Cleveland ISD Board Meeting — November 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting Type: Regular Source: Minutes (PDF) Extracted: 2026-03-02 16:16 ============================================================ 000533 CLEVELAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING (Regular Meeting) November 13, 2023 The Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Independent School District was called to order for a public hearing and regular meeting with the following members present: Chris Wood, President Robert Howell Kelly Jenkel-Axton, Vice President Willie Carter Amanda Brooks, Secretary Marvin Searles Wendy McNair was absent. ROLL CALL, OPENING REMARKS, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chris Wood, President; opening remarks were given by Willie Carter. The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags was led by Amanda Brooks. PUBLIC COMMENTS/OPEN FORUM There were no comments from the public during Open Forum. PRESENTATIONS 1. Dawn O’Connor presented the State Assessment Results for the 2022-2023 school year. 2. Ninth Grade Center’s administrators, staff and students presented “C9 – Moving Forward” regarding Ninth Grade Center’s accomplishments. 3. Vance Hamilton, Business Service Consultant at the Texas Association of School Boards presented the BuyBoard Rebate Check from the 2022-2023 fiscal year purchases. 4. Vance Hamilton, Business Service Consultant at the Texas Association of School Boards presented the TASB Energy Cooperative Student Scholarship to Cleveland ISD. 5. Cody Cox presented the 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates Program from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Cody Cox and Scotty Lewis provided an update on the district’s current construction projects. REPORTS 1. Superintendent’s Report • Student enrollment is currently 11,984 and the attendance rate is 93.24%. • A Notice of Intruder Detection Audit was conducted by Texas School Safety Center personnel on a random date at a random campus, and everything met expectations. There were no findings by the TxSSC inspector. • A Special Meeting to Canvass results of the November 7th Bond Election is scheduled for November 16, 2023, at 2:00 PM • Thanksgiving holidays are November 20-24, 2023 for students and staff. • The December board meeting is Monday, December 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM. • DLA Graduation - 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at CHS • Christmas holidays are December 18, 2023 through January 1, 2024 for students and staff. • Staff development day is Tuesday, January 2, 2023. 2. Financial, campus and department reports are provided. INFORMATION ITEMS The 2022 Property Value Study Report was provided. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Following discussion, a motion was made by Willie Carter and seconded by Marvin Searles to support the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the following consent agenda items as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. A. Bills and payroll B. Minutes of the regular meeting of October 16, 2023 ACTION ITEMS A. Consider approval of School Board Awareness Certification for 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates Program. Following discussion, a motion was made by Kelly Jenkel-Axton and seconded by Amanda Books to table for after executive session. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. 000534 BOARD MEETING, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, CONT’ B. Consider approval of Interlocal Agreement between Cleveland ISD and International Leaders of Texas regarding emergency transportation. A motion was made by Willie Carter and seconded by Amanda Brooks to approve the Interlocal Agreement between Cleveland ISD and International Leaders of Texas regarding emergency transportation as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. C. Consider approval of Waiver of Penalties and Interest by Governing Body of a Taxing unit under § 33.011 of the Texas Property Tax Code. A motion was made by Willie Carter and seconded by Amanda Brooks to approve the Waiver of Penalties and Interest by Governing Body of a Taxing unit under § 33.011 of the Texas Property Tax Code as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. The charges were billed in error and the property owner does not owe these fees. Account #: R225513 Amount of Penalty and Interest: $1418.65 Governing Body: Cleveland ISD D. Consider approval TO Award Request for Proposal (RFP) #23-12 for Fundraising Services. A motion was made by Kelly Jenkel-Axton and seconded by Marvin Searles to award the Request for Proposal (RFP) #23-12 for Fundraising Service to the parties listed below as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. Item Vendor Percentage (%) Returned to School on Total Sales 1. Little Rambler 15% 2. World’s Finest Chocolate. Inc. 40-50% E. Consider nomination of candidate and resolution to fill vacancy on the 2024 Liberty County Central Appraisal District’s Board of Directors. A motion was made by Kelly Jenkel-Axton and seconded by Willie Carter to cast the district’s 1136 votes in support of Jimmy Rollins to serve on the 2024 Liberty County Central Appraisal District’s Board of Directors. