SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES DYANN WHITE AS CHIEF TAX APPRAISER

  

The Brenham School Board approved the hiring of a new Chief Tax Appraiser at Monday their evening meeting.  Dyann White will be replacing Willy Dilworth in that position as he is retiring at the end of the year after 20 years in the Washington County Appraisal Office.  White has 18 years of experience in the field with the Milam County Office, serving as their Chief Appraiser for the past 6 years.  She was the final selection from a pool of 11 candidates interviewed by a hiring committee made up of the 9 taxing entities in Washington County.

Jamie Woodall updated the board on the procedures developed for the rapid COVID testing that will begin January 4th.  She said that 3500 tests will be arriving at the Community Education building this week and that the rapid tests will be available free of charge to Brenham ISD students and staff members.  Testing will be done on Mondays and Thursdays and will begin the day before the students return to classes after the holidays.  Appointments will be necessary and up to 3 family members can be accommodated at a time.  Woodall said that it is a nasal swab test, and a parent will need to be present with the student.  Washington County EMS will be assisting in the testing, which will be scheduled every 15 minutes between 6:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

The board also heard an update from Assistant Superintendent Brandi Hendrix on the district’s attendance policy.  Letters will be going out to parents today if their children have missed 3 or more days without an excuse.  Due to COVID, a number of students have missed school, either in person or on line.  Hendrix said that while the district’s policy has not changed, the letters will be going out to remind parents that it is their duty to have their child attend school.

In other action, the board approved:

The district’s belief statements. They are as follows:

• In Brenham ISD We Believe ALL Students: Are our future and deserve in-depth, individualized instruction cultivated through personalized relationships with educators and others in the school community.
• In Brenham ISD We Believe ALL Teachers: Are the cornerstones to student success and in partnership with families, will advocate for the growth and development of all students.
• In Brenham ISD We Believe ALL Families: Are partners in supporting education and helping students reach their full potential through effective communication and collaboration.
• In Brenham ISD We Believe ALL Campus and District Leaders: Must be innovative, respected role models, excellent communicators, and closely connected to the community.
• In Brenham ISD We Believe the Superintendent: Must be a visionary leader and communicator who shares in the development of students and staff and maintains tradition while preparing for the future.
• In Brenham ISD We Believe the Board of Trustees: Is entrusted with setting a student-centered vision for the District in the collective interest of the community.

Superintendent Dr. Tylor Chaplin said that the mission and vision statements are still in process, and will be presented at a later date.

An Extension of Time to use the Families First COVID Relief Act Leave.  The time for district employees to use the act would have expired December 31, but is now in effect until the last day of school in 2021.

The bid from Green Lawn Care Services for the maintenance of the lawns in front of the various campuses in the district.  School district personnel will still maintain the grass areas in other parts of the campuses.