BOARD RECAP -- December 11, 2023
December 11, 2023
The Prosper Independent School District Board of Trustees met for a regular Board Meeting on December 11, 2023.
2024-2025 Attendance Boundaries Approved
Two new schools will open in Fall 2024 -- Betty Jackson Elementary School and Daniel L. Jones Middle School -- resulting in a change of attendance boundaries affecting Spradley Elementary School, Hays Middle School and Rogers Middle School.
The district provided a form to collect feedback electronically. Approximately 150 people responded to the form. In addition, the district conducted two in-person meetings to solicit feedback from community members in the affected attendance zones. Approximately 15 people attended the two meetings.
After soliciting feedback from the community, the Board approved attendance zones. Additional information will be provided in the future to affected families.
2024-2025 Academic Calendar Approved
In November, district administration proposed two calendars -- Option A and Option B. The options were sent out to the community so the Board of Trustees could solicit their feedback. The Board received over 500 comments from both staff and families about the proposed calendar options. Over 5,500 people voted for the calendar options. Option A received 65% voter support; Option B received 35% support.
The Board of Trustees approved Option A for the 2024-2025 school year.
Board calls for the Board of Trustees election in May 2024
An election is hereby ordered to be held on May 4, 2024, for the purpose of Electing School Board of Trustee Place 4 and Place 7. Interested persons must file for a place on the ballot by submitting an application by February 16, 2024. Applications may be requested at the Administration Building, 605 E. Seventh Street, Prosper. General School Board Election Information
Next Steps to fund the 2023 Bond Building Program
Doug Whitt, Senior Managing Director of SAMCO Capital, provided a presentation outlining the next steps related to implementing the 2023 bond election, including factors that impact bond capacity, providing preliminary bond program analysis, and the next steps for selling bonds. In November, voters approved $2.7 billion to manage the hypersonic growth of Prosper ISD. The district continues to attract new students because of its outstanding programs, remarkable teachers and plentiful opportunities for students. The first sale of bonds will be determined in early 2024.
New Construction Updates
The Board approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Elementaries 19 and 20
Elementaries 19 and 20, scheduled to be opened in 2025, have been approved for construction. Both schools will be built by Pogue Construction. The maximum cost for Elementary 19 is $39,477,963 and will be built near Legacy Gardens in the northwest corner of the district. This school will be funded through the 2019 Bond. The maximum cost for Elementary 20 is $38,615,502 and will be built near the Mosaic Development, also in the northwest corner of the district. This school will be funded by the 2023 Bond. These two schools will address increased enrollment at Hall Elementary and additional growth in this section of the district.
In addition, The Board awarded Pogue Construction with the Construction Manager at Risk for multiple projects approved by voters in the 2023 Bond.
CELEBRATIONS
Rushing Middle School Symphonic Winds one of four middle schools in the world selected by the internationally famous Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference
The Rushing Middle School Symphonic Winds was selected to perform at the 77th annual Midwest Clinic, the world’s largest instrumental music education convention. The application to perform at Midwest is a lengthy process that includes sending rehearsal videos and recordings as well as an extensive background into the careers of its directors. Hundreds of ensembles of varying backgrounds and from more than 80 countries apply for the prestigious honor to perform at the Midwest Clinic and only 4 middle schools are chosen annually.
The Rushing Middle School Band has 65 members. Eight students represented the band along with the Rushing Band leaders.
Garrett Jones
Clark Guilford
Ross Benavides
Olivia User
Kamryn Cluer
Chnmay Cherukupalle
Braelen Palmer-Robinson
Preston Pulliam
Jarred Dodd, Head Band Director
Kaitlyn Norwood, MS Assistant Band Director
Brandon Holt, MS Assistant Band Director
Hayden Gish, Percussion Specialist
Students receive state-wide honors for exemplary achievement in the Visual Arts.
Two students received Gold Seals for their art through the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) VASE event. The State Gold Seal medallion is the highest achievement a student can earn in Texas.
Carolina Miao, PHS, for “Spring”
Violet Delaney, Teacher
Claire Fassett, RHHS, for “Connections”
Gina Mock, Teacher
Johnson Elementary School 5th grade choir performs a musical extravaganza
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
The administration provided a report on Bond 2019 construction projects.
The administration provided the Quarterly Financial and Investment Reports.
The administration provided an enrollment update.
The administration provided a report about the Model PLC program.
CONSENT AGENDA
9.A. Approve the minutes of the prior meeting(s):
- November 13, 2023
ADDITIONAL ACTION ITEMS
The Board approved the following items:
9.D. Consideration and possible action regarding calendar for Public Information Act requests
9.E. Consideration and possible action on innovative courses for the 2024-2025 school year
9.F. Consideration and possible action regarding changes to Board Policy
PUBLIC COMMENT
- There was no public comment.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
CLOSED MEETING ITEMS
- The Board approved hiring contract personnel as presented
IMPORTANT DATES
- December 15, 2023 - Early Release
- December 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024 - Winter Break/Staff/ Student Holiday
- January 2 - Professional Learning / Student Holiday
- January 15, 2024 - School Holiday - Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- January 17, 2024 - First Day to File for a Place on the General Election Ballot
- January 22, 2024 - Regular School Board Meeting
- February 16, 2024 - Last Day to File for a Place on the General Election Ballot
- February 16, 2024 - Bad Weather Makeup Day
- February 19, 2024 - Professional Learning/Student Holiday
- February 19, 2024 - Regular School Board Meeting
VIDEOS OF BOARD MEETINGS
- Videos of Board meetings are posted within 7 days of the Board meeting.
- Board Meetings are also streamed live.
- Live Stream/Video Archive
PROCESS FOR SPEAKING AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Prosper ISD Board of Trustees welcomes public comment at Board meetings. In order to provide an efficient process at the Board meetings, we ask that individuals complete the Public Comment Form and submit it no later than noon on the day of the meeting. The Notice of Meeting/Agenda is posted 72 hours in advance of the Board meeting.
Prosper ISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent of Schools
From left: Board Member Tommy Van Wolfe, Board Member Jim Bridges, Board President Bill Beavers, Board Vice President Dena Dixon, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Holly Ferguson, Board Member Garrett Linker, Board Member Kelly Cavender, and Board Secretary Jorden Dial.
Visit the Board of Trustees website
Best Public Schools in Texas
Prosper ISD has an established 66-year history that is grounded in the humble roots of a farming community, now soaring to the fastest growing school district in the State of Texas, due in no small part to the pursuit of excellence in the arts, academics and athletics. Our students are routinely recognized on the local, state and national level for outstanding achievements, and our teachers are highly qualified experts who bring out the best in every student.
About Prosper ISDProsper ISD is a school district located north of Dallas in Collin and Denton Counties. The district spans approximately 58 square miles and serves more than 28,000 students in 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools and one early childhood school.
Email: communications@prosper-isd.net
Location: 605 East 7th Street, Prosper, TX, USA
Phone: 469-219-2000