FISD recognizes Top 10 students, award winners, and buys some land

During its regular May 09, 2022 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met to recognize many students, consider bond counsel, buy furniture and equipment for Elementary #10, The OC, buy some land.

  • Held a 50 minute executive session re:
    • Deliberation Regarding Employment of Professional Contract Personnel, Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code 551.074, Personnel Matters
    • Deliberation regarding Potential Purchase and Acquisition of Real Property, Kaufman County, Texas, pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code Section 551.072
    • Consultation with Attorney, Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code 551.078

  • U. S. Flag - Kaiden Clark, 12th Grade Student, North Forney High, introduced by Principal Mr. Jung, who said Kaiden embodies the spirit of True North, is in health sciences certified nurses program, student council, National Honor Society.  He worked in diversity program for inclusion of peers and teachers, is a singer.  His teachers say he is kind and diligent, graduating in top 12%, will attend Texas Tech, interested in being a cardiologist.
  • Texas Pledge - Eduardo Andres Cotes Cruz, Pre-K Student, Griffin Elementary, introduced by Principal Ms. Crabtree, who stated Eduardo is brilliant, helps his class follow rules, lives the Griffin Mission to have a positive culture.  He was accepted for music school, piano lessons.
  • Accepted donations of $5,137 for PE equipment and $2,331 for every student to purchase an item from the book fair, from Rhea Intermediate PTO.
  • Top Ten High School Students - (in reverse order, as presented at the meeting)
    • FHS
      • Tanner Williams
      • Carsyn Riley
      • Emma Stoy
      • Harrison Burkham
      • Aleeza Malik
      • Lauren Barbee
      • Sarah Ivie
      • Precious Amboh
      • John Bowen - Salutatorian
      • Czari Arpurado - Valedictorian

    • NFHS
      • Haley Wilson
      • Triniti Craven
      • Alyssa Hood
      • Ryan Arvizo
      • Samantha De La Hoya
      • Bella Aceytuno
      • Dana Yambao
      • Bailey Baird
      • Nhu Clarizio - Salutatorian
      • Madison Henzen - Valedictorian

  • Dallas College Graduates with Associates Degree, introduced by Ms. Robyn Pearce, Executive Director Innovation and Information, with guests from the Dallas Colleges -
      FHS
      • Daniela Cardenas
      • Chloe Chadwick
      • Chloe Crane
      • Emma Denning
      • Luis Flores
      • Logan LiVigni
      • Billy Louton
      • Carson Ray
      • Ashitha Saji
      • Brooke Vrba
      • Brittany Harris

    • NFHS
      • Keianah McFadden
      • Landon Praytor
      • Jaden Rankin
      • Sara Taggart

  • Academic All-State, introduced by Mr. Neal Weaver, Athletic Director

    • Golf
      • FHS
        • Chloe Crane
        • Austin George
        • Andre Kielczewski
        • Lilli Vehmeyer
        • Austin White

    • Tennis
      • FHS
        • Kaitlynn Gradt
        • Tanner Williams

      • NFHS
        • Cassie Dodds
        • Olivia Nelson
        • Jaden Rankin
        • Makayla Rooney

    • Soccer
      • FHS
        • Benjamin Espey
        • Kasey Carter
        • Chloe Chadwick
        • Paige Lewis

      • NFHS
        • Hannan Purl
        • Corina Salazar
        • Fallon Weatherford

  • Student Council - Dr. Judy Webber said this is a great honor, FSH student council received recognition from the National Association of Student Councils as a national council of excellence - they've actually earned a sweepstakes meaning they achieved an award in all categories the TASC offers.  Also, a top 10 Project of the Year called JackPack and a top 10 Video of the Year for same, and were awarded $1k scholarship to summer workshop.  Phillip Jenkins was elected to the TASC board for 3 years.
    • FHS
      • Emma Bean
      • Harrison Burkham
      • Chloe Crane
      • Carrie Curtis
      • Cecilia Frimpong
      • Lindsey Good
      • Kaitlynn Gradt
      • Harper Grossnicklaus
      • Keller Hammack
      • Easton Shaw
      • Shivani Sijith

