Southwest ISD Board Update
August 2023
AUGUST 15 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Public Hearing
Southwest ISD conducted a public hearing concerning the plans for the ESSER III (Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief) Grant. During this session, the SWISD Board of Trustees received a comprehensive overview of the grant, which encompassed the collaborative efforts of more than 65 staff members on steering committees, the analysis of 365 staff surveys, 545 surveys from the community/parents, 302 surveys from secondary students, and the organization of 2 public meetings. The preliminary revised plan for the district has been made available online for the community.
Presentations
July 2023 Online Auction Results
The Board was presented with the outcomes of the District's online auction, held between July 14, 2023, and July 25, 2023. The auction generated a total revenue of $42,467.00, resulting in a net amount of $33,973.60 for the District. This auction encompassed a total of 133 lots and was facilitated by Lemons Auctioneers Online Pros under the name SWISD Online Auction.
2023-2024 Budget and Tax Rate Update
Chief Financial Officer Scott Stephens updated the Board on the 2023-2024 budget and tax rate projections. The 2023-2024 District budget must be approved no later than August 31, 2023. The tax rate must be approved no later than September 30, 2023, but may be approved any time after the budget is approved. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 39, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the budget and proposed tax rate.
Items Approved
Boundary Zoning for New Residential Developments
The Board has given approval for the attendance boundaries of new residential developments for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. The District's staff recommended a rezone for certain new residential developments in order to effectively manage the growth of the student population at Spicewood Park Elementary.
The first adjustment involves the rezone of the Bristol at Somerset Apartments, the Mesa Vista Residential development, and the Valley Sol Residential development. These areas will be rezoned from Spicewood Park Elementary to Sky Harbour Elementary.
The second change includes the Applewhite Meadows Residential development, the Vida Residential development, and the Los Arcos Apartments. These locations will be rezoned from Spicewood Elementary to Bob Hope Elementary.
2023-2024 Proposed Budget and 2023 Tax Rate Hearing Date
The Board approved August 29, 2023 at 5:30 pm as the date of the public hearing to
discuss the budget and tax rate. The District's budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year needs to receive approval by August 31, 2023, at the latest. The tax rate's approval deadline is set for September 30, 2023, although it can be approved after the budget has been given the green light. A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. This hearing will provide an opportunity to discuss both the budget and the proposed tax rate.
Good Cause Exception for the Southwest Independent School District Board of Trustees on the Requirements of House Bill 3
The Board approved both the resolution for a "good cause" exception and the establishment of an alternative standard to comply with the Texas Education Code 37.0814. During the 88th Texas legislative session, the House Bill focused on enhancing school safety and security. It mandated that the Board of Trustees of public schools determine the appropriate number of armed officers for each campus within a district. According to the new law, there must be an armed security officer present at every campus during regular school hours.
The recent legislation includes a provision for "good cause" exceptions. This provision applies to school districts unable to place a commissioned officer at each campus during regular hours due to either funding limitations or a shortage of qualified commissioned peace officers. In such cases, districts are allowed to establish an alternative compliance standard.
In accordance with the Texas Education Code 37.0814, the Board formally endorsed the resolution for a "good cause" exception and the implementation of the alternative standard.
2023-2024 Application for Pregnancy Related Services On-Campus
The Board has given approval for the 2023-2024 Application for Pregnancy Related Services On-campus (CEHI) Waiver.
Presently, Southwest ISD offers compulsory homebound instruction (CEHI) to school-aged parents "during prenatal, postpartum, and extended postpartum recovery periods of pregnancy." The 2023-2024 Application for Pregnancy Related Services on Campus (CEHI) Waiver aims to permit the provision of compulsory homebound instruction on campus for eligible students, contingent on receiving a doctor's written approval. This waiver will be in effect for the school years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria will receive compulsory homebound instruction at a designated location on district property, rather than at their own residences. The CEHI staff will conduct lessons in an educational environment, while the on-site Parent/Child Incorporated (PCI) staff will look after the students' infants.
2023-2024 Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) for Secondary Schools
The Board approved the application of the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) at Southwest ISD secondary schools for the upcoming 2023–2024 school year. These schools include Southwest High School, Southwest Legacy High School, and CAST STEM High School. Together, these institutions cater to around 4,250 students in grades 9-12. Similarly, our district's middle schools, namely McAuliffe, McNair, Resnik, and Scobee, collectively serve about 3,100 students in grades 6-8.
Although the majority of the instruction at these secondary campuses follows traditional methods, it's important to note that there is a population at risk within each campus that could greatly benefit from having access to online curriculum and a more flexible schedule. Due to this consideration, all the secondary campuses are seeking approval to submit the application for the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2023-2024 school year. This program, which is sanctioned by the TEA, offers flexible attendance choices for students.
Southwest Independent School District
Website: www.swisd.net
Location: Southwest Independent School District, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWISDsatx
Twitter: @swisd