April 11, 2023 Regular Meeting
|
|
|
The Klein Independent School District Board of Trustees met Tuesday, April 11, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting. This is a recap of the highlights of major actions and reports from the meeting.
|
President Rob Ellis • Vice President Cathy Arellano • Secretary Dustin Creager • Ronnie Anderson • Doug James • Georgan Reitmeier • Chris Todd
|
|
|
Legislative Priorities Update
|
The Board received a Legislative Priorities Update from Dan Schaefer, Chief Financial Officer. The update reviewed specifically the legislative priority of the budget. Key takeaways from the report include:
|
- Due to inflation, Texas school districts have endured historic cost increases over the last few years and are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of goods and services and maintaining workforces in a highly competitive environment. Per the Texas Comptroller, inflation from 2019 to January of 2023 was 14.5% and expected to be 5-7% over the next two years. School districts have not received an increase to the state-determined per-student basic allotment since 2019 which was determined based on 2019 operating costs. A historic increase in funding per student will be necessary just to maintain services under this elevated cost structure. Inflation has been sticky, and the likelihood of the price of goods and services reverting back to 2019 levels is remote.
- Legislators should prioritize students by investing meaningful new dollars in education through an increase to the basic student allotment and giving districts flexibility to address local needs.
- To have the same buying power as we did in 2019, the basic allotment would need to be over $7,100 just to maintain services. Any new requirements from the State would need to be funded as well.
- The Board and district leadership encouraged constituents to contact their local representatives to share their thoughts/concerns. For more information on how to contact your representative, please visit Find Your Legislator.
|
|
|
In other action, the Board:
|
- Approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for three 2022 Bond projects
- Northampton Comprehensive Renovation Project
- Klein Oak Renovation Project
- Klein Cain Classroom Addition Project
- As a reminder, the Board previously approved 2022 Bond projects at the following campuses:
- Doerre, Kleb, Klein, Klein Cain, Klein Collins, Klein Forest, Klein Oak, Hildebrandt, Northampton, Wunderlich
- Learn more at https://kleinisdbond.com/
|
|
|
Recognition of Valedictorians, Salutatorians, and Outstanding Educators from all Klein ISD High Schools
|
Klein ISD district administration is proud to introduce and recognize the valedictorians, salutatorians, and outstanding teachers from Klein High School, Klein Forest High School, Klein Oak High School, Klein Collins High School, and Klein Cain High School as we celebrate their outstanding academic achievement and impact in Klein ISD.
|
Recognition of the UIL State Wrestling Athletes
|
During the weekend of February 17-18, Klein ISD wrestlers participated in the UIL Wrestling State Tournament. Our Klein ISD competitors had a remarkable performance this year, securing both gold and silver medals! In the Boys 175lb class division, Isaac Sheeran from Klein High School took 1st place, while Nico Lozano from Klein Cain secured 2nd place. Timothy McGuire, also from Klein High, earned 2nd place in the Boys 132lb class division. In the Girls category, Rylee Ferranti from Klein Oak achieved 1st place in the 185lb class division, and Talyn Naylor from Klein Cain won 2nd place in the 145lb class division. We are immensely proud of these skilled student-athletes for their outstanding performance at the state championship meet. Congratulations to all!
|
The Board recognized our eight National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists. Established in 1955, this program recognizes and awards scholarships to students based on their performance on the PSAT taken during their junior year. To compete for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must meet several criteria to progress to the Finalist stage. This entails submitting a comprehensive application documenting the Semifinalist's academic achievements, involvement in school and community activities, leadership experience, employment history, and any honors or awards received. Additionally, an essay, further test scores, and a school official's endorsement are required.
Eight Klein ISD students were designated National Merit Scholarship Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and were recognized for their academic achievement. In total, Klein ISD had 38 students from all five high schools earn the commended status. Finalists from the high schools include:
|
- Elliot Anders (Klein Oak)
- Samaya Castro (Klein High)
- Calvin Chiu (Klein Cain)
- Kevin Gibbs (Klein Collins)
- Alishba Nathani (Klein High)
- Fagun Shah (Klein High)
- Abdulla Usman (Klein High)
- Joshua Wrobbel (Klein Cain)
|
Fine Arts Educators Receive International and State-Level Recognition of Excellence
|
Congratulations to both Krimmel Intermediate Band Director, Stetson Begin, and Klein Cain Orchestra Director, Sundas Mohi-Truong, for their respective achievements in music education. Stetson received the Outstanding Young Bandmaster Award from the International Bandmasters Fraternity, recognizing his commitment to excellence, passion for music, and devotion to students. This honor is given to a young educator with less than 10 years of experience who has made a significant impact on the profession.
Similarly, Sundas was named the Marjorie Keller Outstanding Young Music Educator by the TexASTA board, an esteemed annual award that acknowledges a young Texas Music Educator who has demonstrated exceptional service and promising potential in K-12 string education. Nominees for this recognition exemplify the highest standards of excellence in string teaching across Texas. We celebrate the accomplishments of both Stetson and Sundas as they continue to inspire students and foster a love for music in their classrooms.
|
Klein ISD Distinguished Alumni
|
Klein ISD is proud to recognize Derek Zhao as our distinguished alumni for the month of April. Mr. Zhao is a proud graduate of Klein Oak High School and was nominated by Trustee Cathy Arellano.
|
Stand Up for Klein ISD Students and Staff
|
This month, the Stand Up for Klein ISD Students and Staff recognition goes to The Champion Forest Women's Club. As a social and service organization, the club fosters a strong sense of community by supporting students, educators, and families across several Klein ISD campuses through their dedicated service. Klein ISD expresses its gratitude to The Champion Forest Women's Club for promoting positive collaborations within the Klein community and for their unwavering support of both Klein ISD and Texas Public Schools.
|
This month, an open special meeting was held on Monday, March 24, 2023, by our Board of Trustees to discuss the impacts of proposed rule changes to the state accountability system. Additionally, in this meeting was a discussion of elementary campuses nearing 120% of building capacity.
|
Visit the Klein ISD Flickr account to view photos from Klein ISD’s board meetings and other district and school events. To view the agenda published at least 72 hours in advance of the regular meeting, click here.
|
|
|
Klein ISD Board of Trustees
|
|
|
Pictured left to right: Doug James, Secretary Dustin Creager, Georgan Reitmeier, Chris Todd, Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown, Ronnie Anderson, Vice President Cathy Arellano, President Rob Ellis
|
|
|
In Klein ISD, every student enters with a promise & exits with a purpose.
|
|
|
7200 Spring Cypress Road, Klein, Texas 77379 | https://kleinisd.net | (832) 249-4000
|
|
|
|
