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NISD Board encourages input

October 20, 2021 - 00:00
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School board meetings have garnered negative spotlight throughout the country recently, and Navasota Independent School District Board of Trustees want to assure the public they are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings.

Participation at board meetings in recent months has been entertaining in some areas,” explained NISD Superintendent Dr. Stu Musick. “Navasota ISD is very fortunate that the participation we have had has always been very positive, professional and very productive toward the end-goal of student, staff, district and community success. Mr. [Paul] Malek expressed the desire to have some discussion as well as even a possible resolution addressing the need and desire to encourage participation at board meetings throughout the community from parents, community members, staff members etc.”

Musick said the district reached out to their attorney about drafting a resolution, however the attorney stated the resolution would just state what the current policy already states. “Our legal and local policies at NISD already allow for not only the public participation, but also outlines the format in which that is done,” explained Musick.

Malek spoke on why he believes it was important to discuss community participation in board meetings. “My motivating thought in all of this is all of the negative news recently in national news – mainly in Virginia, not so much Texas, where school boards were trying to limit the parent’s ability to speak. That is not the case in Navasota,” stated Malek.

“Navasota Independent School District encourages parents to speak, and we respect the opinion of the parents. I just want to reiterate that,” explained Malek. “We are on this board because we love our children and our community, our neighbors are our friends and we encourage hearing from our neighbors.”

Board member Jennifer Ramirez stated she agrees with everything Malek said. She stated there is no need for a resolution because the board is very open about posting meetings not only in accordance with policy but also to social media encouraging community participation.

“Navasota ISD is not and does not ever intend to adopt policies that prohibit or discourage public participation and public involvement – whether it is at board meetings or school district events,” said Musick.

HOSA trip discussion

Navasota ISD Health Science teacher and HOSA sponsor Dalia Mendez and three students presented the board with a proposed trip to California. The trip will be both educational and fun.

During the eight-day trip, HOSA students will have an opportunity to visit many landmarks including Alcatraz, the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, with many healthcare educational stops and learning opportunities.

Mendez stated the all-inclusive trip will cost approximately $2,800 per students but includes everything except souvenir money. She anticipates taking the trip in June 2022, so students don’t have to miss school. Money will be raised through fundraisers including stocking the concession stand for athletic events, bake sales and via GoFundMe.

The proposal by Mendez was to allow Mendez to give details of the trip and answer any questions from the board. The trip will be on the agenda for possible approval at the November board meeting.

Action Items

• Approved Alba Educational Consulting, LLC exceeding over $50,000 for 2021-2022 school year.

• Approved District Improvement plan. The District Improvement Plan for each campus was presented by campus principals in a special board meeting before the regularly scheduled meeting.

• Approved NISD joining Southeast Texas Purchasing Coo-p (SETX Purchasing Co-op) through Region 5. The Co-op is free to join and allows the district to contract with businesses registered with the co-op for various services.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Monday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m.