BISD Board recognizes All-Area, All-State band members

Wanda Nichols Photo BISD SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNIZES BAND MEMBERS -- Members of the Brownsboro High School ATSSB (Association of Texas Small School Bands) All-Area and All-State bands were recognized during the BISD School Board's regularly scheduled meeting Monday night in honor of their achievements. Pictured (L-R) with BHS Band Director Jeff Russell, are All Area Band members Tarah Thornton, Jake Brooks, Marla Pollard, Blake Richardson, Carter Maddox, Julie Travis, Jessica Scott, Amanda Parker, Kaylan McGaughey, Patrick Taylor, Mary Jones, Ruben Watson and David Barnett. In addition to the All-Area Band, Blake Richardson, Ruben Watson and David Barnett were named to the All State Band, and are in the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium in downtown San Antonio Feb. 14 - 17, auditioning for chair placements in the ATSSB All-State Band. On Sat., Feb. 17, they, along with the other members of the All-State Band, will present a concert beginning at 11 a.m.

Thirteen Brownsboro High School band members were recognized during the regularly scheduled BISD Board of Trustees meeting held Monday night, and given certificates for their achievements.

The following students placed at the top of their individual sections and were named to the ATSSB (Association of Texas Small School Band) All-Area band: Amanda Parker, oboe; Kaylan McGaughey, Jessica Scott, Julie Travis, clarinet; Mary Jones, contra bass clarinet; Blake Richardson, Tarah Thornton, alto saxophone; Jake Brooks, trumpet; Carter Maddox, Marla Pollard, French horn; Patrick Taylor, Ruben Watson, trombone; and David Barnett, tuba. Richardson, Watson, and Barnett were also recognized for being named to the ATSSB All-State Band.

"I'm extremely proud of these kids because they have worked very hard," BHS Band Director Jeff Russell said when addressing the Board.

In other business, Kent Harris, of Eubanks, Harris, Roberts, Craig Architects, of Tyler, discussed with the Board the development of a master facility/site plan for the school district. In January, members of the board conducted a walk-through of the district's facilities to evaluate existing conditions and study where improvements should be made.

Mr. Harris agreed to submit a written proposal that will prioritize those conditions in order of importance and return to the March board meeting to be held Monday, March 19.

"The critical thing is to understand the population growth and how it will affect enrollment," Harris said.

Harris said the proposal will include the documentation of existing conditions, needs assessments, surveys, and alternate solutions.

Harris also gave an update on the high school's vocational building and said the project is on schedule.

Instead of the purchase of three school buses at the cost of $77,000 each approved during the January meeting, BISD Transportation Director Chester York asked the Board to allow him to purchase two buses, and use the remaining money to replenish a portion of the District's van and car fleet, used by faculty, coaches and employees for school trips, meetings and workshops.

York said three of the district's vehicles show more than 200,000 miles.

"They're just flat wore out," he said. "We can get by with two buses instead of three."

The Board approved the purchase of three Impalas and one Suburban for about $81,000.

The Board also approved roof repairs at the former and current Administration buildings using the Duro-Last Roofing System, at a cost of $35,978. The system, which carries a 15-year warranty, is made up of a material that is also used to transport toxic waste and proves durable.

Parent Involvement Coordinator Perry Eaton presented to the Board his Safe House Program to be placed on the school's website. Eaton submitted a letter to the Board from Henderson County Sheriff Ronny Brownlow endorsing the program.

Once established, the Safe House Program will allow parents to log on to the BISD website, click on a few links, and promise any parties held at their home will be drugand alcohol-free, and any weapons will be locked away. Parents will commit to being at home when their children are having parties. Parents can also log on to view a list of parents committed to the program.

Eaton said the program will be at no cost to the school district.

Eaton also discussed redesigning the school district's website in order to make available any and all information to parents.

"Getting information to the home is vital," Eaton said.

Eaton said once complete each teacher will have their own web page to display lesson plans and other pertinent information. Parents will be automatically notified of updates by clicking on the "notify me" icon.

"We're just real excited what this website will be able to do," Eaton said. "We'll be able to put out quality information."

Other projects Eaton has in the works are signs to promote the school district hung in various areas throughout the Brownsboro and Chandler area, and possibly a student run radio station.

With two seats coming up for election on May 12 the Board ordered a Trustee Election with voting locations at Brownsboro Junior High cafeteria, Chandler City Hall, and Moore Station water system building.

Since spring break falls the week of March 12, the school board approved moving their regularly scheduled meeting from March 12 to March 19.

The Brownsboro ISD school board usually meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m., in the Administration Building.