SCHOOL NEWS
BISD accepts audit, hears concerns about new rating system
By BARBARA GREEN
Bowie School Trustees met for the final session of 2016 Tuesday accepting the 2015-16 audit and hearing about possible issues pending in the 2017 State Legislative session.
The district received a “clean audit,” with no deficiencies reported Stephen Gilland, local certified public accountant who prepared the audit. He touched on the highlights.
The district’s total revenues decreased 14.9 percent ($2.8 million) resulting mostly from a decline in tax revenues and state foundation aide offset by an increase in state and federal funded special revenue programs.
Local tax revenues decreased 5.6 percent ($737,000) state foundation aide decreased by 50.5 percent ($1.5 million. State and federal funded special revenue fund programs increased 27.9 percent $600,000.
The total costs of all programs and services increased 3.4 percent ($594,000) due to increases in costs in several areas with the largest in instruction.
The cost of all activities this year was $18.15 million. Gilland pointed out that $12.47 million was financed with local property tax dollars.
Superintendent Steven Monkres told the board about two major issues discussed at last week’s Texas Association of Mid-size Schools legislative conference in Austin: A-F rating system and vouchers.
The new rating system has not been well-received in the education community and the association is opposed to its implementation. Monkres said the system has no adjustment for different demographics of students.
“We don’t know the rules yet but it appears to be a system set up for failure. It compares districts, noting no difference between Bowie and Southlake ISDs. Any changes will have to come from citizens not just the education community,” said Monkres.
The rating system looks like it will operate on something of a bell curve comparing districts, but not on an equal basis.
Read the full story in the weekend News.
Trustees of the Bowie Independent School District will swear in its new board members and reorganize its officers when they meet at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 18.
The agenda opens with canvassing of the election votes, followed by the oath of office to Jacky Betts in place one and Angie Christmas in place two. The board will then elect officers including president, vice president and secretary.
Action items begin with presentation of the 2023-24 outside audit offered by Paul Fleming of Edgin Parkman Fleming and Fleming, PC.
The annual public hearing on the district’s Financial Integrity Rating System report will be presented. The district usually receives a 100% on its report.
Superintendent Blake Enlow will discuss board training opportunities and the junior high all region band hosting on Nov. 19 at the high school. Lee Robertson will give a technology department update on its audit and eSports vulnerability information.
The campus administrators and athletic director will give monthly reports and a soccer club update, while the finance director will give business reports.
Other agenda action items include action on the 2024 tax roll and updates to the board operating procedures.
Special agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency spoke to Bowie High School students during Red Ribbon Week activities last week. The DEA’s In The Air helicopter and four agent/pilots brought the aircraft for students to see up close. They also talked about their careers, as did members of the City of Bowie Fire and Police Departments. BHS Principal Joanne Keeler had her photo taken with the crew. (courtesy photo)
Bowie High School’s Mighty Marching Maroon competed at regional marching contest last week, but unfortunately it did not advance.
Director German Torres said the students did very well and they were proud of their work this season. The band had advanced out of area from the weekend before.
“We came in 16th place (3A region) and the students were a little disappointed, but that is to be expected. We are now setting our sights on our Veteran’s Day program alongside the Christmas program,” said the director.
Nocona High School’s band will compete at area contest in Mineral Wells High School at 3 p.m. on Nov. 2.
The Pride of the Tribe is directed by Randy Brooks. Marching contests are open to the public to attend for an admission price of $5.
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