Board Briefs

On April 12, 2024, the TSD Governing Board convened its second regular meeting of the year in the Administrative Welcome Center Board Room at 10:11 AM, led by President Shawn Saladin. Notable attendees included Vice President Heather Withrow, Secretary Sha Cowan, and members Kathy Sellers, Darlene Nobles, and Keith Sibley, who attended virtually.

The meeting commenced with students who attended the CEASD Capital Connection Summit leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge. They shared their experiences visiting Washington, D.C., and advocating for the Macy-Cogswell Act, along with their post-TSD aspirations, ranging from civil engineering to business marketing and deaf law.

The Board recognized Kaylee Hottle for breaking the school record for the track and field 300-meter, and Ti’Jean Chin-Sue for being named cheerleader of the year on a national level. Superintendent Peter Bailey also acknowledged the International Studies students who recently visited Vietnam.

During the public comments section, several individuals addressed the Board regarding topics such as the Early Learning Center program, interpreting services for a mainstream school student, personnel-related issues, and interpreting services. After public comments, the Board approved consent agenda items and engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the Fiscal Years 2024 Operating Budget before taking a break to participate in the annual Senior Video Good-Bye filming.

Beth Polo, Director of Operations, presented the transition plan of TSD’s URL (domain name) to the standard URL address texas.gov, explaining its necessity since TSD is having difficulty filing and submitting specific state reports due to the URL not being recognized as an acceptable state agency address.

Superintendent Bailey provided the Board with his superintendent report, highlighting the current enrollment of 506 students, the promotion of Jennifer Prigge to Statewide Outreach Center (SOC) Director position, and other events. In answering a question by Secretary Cowan regarding meetings, Bailey explained that he attended department meetings to explain the cuts in SHARS funding and its effects on TSD programs to correct misinformation.

Regarding the meeting that took place the day before the Governing Board meeting with Early Learning Center (ELC) parents, Bailey explained the issue is regarding moving early intervention back under SOC to be in compliance with statute. After a lunch break, the Governing Board continued the hearing by receiving progress reports from Strategic Goal Team (SGT) chair members on the five strategic goals.

Director of Instruction, Stella Egbert, asked the Governing Board to approve the TEKS Certification Form for iMAT allotment, explaining that the instructional materials and technology allotment (iMAT) is reviewed annually by the Board. It funds technology for students, equipment, instructional materials, textbooks, and supplemental materials.

SOC Director Jennifer Prigge provided the Board a presentation highlighting the importance of continuity of services for families with children aged zero to three, emphasizing collaboration and outreach efforts. Discussions centered on funding parameters, educational strategies, and the transition of children in preschool settings, recognizing the need for comprehensive support for families, including education and advocacy, with a focus on the whole child’s development.

The next item was the adoption of a resolution to name the TSD Middle School Gym after Robert Rives. Superintendent Bailey explained that Robert Rives was the first TSD alumnus to graduate from Gallaudet, return to TSD to teach, and coach football. 

After deliberating behind closed doors to discuss personnel issues, the Governing Board received information from Chief Financial Officer, Justin Wedel, regarding the two-year biennium Legislative Appropriation Request (LAR) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, covering topics such as exceptional items and budgetary concerns. Additionally, Wedel addressed the need for prudent spending to maintain fiscal responsibility. The next Board meeting has been rescheduled to August 16, 2024, to allow the Governing Board to review and approve TSD’s LAR.

The Governing Board celebrated their colleague, Heather Withrow, for being selected by Washington School for the Deaf into the alumni association hall of fame for art. President Saladin thanked the community members for attending the meeting and providing comments, adjourning the meeting at 3:42 PM.

 

Items approved by the Board included:

 

Consent Items
     Minutes for the previous meetings:
          Board Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2024
     Gifts and Donations
     FY 24 Operating Budget Update
     Operations Report
Instructional Materials and Technology (iMAT) Funds
Resolution to Name Middle School Gym
Board Policies
     As is:
          CLF (Naming of TSD Buildings and Facilities)
          CQ (Technology Resources)
          DEC (Leaves and Absences)
     With minor changes:
          FFB (Student Welfare – Crisis Management)
          FFEA (Counseling and Mental Health)
          FL (Student Records)
          FOC (Student Discipline – Alternative Education Settings)
     No action:
          FOCA (Student Discipline – Disciplinary Alt. Education Programs)
          FOD (Student Discipline – Expulsion)
Personnel
     Re-employment of probationary contract employees 24-25
     Terminate the employment
     Renew the term contracts for 24-25
     Employment agreements for the 24-25 school year

 

If you have questions or request additional information, please feel free to email the PIO at [email protected].