DEIC Minutes  - Clear Creek ISD
April 7, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.  Dr. Gordon stated that the vote on the assessment calendar would be postponed until next month.  There has been feedback about the calendar and we will look at any changes next month. We will also look at the DIIP next month since some changes are still being made and there are so many items on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.  She asked that we review these on line before the next meeting. 

Dr. Smith congratulated all for the Reading TAKS scores.  The intermediate schools had 99% passing in reading.  The elementary schools had 97% passing.  We are also doing well with participation in the District Achievement Program.  There are also 450 students that are being recognized as superintendent scholars in the near future.

Minutes were reviewed from the last meeting.  Laura Dupont made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  Tim Tibai seconded this motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Yvonne asked that we accept the technology plan as it was presented on line.  A motion was made by Kim Boutwell to accept the District Technology Plan as presented on line.  Lisa Prekosovich seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Yvonne asked that we entertain a motion to pass the district library plan as presented.  Ellen Lattimer made a motion that we accept the District Library Plan as presented on line.  Kay Richards seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Cindy Stamps reviewed the Federal Programs:
 
            Title I, Part A – Funds received through this program are used for schools with a large number of low socio-economic students.  There are 4 schools in the district that fall into this category.  Every year we revisit our school numbers to see what schools might qualify for this program. A needs assessment is done to see what services are needed for teachers (i.e. reading recovery).  The four schools that benefit this next year with funds are McWhirter Elementary, Stewart Elementary, Whitcomb Elementary and League City Elementary.

            Title II, Part A – Professional Development opportunities are supplemented through this program.  Para professionals are also assisted to grow professionally. 

            Title II, Part D – This is around an $8,000.00 fund and is used for technology.  Some of it is used to assist the TIS that attend TCEA and then these attendees bring back knowledge.  Other technology training is also supported through this program.

            Title III, Part A – This fund is used to assist with LEP students.  Some money is given to each campus for their LEP students.  The amount is based on snap shot information from the campuses.

            Title IV, Part A – This fund supports programs that are for a Safe and Drug free environment.   Red Ribbon week, the CLEAR program, the canine program, and safe school ambassadors are a few of the items this fund helps to support.  This program will be reduced next year by approximately 25%.  We will cut some administrative costs so that this does not directly impact any child.

            Title V, Part A – According to the Department of Education, these funds will be re-allocated to competitive grants.  The SLC were funded under this Title. 

We have received many grants throughout the years.  One of these is a large grant that was just received to assist with our teachers and students learning about history.  The teachers would be allowed to apply to go on “field trips” and learn about different historical venues.  The first year the grant will concentrate on Texas History.  It will be available in the fall and around 50 teachers a year, for 3 years, will have the opportunity to apply and do some exploring.  The teachers will be paid to do this as well and will come back to help train others.  It is an exciting time!   We are also encouraged to join Grant Seekers to receive e-mails on different grants.

If there are any questions concerning grants or Title programs, please contact Cindy Stamps at 281-284-0103 or cstamps@ccisd.net 

Paul McLarty then presented the long range staffing plan.  It is a 5-year projection plan beginning next year.  It includes enrollment growth, start-up staffing for intermediate # 9, elementary #25, elementary #26, adding 11th grade to CSHS, academic build out, and campus paraprofessional standard.  Child Nutrition will be supervised by the district instead of Aramark . There are 9 positions that the district staffs.  Next year there will be 15.17 more.    This is just the first year’s numbers of the 5 year plan.  Our staffing monies are in the $14/$15 million range and this is getting up there.  A question was asked as to how the district is communicating the need to increase staffing costs to the surrounding community.  There is the State of the District Address to the League City Council.  There is information that is given to the Chambers of Commerce.  Elaina Polsen sends out “The Communicator .” The homeowners associations are also starting to take an interest and request the different counties to look at our home tax assessments.

Sheila Haddock spoke to us about the Student Code of Conduct.  It will be on the website along with the Student Handbook.  We are trying the get a user friendly format for both of these.  There are not a lot of substantial changes for this year.  Changes will be in red.  One suggestion tonight was to have a summary at the beginning of the parents’ sight on line to explain what is contained in the Handbooks.  If we notice any errors or have any other suggestions, contact shaddock@ccisd.net .    

The course selections for DAEP (District Alternative Education Program) are being revisited.  It has been mandated that students who are attending this program are given the opportunity for AP classes.  Dr. Smith plans to communicate with TEA about the fact that this is not a funded mandate and would be costly to CCISD.  Discussion also raised the question about AP classes being a privilege.  There is a possibility that the kids can do distance learning for these classes.  Someone wondered about the parents of these children being educated as well about what their child might do to succeed.  Another person was wondering about the cost to educate these children.  Why don’t we give them ISS at their home campus?  Each case is determined according to the offense committed. 

Tina Farrell presented information about the grading and reporting standards.  There are no big changes this year because the legislature is not in session. The committee will convene next year. We still need to review these on line.  She also spoke of the E4 Academy.  This is an integrated language tool that was voted on by the DEIC.  The On-line Academy has had around 60 kids that have shown an interest and 35 teacher applicants to monitor these students.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m..