JCISD Trustees held a Regular Board Meeting on Monday, December 9. President Sarah Allen called the meeting to order, and student Addison Hohenberger gave the Invocation. There were no public comments.
Recognitions, Presentations, & Updates
LBJ Elementary Principal Amanda Haley recognized second grade students who were nominated by their teachers. For John Doyle Haley said, “John is an amazing young man who puts 110% effort into everything he does. John has already increased two levels in reading and is willing to put in the hard work to meet all his goals.”
“In addition to taking academics seriously, John looks for ways to solve problems with friends and keep games fair at recess.”
Of Joy Zamora Haley said, “Joy is kind, caring, helpful, responsible, and funny. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to me or others when she sees someone in need. She comes to school ready to learn and encourages others to also do so. Joy is an amazing student that I have loved getting to watch grow.”
Haley said that Sawyer Fasel if a quiet leader who leads by example. “She comes to school ready to give the day her best. I admire her innate drive and eagerness to learn. She is kind, compassionate, and very helpful throughout the school.”
“Sawyer reads with the younger students before school and encourages classmates in her classroom groups as well. I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach such a nice young lady.”
Middle School Principal Michael Norton recognized several students who were nominated by their teachers. Norton said, “Sixth grader Max Campbell is so helpful to other students and so respectful to all teachers and paraprofessionals. Max in an extremely respectful young man who sets a perfect example for his peers daily. He is always willing to help, is kind hearted, and always respectful.”
Of seventh grader McKaylenn Amberg Norton said, “McKaylenn is such a responsible student. Although she is involved in many extracurricular activities, McKaylenn is always on top of her assignments and turns in high quality work. She is always available and willing to help others with assignments. Her positive attitude and determination to succeed are contagious.”
Norton said that eighth grader Jovanny Hernandez is a hard worker on and off the field. “In class he is a good listener, follows directions, always respectful to peers and teachers. He has led his team on the football field in rushing, touchdowns, and tackles. Jovanny always tries his best.”
Russell Maegden, LBJ High Principal recognized seven seniors who are taking an Emergency Medical Technical (EMT) course at the EMS Station in Blanco.
Maegden said, “These students are in class tonight, and upon completion of the 120 classroom hours and 30 clinical hours (being completed outside of school hours), they will be eligible to take the National Registry exam for certification.”
“Once certified and graduated from LBJHS, these students will be eligible to enter the workforce as an EMT. The course is approved by the department of state health services and authorized by the national association of Emergency Medical Technicians.”
“I am really impressed with this group because they are going out on their own. It is a huge commitment and they attend classes every Monday and Wednesday evening for four hours and work a monthly Saturday shift.”
“They are going above and beyond and are doing an outstanding job which will enable them to potentially give back to the community. Kudos to them. These students are: James Babb; Coy Doyle; Marshall Jackson; Eden Pennell; Logan Powell; and Landin Wardlow.”
Cameron Hill of Gallagher Construction shared Bond Construction updates. City Council member Sam Richardson gave a Presentation on Bridges to Community-
Johnson City Walkability
and Connectivity Project.
Richardson said, “There is a need for a study of a more comprehensive pedestrian safety plan. We are in the early stages of developing a plan to address walkability and safe routes to school in the Johnson City limits and expanding areas.”
“We hope to put an admin team together soon as we brainstorm how this project could work in conjunction with the school district and the city.”
Superintendent Ben Eubanks agreed that JCISD would be willing to support this project publicly and to brainstorm and decide where to put sidewalks to benefit both students and the community.
Eubanks shared the Superintendent’s Report. “Our current enrollment is 714 which is an increase of 7 students from November. Current ES enrollment is 315 (up 6 from last month), MS is 143, and HS is 256.”
CFO Scott Berry shared an overview of School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, also known as “School FIRST.”
Berry said that School FIRST is the rating system for financial accountability in Texas. There are several critical indicators and we earned a Superior Rating of 94 for the 2022-2023 school year. There were no public comments on the report.
Trustees approved the Consent Agenda as presented with motion from trustees Cynthia Keene and Joe Walker. Also approved was Resolution to pay employees during a school closure due to day missed due to the State Championship Volleyball game. Trustees Calen McNett and Jayme Roschetzky motioned for approval.
There was discussion of the purchase of furniture for the new middle school at cost of $472,359. Eubanks noted that the cost was well under the budgeted amount, and trustees Keene and McNett motioned for approval.
Trustees adjourned into closed session at 6:28 pm for discussion pertaining to deliberations regarding security devices on security audits.
Open session resumed at 6:36 pm, and Trustees Brit Odiorne and McNett motioned for possible action on amendments to JCISD Guardian Rules and Regulations. All motions carried by vote of 6-0.
Eubanks shared the Calendar as follows: December 19, 2024 – Early Release December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025 – Christmas Holidays January 2, 2025 – January 3, 2025 – Blanco County Youth Show January 11, 2025 – Blanco County Youth Show Sale January 13, 2025 – Regular January School Board Meeting @ 6:00 pm.
January 6 is a teacher work day, and students return to school on January 7.
Allen gave a shoutout to Maggie Walker for being recognized as one of PEC’s Spotlight award winners, and to Coach Heather Wilson for being named the Austin Sports Journal Volleyball Coach of the Year.
The meeting adjourned at 6:37 pm with motion from Keene and Odiorne.
December Middle School Student Recognitions: Back Row: Trustees Joe Walker; Calen McNett; Cynthia Keene; Sarah Allen; Jayme Roschetzky; MS Principal Michael Norton; & Brit Odiorne. Front Row: 7th grader McKayleen Amberg & 6th grader Max Campbell. Not pictured: 8th grader Jovanny Hernandez. Photo by Tricia Hartmann
December Elementary School Student Recognitions: Trustees Joe Walker; Calen Mc-Nett; Cynthia Keene; Sarah Allen; ES Principal Amanda Haley; Jayme Roschetzky & Brit Odiorne. 2nd grade students are: Sawyer Fasel; Joy Zamora; and John Doyle. Photo by Tricia Hartmann
