Special Presentations

Diane Knapp, fifth grade teacher at Housman Elementary School, is SBISD’s April  Employee of the Month. She is a perfectionist who takes her teaching role very seriously. She is often found working early in the morning and late in the evening on any given day of the week. Diane is a team player who truly cares about every student in her classroom. Find out more here.

The April Volunteer of the Month is Patty Busmire--a motivated, enthusiastic, high energy advocate for children. As head of the Council of PTA’s School Supply Drive, Patty and her crew of volunteers helped more than 14,000 children start the school year off right. As chair of the Spring Branch Education Foundation’s Crystal Awards banquet, the event was the most successful one ever, raising more than $100,000 to benefit the district. And, as a key member of the citizen’s group supporting last November’s bond issue, Patty personally handed out more than 2,500 yard signs to help assure a victory. Find out more here.

The annual “Character Without Question” awards were presented to one student from each campus, prekindergarten through high school. Phyllis Wells, Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator, introduced each student to receive their award from Superintendent Duncan Klussmann and Board President Mike Falick. Students were recognized for outstanding character, honesty and positive actions demonstrated to teachers and fellow students. They show respect, caring and kindness to everyone and are always ready to “do the right thing” in all situations.

First of two public hearings held

Trustees held the first of two public hearings and discussion of the draft preliminary budget for FY 2009. No patrons addressed the Board.

Karen Wilson, Associate Superintendent for Finance, gave a brief overview of the budget development process, which began last October and included input from numerous employee representatives and community members. The state’s current finance formula has frozen revenue for public education, with no allowance for inflation, increased utility costs, fuel, health care insurance, salary increases or state mandates. And, the state provides no funds for school facilities or construction. Even when local property values go up, revenue for school districts remains the same. Any increase now goes to the state to reduce its share of funding public education. Lawmakers have also failed to address Texas’ “Robin Hood” funding formula, which continues to take millions of Spring Branch tax dollars away from local schools.

Trustees will hold a second public hearing on May 21 before adopting the budget.

In other action, the Board of Trustees… 

• heard board member liaison reports
• approved contracts totaling $5.5 million for school improvements, curriculum & instruction and technology
• approved grants totaling $1.5 million from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the U.S. Department of Education
• discussed recommendations of the Academies Task Force