Final Annual Academic and Facilities Recommendations: Garcia and Pearce Middle Schools Program Design, District 1

The superintendent sought board guidance on the level of support among trustees for a proposed Garcia and Pearce middle schools program design. The superintendent reported that a planning team, which began work during September 2012, has reviewed research, engaged the community, vetted three scenarios, and visited four single-sex model campuses to observe first-year and established models.

While acknowledging the complexity of the situation and recognizing that community input has been mixed, the planning team has reached consensus to encourage the board to consider the establishment of two single-sex schools in the combined attendance area for Garcia and Pearce middle schools.

Final Annual Academic and Facilities Recommendations (AAFRs): School for Young Men

The superintendent sought board guidance on the level of support among trustees for establishing a School for Young Men modeled after the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. The school initially would enroll 230 students in sixth and seventh grade. Each year, enrollment would increase by 115 entering sixth grade students until the school fully is enrolled with students in grades 6-12.

The superintendent also sought guidance on the level of board support for a planning team recommendation that the School for Young Men be located at the current site of the Alternative Learning Center, provided voters approve facility renovations a part of an upcoming bond program. The Moody Foundation has approved $4.6 million in funding over the next several years for such a project if it is approved by the board.

Discussion of Internal Audit Structure for Spring 2013 and Beyond

At the Jan. 28 regular board meeting, the trustees are scheduled to take action on the 2012-13 Spring Audit Plan, which lists audits the district’s internal audit department will conduct during spring of the fiscal year ending Aug. 31. AISD’s interim director of internal audits was available to respond to questions from trustees prior to the Jan. 28 board action.

Administrative Response for Gibson Consulting Group Risk Assessment Recommendation

The administration has advised that the board consider both transitional and supplemental services to support the function and move forward to hire a director for internal audit. The Gibson Consulting Firm has proposed various service solutions the board could access to provide supplemental, interim, transitional and full out-sourcing internal auditing services.

Board Development: Blended Learning

At the request of trustees, staff members provided background information for a board dialogue about blended learning, an instructional strategy that is part of the plan for the Travis Heights in-district charter school, and is surfacing as a viable option in K-16 schools.