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. F. Consider approval of resolution to cast votes in support of candidate to serve on the 2024-2025 San Jacinto County Appraisal District’s Board of Directors. A motion was made by Kelly Jenkel-Axton and seconded by Amanda Brooks to cast the district’s 272 votes in support of Crystal Dominy to serve on the 2024-2025 San Jacinto County Appraisal District’s Board of Directors. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. G. Consider approval of the 2023-2024 District Improvement Plan. A motion was made by Willie Carter and seconded by Robert Howell to approve the 2023-2024 District Improvement Plan as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. H. Consider approval of the 2023-2024 Campus Improvement Plans. Following discussion, a motion was made by Robert Howell and seconded by Kelly Jenkel-Axton to approve the 2023-2024 Campus Improvement Plans as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. I. Consider approval of date change for the February 2024 Regular Board Meeting. A motion was made by Willie Carter and second by Marvin Searles to change the date of the February 2024 regular meeting to Monday, February 26, 2024 due to the 2024 National Superintendent Conference. The Motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. TASB POLICY UPDATE A. The first reading of Proposed Revisions to GKD (LOCAL) Policy regarding COMMUNITY RELATIONS: NONSCHOOL USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES was presented to the Board. Specifically, the proposed revisions address outdated information recommended by TASB Policy. The second reading and possible final approval will occur in December 2023. B. The Second reading and possible final approval of proposed revisions to DEC (LOCAL) Policy is presented for Board review. 000535 BOARD MEETING, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, CONT’ Following the second reading, a motion was made by Willie Carter and seconded by Amanda Brooks to approve the Proposed Revisions to the district’s DEC (LOCAL) Policy as presented. This policy is in regards to COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: LEAVES AND ABSENCES. This policy update incudes statutory changes that became effective September 1, 2023, which require districts with commissioned peace officers to provide certain types of leave. Specifically, the proposed revisions address Mental Health Leave and Peace Officers Mental Health leave. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. A brief recess was called at 8:06 PM by Chris Wood, President. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SUBCHAPTER D, SECTION 551.071, 551.072, 551.074 AND 551.076 The Board convened in executive session at 7:14 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code, Subchapter D, Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074 AND 551.076. A. Consider Superintendent recommendations regarding employment and contract status of professional and non-professional personnel. 1. Employment recommendations and resignations of professional and non-professional staff. 2. Deliberation regarding termination of probationary contract employee for good cause effective immediately (Anderson). B. Deliberation regarding purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. C. Deliberation regarding safety devices, security personnel and security audit. D. Consultation with Board Attorney regarding all matters as authorized by law. RECONVENE AND POSSIBLE ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board reconvened in open session at 8:17 PM to take possible action on items considered in executive session. No action was taken by the Board in regards to the appeal of the discipline/expulsion of the high school student; therefore, the initial decision by administration is upheld. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SUBCHAPTER D, SECTION 551.071, 551.072, 551.074 AND 551.076 The Board convened in executive session at 8:42 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code, Subchapter D, Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074 and 551.076. A. Texas Government Code 551.074: Consider Superintendent recommendations regarding employment and contract status of professional and non-professional personnel. 