The Denton ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2011-12 budget at their June 28 meeting.
With all the state budget cuts, the district will be starting the new school year with fewer employees.
“This place will look different. We will open school with 160 less positions, including teachers in the classroom, instructional support, administration and operations support,” said Superintendent Ray Braswell.
The board commended the district staff for its compassion for one another and the students during these challenging economic times.
“The pain has been felt throughout this entire district. We must be mindful that everyone has been very kind and very considerate,” Board President Mia Price said.
Board Vice President Glenna Harris said many employees are now wearing many hats. “The long-term concern is burnout and we must be cognizant of that. Everyone is going to do more,” she said.
“The administration has done an outstanding job of minimizing what would have been a major impact on our programs, students and staff,” said Board Member Rudy Rodriguez.
Some of the key points of the budget for the coming school year include:
· The maintenance and operating budget for the 2011-12 school year is $188.3 million, compared to the current year of $193.1 million.
· Personnel in the budget is being decreased by $11.5 million.
· The estimated tax roll remains the same as this year at $8.6 billion with the district receiving about $95 million for its general fund and $44.8 million for debt service.
Senate Bill 1 passes during the Legislative update
Deputy Superintendent Jamie Wilson updated the board on the latest action of the 82nd Legislative Session, which was finishing its first special session Tuesday evening. He outlined the following bills:
– Senate Bill 2 included mechanisms to fund Senate Bill 1, which passed in a second vote by the House late Tuesday afternoon and by the Texas Senate earlier in the day on June 28. In Senate Bill 1, the state funding for Denton ISD will be decreased an anticipated $11.1 million for the 2011-12 school year and $16.9 million for 2012-13.
– Senate Bill 6 provides greater flexibility for what used to be textbook material allotments and technology services. Mr. Wilson announced that the district plans to begin working through the bill’s process on Wednesday (June 29).
“It’s a major shift in state funding. Before textbooks were owned by the state, but now it will be local district resources,” Mr. Wilson said.
– Senate Bill 8 changes the notification times of when a district can terminate certain employees because of financial exigency. Employees, included in Chapter 21, can now be notified 10 days before the last day of instruction instead of the current 45 days.
– March 6, 2012, has been set for the 2012 Texas Primary Election.
Board approves recalling 30 additional staff members
The Board unanimously approved recalling another 30 employees. These staff members are the remaining employees to be rehired after receiving letters of termination in April.
Board names new director of transportation
Aaron Robbins, currently supervisor of dispatch and operations, was named director of transportation. He is filling the position vacated by Gene Holloway, who retired this month.
Mr. Robbins has served as dispatch and operations supervisor since 2009. In this position, he served as the communication liaison between dispatch and other departments and oversaw the transportation needs for extra-curricular events. He also facilitated the (TEAM) leadership program.
From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Robbins served as the assistant dispatcher where he supervised bus drivers and monitored and tracked drivers’ time to minimize overtime expenses. He was the shop clerk for Lake Dallas ISD and a bus driver for Denton ISD and College Station ISD.
He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Texas. He received the Staff Member of the Year Award in 2007, 2008 and 2009 – all in Denton ISD.
His wife, Shelly, is in the curriculum and staff development department of Denton ISD.
In other action, Rod Reeves, coordinator of facilities, updated the Board on changes to the current agreement with Templeton Demographics, LLC. The new contract would call for Templeton to assist the district in determining the size and growth of attendance zones, while also changing from a quarterly demographic report to a bi-annual one. The changes would save the district $1,000 every two years.
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