the general fund's code 199. Such tracking should help ensure federal spending restrictions are observed. A budget amended for funding at the alternate education campus was approved after minor discussion.