1. Employment recommendations and resignations of professional and non-professional staff. B. Deliberation regarding purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. C. Discussion regarding safety devices, security personnel and security audit. D. Consultation with Board Attorney regarding all matters as authorized by law. RECONVENE AND POSSIBLE ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board reconvened in open session at 10:05 PM to take possible action on items considered in executive session. A motion was made by Willie Carter and seconded by Marvin Searles to support the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the professional and para-professional personnel recommendations and resignations for the 2023-2024 school year as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. Following discussion, a motion was made by Kelly Jenkel-Axton and seconded by Willie Carter to terminate the probationary Contract of James Anderson for good cause effective immediately and authorize the Superintendent to give the employee notice of the same. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL EMPLOYEE POSITION EFF Rosalia Gonzalez IAT – Pre K/Bil November 1, 2023 Terri Lewis IAT – 5th Grade October 16, 2023 000536 BOARD MEETING, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, CONT’ Yunuen Malagon Elizondo IAT – Pre K/Bil October 20, 2023 Miriam Schuster IAT – Math November 27, 2023 Desiree Shankle Counselor November 1, 2023 Monica Williams IAT – English October 20, 2023 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL TRANSFERS / CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENTS EMPLOYEE TRANSFER FROM NEW POSITION Alvin Brison LPAC Liaison LPAC Specialist Dimas Gracie IAT – 1st Grade @ CWE TCH – 1st Grade @ CWE Karin Ebarb IC/Math @ SSE TCH 9 4th Grade Mary Gann IC/ELAR @ CHS Asst. Principal @ CMS Victoria Homen Flex Aide @ CMS IAT – 8th Grade/SS @ CMS Derrick Lott IAT – RtI Behavior Chemical Dependencey Counselor @ DAEP Lorena Paz Registrar @ CMS CTE – Tech Apps/Journalism @ CMS William Parts-Palerm Asst. Principal @ SSE Asst. Principal @ CHS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARA-PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL Tania Bustos November 1, 2023 Alexandra Diaz November 2, 2023 Krystal Esry October 30, 2023 Isais Flores October 23, 2023 Kelly Guion November 8, 2023 Daniela Herrera November 8, 2023 Hailey Hurtado November 4, 2023 Destini James October 18, 2023 Thomas Langley October 5, 2023 Eugenio Leon Dominguez October 30, 2023 Mariluvia Lopez Cardenas October 9, 2023 Maria Maldonado November 9, 2023 Tabitha Price October 16, 2023 Amy Riser October 3, 2023 Silvia Rivas October 9, 2023 Paula Soto October 30, 2023 Sayra Vega Escobar November 1, 2023 Sharaya Wetherford October 23, 2023 Barbara West November 1, 2023 Kimberly Wright October 24, 2023 Esther Yarbrough October 18, 2023 Vilma Zalaya October 30, 2023 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARAPROFESSIONAL OR AUXILIARY PERSONNEL TRANSFERS / CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENTS EMPLOYEE TRANSFER FROM NEW POSITION Daniel Deleon Grounds Helper Plumber Helper Linda Donnan Lot Attendant Bus Driver Helen Quintero Bus Driver Bus Monitor Larry Smith Jr. Electrical Helper Groundskeeper RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS: Sarah Baoubaou Effective October 6, 2023 Lewis Burns Effective November 6, 2023 Edmundo Castillo Effective October 27, 2023 Cynthia Coperland Effective November 2, 2023 Robert Eaton Effective October 27, 2023 Adrian Garza Effective September 30, 2023 Gilbenis Gil Heredia Effective October 13, 2023 Ashley Green Effective November 20, 2023 000537 BOARD MEETING, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, CONT’ Marilin Guerrero Effective November 3, 2023 Lacey Hambrick Effective October 17, 2023 (Terminated) Cotoya Harrell Effective October 18, 2023 Eva Holmes Effective October 6, 2023 Susanne Jackson Effective October 17, 2023 Mariluvia Lopez Cardenas Effective October 27, 2023 Emmanuel Lule Effective October 6, 2023 Alba Malaver Baracaldo Effective October 27, 2023 Esmeralda Martinez Effective October 27, 2023 Maritza Mejia Effective October 6, 2023 Gladis Moran de Flores Effective October 16, 2023 Jimmy Nowell Effective January 16, 2024 (Retirement) Valerie Powell Effective October 6, 2023 Perla Reyes Effective October 6, 2023 Angela Richard Effective October 4, 2023 Kimberly Ritch Effective October 5, 2023 Angela Sharp Effective November 7, 2023 Mary Smith Effective October 20, 2023 Cherish Sonnenberg Effective October 17, 2023 Andrea Soto Effective October 20, 2023 Aeron Walker Effective October 26, 2023 Isaiah Walker Effective October 26, 2023 Karis Watson Effective October 31, 2023 Aautum Wells Effective September 26, 2023 Tenadtra Young Effective November 3, 2023 TABELED ACTION ITEM A Consider approval of School Board Awareness Certification for 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program. A motion was made by Amanda Brooks and seconded by Willie Carter to not approve the School Board Awareness Certification for 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates Program. The motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Kelly Jenkel-Axton and seconded by Robert Howell to adjourn the meeting at 10:48 PM. The motion passed by