  • Warren Middle School Cheer, introduced by Ms. Jenae Glanton, Coordinator, Fine Arts, won National Cheerleading Association (NCA) - Second Place Overall, and Technical Excellence Award.
  • Warren Middle School Star Steppers, introduced by Ms. Glanton, won American Dance Drill Team - Jr. High Champions, for the second time.  They also won other awards, including one in Lyrical and Jazz, finished Second in Best of the Best, were the highest ranking middle school team, won awards at the Showtime International Dance Contest, and first place in Best of the Best Officers and Team and Jr. High Grand Champions Officers and Team.
  • Recognize Forney High Highsteppers, introduced by Ms. Glanton, won HTE Dance - Grand National Champion, and the HTE Grand Champion Officers, Best Showmanship, Best Choreography, Super Sweepstakes Team Grand Champion.  Also won awards at ADTS DFW Dance.  And More.  National Dance Alliance (NDA) Bid, with 4600 dancers from 31 states, FHS finished 6th.
  • North Forney Sapphire Strutters, introduced by Ms. Glanton, won Danceline State Competition - Ring of Champions, 2nd Place Overall, and Dance Line Gold - the highest team score of the day.
  • Recognize Best Communities for Music Education - Dr. Webber said this is 8th year FISD has won, among 75 districts in TX and others from 44 states.  The award was given to Mario Luna.
  • Monthly Financial Report - Mr. John Chase, Chief Financial Officer, said General Fund revenue at 77% vs 74% last year; expenses 73% vs 69% (4% due to funding the Aquatic Center).  Food service - revenue 89% vs 42% last year, Federal reimbursement of 740k; expenses at 62% vs 60% last year.  Debt Service - no report, 100%, no activity.  Cash: 292 mln, most is bonds sold in Feb, burning through that building the OC and Elem #10.
  • 3rd Quarter Investment Report - Mr. Chase said 293 mln invested, interest rates from 0.038% to 0.25%, should start moving up now that Fed has raised rates.  Earned 108k.
  • 3rd Quarter Tax Collection Report - Mr. Chase said taxable value is 6.5 bln, levy of 88.9 mln, have collected 97 mln or 97%, slightly ahead of average.
  • Master Planning Update - Ms. Kim Morisak, Chief Operating Officer, said the 3 projects look good, should be ready in July at Willet and Johnson.  Griffin is wrapping up.  The OC was delayed by rain, but still on schedule, most of parking lot done.
  • Public Comment - none
  • Approved as one consent item:
    • Budget Amendment - documents show increased revenues: local:423k, state:1.1m, federal:179k, and many transfers: 35k for additional election fees, 20k for tuition in FACT, 2.9k for laptops, 10.8k for weightlifting equipment, 75k for software licenses, 6.6k teacher training expenses, 2.1k for UIL travel, 3.6k for travel to TX Music Educator Assoc, 3k FHS band design, 5.6k for student travel to competitions, and many smaller items.
    • Contract with The Flippen Group - documents show the contract is 290k; 21k from 21-22 budget, 54k from Title II funds, 215k from 22-23 budget.
    • Purchase of Police Vehicles - documents show 4 Tahoes for 207k.
    • TASB Risk Management Fund, IPA (Interlocal Participation Agreement)
    • Statement of Impact Form(s) from Charter School(s) Could Have a Major Financial Impact of Forney ISD
      • Harmony Public School - North Texas

  • Approved a resolution approving an engagement agreement for bond counsel legal services with Cantu Harden LLP and Walsh Gallegos Trevino Kyle & Robinson, P.C.; and other matters in connection therewith.
        Mr. Chase said was 2020 when last approved counsel, the person they've worked with, John Hall, is moving to another firm of Cantu Harden LLP, and co-bond counsel of Walsh Gallegos et al.
        Dr. Terry said it's a great team, want to continue working with them.
  • Approved purchase of fixtures, furniture and equipment for Elementary #10 and Keith Bell Opportunity Central
        Mr. Chase said in recent projects they asked for not-to-exceed permission, to speed things up, some delays are 180+ days.  These are done through purchasing co-ops, bidding is already done.  For elem #10 max 3 mln, The OC max off 10 mln.
        Dr. Terry said they would keep board abreast of the purchases and he appreciates their trust, providing flexibility.
  • Approved ratification of employment of professional contract personnel
  • Approved taking action on probationary contract employees - extending 4th year for the employee identified by administration in closed session.
  • Approved a resolution regarding the purchase of real property consisting of approximately 20 acres near the intersection of Akron Way and Gateway Blvd, and being a portion of Kaufman County Property ID No. 12971
  • Announcements
    May 18 Special Called Board Meeting - 7:30am
    May 23 High School Graduations - Forney High and North Forney High
    May 24 Last Day of School, Early Release Day
    May 26 Monthly Board Meeting
    May 30 Holiday/Memorial Day
    June 27 Monthly Board Meeting
  • Dr. Terry introduced Ms. Leslie Edwards as new Executive Director for Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, who has kids in FISD.
  • Adjourned at 1957.
meeting_date: 
Monday, 2022, May 9