BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
The Brenham School Board approved their priorities list for the upcoming state legislature session during their meeting Monday evening. Among the priorities were fair and accurate accountability of public schools, adequate school funding, funding for Pre-K schooling, mental health services for public schools, and not using public funds for private schools that are exempt from the same requirements as public schools. The priorities letter will be sent to our State Senator and Representative, along with the State Board of Education.
BISD's Priorities for the 86th Legislature
The trustees approved a onetime supplement to the staff of $500. The supplement will be funded by an unforeseen tax payment from an oil well in the county, and 2 grants related to Hurricane Harvey. In 2016, the district also provided a onetime $500 payment to staff, and last year, it made a onetime longevity payment to staff based on their time in the education field.
The trustees heard a report on the new zero period for Brenham Elementary and Krause Elementary Schools from several students. The zero period will allow students who arrive early for school to participate in a number of activities that helps them prepare for the school day. The School board also received an update on the Aspiring Leadership Academy from Assistant Principals Steven Siemsglusz and Matthew Wamble. The program currently has 14 Brenham ISD staff members going through it to learn about the different roles and leadership requirements from others in the school district.
They also recognized two students, Michael Lehmann and Zebulon McCorkle. They were named Commended Students for the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program based on their scores on the PSAT. Also this month, Dr. Rachel Cook from the Berkeley Eye Center was awarded the “You Make a Difference” Award for her efforts in providing no cost eye exams to students and helping line up eye surgery for two Krause Elementary students.
The board accepted a monetary donation of $1,700 from the Brenham Band Parents for the new Band trailer. They also accepted donations of $5000 from Kolkhorst Petroleum and Premier Metal Buyers and an anonymous donation of $6500 to be applied to the new batting cages at the High School.
