Athens Independent School DistrictHome of the 4-Day Instructional Week

I. Call to Order/Certify Notice/Establish Quorum

Mr. Eugene Buford, President of the Board of Trustees, announced a quorum of Board Members was present and called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Members present: Mr. Eugene Buford, Mr. Chris House, Mrs. Gina Hunter, Mrs. Alicea Elliott, Mrs. Margaret Richardson. Mr. Freddie Paul, Mr. Kelley Lee

Members absent: None

Also present were: Ginger Morrison, Deputy Superintendent; Tony Brooks, Technology Director; Cathy Kirkland, Director of Special Programs; Brooke Brock, Director of Special Populations; Barry Choate, Executive Director of Maintenance & Operations; Zac Harrell, Athletic Director; Randy Jones, Chief Financial Officer; Gail Carnes, Executive Assistant and Dr. Janie Sims, Superintendent

II. Invocation was given by Mrs. Gina Hunter.

III. Pledge of Allegiance was given to the national and state flags.

IV. Audience Participation

Robert Becker signed up to speak about the compensation plan.

V. Recognition of Athletic Students/Programs

Athletic Director Zac Harrell commended his athletes on all their accomplishments this school year. Two individual athletes qualified for state in cross country and girls powerlifting.

VI. Newly Elected Board of Trustees Take Oath of Office / Board Reorganization

Notary Public Gail Carnes administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members Mr. Eugene Buford, Place 1 and Mr. Kelley Lee, Place 2.

Mr. Eugene Buford, Board President conducted the Board reorganization and opened nominations for Board President. Mr. Freddie Paul nominated Mr. Eugene Buford for Board President. Mrs. Margaret Richardson nominated Mrs. Alicea Elliott for Board President. Mrs. Elliott was approved as Board President with a 5:2 vote. Mr. Chris House nominated Mrs. Gina Hunter for Board Vice President and she declined. Mrs. Alicea Elliott nominated Mr. Eugene Buford for Vice President. Mr. Buford was approved as Board Vice President with a 7:0 vote. Mrs. Margaret Richardson nominated Mr. Chris House for Board Secretary. Mr. Freddie Paul nominated Mrs. Margaret Richardson for Board Secretary and she declined. Mr. House was approved as Board Secretary with a 7:0 vote.

VII. Information/Discussion Items

A. Administrative Report –Legislative Update, Facilities

Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims reported to the Board the latest information she had obtained about the legislative session. She asked Mr. Choate to give an update on the softball and baseball fields.

VIII. Action Items

Consider 2023-2024 Compensation Plan Including Stipends

Motion was made by Mr. Eugene Buford and seconded by Mrs. Margaret Richardson that trustees approve the compensation plan including stipends for the 2023-2024 school year as presented. Motion carried 7:0.

B. Consider Expenditures Over $50,000

1. Consider Region 10 and Region 7 Education Service Center Contracts

Motion was made by Mrs. Gina Hunter and seconded by Mrs. Margaret Richardson that trustees approve the Region 10 and Region 7 Education Service Center contracts for the 2023-2024 school year as presented. Motion carried 7:0.

2. Consider Purchase of Instructional and Intervention Programs

Motion was made by Mr. Chris House and seconded by Mr. Eugene Buford that trustees approve the expenditure to purchase the intervention and instructional software programs from Edmentum in the amount of $194,298.25 as presented. Motion carried 7:0.

IX. Consent Agenda

A. Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on April 24, 2023 and the Special Meeting on May 16, 2023

B. Financial Statements for the Month of April 2023

C. Approve Proposed Tax Rates for Publication

D. Set Date and Time for Budget Hearing

E. HC Tax Assessor-Collector Collections Contract

F. Budget Amendment

Motion was made by Mrs. Alicea Elliott and seconded by Mrs. Margaret Richardson that trustees approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried 7:0.

X. Executive Session Discussion

A. Employment/Resignations of Contract Employees - Texas Gov't Code 551.074

B. Discussing Purchase, Exchange, Lease, or Value of Real Property - Texas Gov’t Code 551.072

At 6:40 p.m., the Board President announced that trustees would adjourn to executive session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code and/or Education Code concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act. Should any final action, final decision, or final vote be required, then the final action, final decision, or final vote shall take place in open session. The Board returned to open session at 8:31 p.m.

Executive Session Action – Open Session

A. Employment/Resignations of Contract Employees - Texas Gov't Code 551.074

As stated in Policy DC (LOCAL) under Employment of Contractual Personnel: The Board retains final authority for employment of contractual personnel; however, from April 1 to August 31, the Board delegates to the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent the authority to employ contractual personnel. The Superintendent shall inform the Board of any persons hired under this authority. The following professional personnel contracts have been approved:

It is recommended that the following personnel be extended a term contract for the 2023-2024 school year: Mark Hall

The following resignations have been approved:

B. Discussing Purchase, Exchange, Lease, or Value of Real Property - Texas Gov’t Code 551.072

No action was taken.

XII. Adjourn

Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.