Review key takeaways from the SBISD Board of Trustees  meeting, including the district’s academic achievements, updates on finance and bond projects, and discussions on campus safety and legislative priorities. The Board also reviewed recommendations for the 2025-2026 school year calendar. 

• Click here to view the full agenda for this meeting. 

Opening Remarks: The meeting of the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) Board of Trustees was convened by Board President Lisa Alpe, who began by expressing the community's sorrow over the loss of SBISD police dispatcher Jose Torres. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Blaine followed with an update on the district’s remarkable academic achievements, including top rankings in kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading, 8th-grade reading, and college readiness. These accomplishments were highlighted in a dashboard by Good Reason Houston, with SBISD also ranking in the 92nd percentile when compared to similar districts across Texas. 

Dr. Blaine highlighted the success of SBISD’s RISE early college program at Northbrook High School, where students are set to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. She also previewed the upcoming Tiger College Academy at Spring Woods High School, set to launch next year. 

In addition, Dr. Blaine provided an update on the district’s literacy materials adoption process, stressing the importance of teacher and public feedback in selecting materials that align with the science of reading and support dual-language programs. The district's superior financial management was also emphasized, with Dr. Blaine announcing the upcoming Whitley Pin audit report, which will mark SBISD’s 23rd consecutive year of receiving a superior rating for financial accountability. Finally, Dr. Blaine announced the upcoming School Finance Advocacy Team meeting, which will feature Representative Harold Dutton discussing public education finance. 

Watch it! Dr. Blaine’s passion for SBISD's growth and progress shines through in her remarks. Tune in to learn more about the district’s impressive standing as a regional leader in academic achievement and the exciting programs and initiatives shaping SBISD’s future. 

Beginning at 00:03:15  https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/320578 

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Sights & Sounds: Board member Chris Ernest introduced a special presentation during the meeting, highlighting the achievements of outstanding student-athletes in SBISD. This presentation focused on Frank Miranda, a student from Spring Woods High School, who is featured in district’s "Athletes in Action" series. Frank’s dedication to both athletics and academics exemplifies the qualities of a T-24 ready graduate, making him a role model for others. The video serves as a celebration of his hard work, leadership, and commitment to success. 

Watch it! Don't miss Frank Miranda's inspiring story of excellence in both the classroom and on the track. The video showcases his achievements and the spirit of determination that makes him a standout student in SBISD. 

Beginning at 00:17:57  https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/320578 

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Recognition of #IAMSBISD Award Recipients: Board Member Caroline H. Bennett presented the I Am SBISD Award to Officer Tim Gierke, honoring his embodiment of the district's Core Values. Valerie Hernandez, director of Westchester Academy, shared student feedback describing Officer Gierke as kind, thoughtful, generous, caring, rational, and wise, always ready to help. She also highlighted his unique contributions, such as teaching life skills like tire changing, providing food for students and staff, and annually serving pizza to the senior class. Hernandez emphasized the emotional impact of his absence and the joy of his return, underscoring how Officer Gierke truly exemplifies SBISD’s Core Values. The presentation concluded with congratulations on his well-deserved recognition. 

Watch it! Don’t miss Officer Tim Gierke’s story of dedication and service to the SBISD community. The video highlights his commitment to students, his unique contributions, and how he embodies the district’s Core Values every day. 

Beginning at 00:00:000  https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/320578 

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Presentation of Audit Report by Whitley Penn: The audit report for SBISD for fiscal year 2024, presented by Whitley Penn, highlighted the district’s strong financial health and effective management. Key findings include: 

• Clean Opinion: SBISD received an unmodified (clean) opinion, meaning its financial statements were fairly presented in line with GAAP. 
• Internal Controls: No weaknesses or deficiencies were found in the district's internal controls. 
• Federal Single Audit: The audit of $59.5 million in federal funds (including ESSER and Title I Part A programs) found no issues. 
• Financial Performance: General Fund revenues totaled $356.8 million, with 81% coming from property taxes. Expenditures were $372.8 million, with 61% allocated to instruction and related services. 
• Recapture Payments: Recapture payments decreased due to an increased homestead exemption. 
• Fund Balance: SBISD’s unassigned fund balance of $69.1 million represents 68 days of operating expenses, within the recommended range. 
• Debt Service & Food Service: No issues were found in the financials for the Debt Service Fund or Food Service Program. 
• Audit Process: The audit went smoothly with full cooperation from the district, and the auditor praised the district’s financial preparation and management. 

Recommendations going forward from the audit included: 

• Maintaining a current audit preparation. 
• Monitoring recapture payments, which may increase in FY 2025. 
• Managing the fund balance to ensure sufficient operating liquidity. 
• Uploading federal audit information to the clearinghouse within 30 days. 

Board President Alpe asked for clarification on fund balance, and the auditor explained it as working capital for day-to-day operations, not savings. It covers expenses like salaries and vendor payments until tax revenues are received. The auditor also emphasized that a healthy fund balance boosts the district's credit rating, reducing borrowing costs for future capital projects. 

Further Action: 

• Monitor and manage the fund balance to ensure financial stability and lower borrowing costs. 
• Maintain an adequate level of fund balance to support long-term financial health. 

The discussion reinforced the critical role of fund balance in the district’s financial strategy and overall creditworthiness. 

Watch it! Watch as auditor Whitley Penn presents SBISD's 2024 audit, highlighting a clean opinion, solid finances, and no major issues. Learn more about the district’s financial health and key recommendations for the future. 

Beginning at 00:33:23  https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/320578 

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Annual Report of Bond Oversight Committee/Bond Oversight Committee Report Summary 

The Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) presented its annual report to the Board of Trustees, reviewing progress on $1.28 billion in bond projects for Spring Branch ISD, spanning both the 2017 and 2022 bond programs. Kathy Goss and Lewis Gissel highlighted the committee's role in overseeing these projects, ensuring they align with bond priorities and are financially managed. 

Key Highlights: 

• 2017 Bond Program: By September 30, 67% of the $609 million allocation had been spent. The Spring Shadows campus project was canceled, with $41 million reallocated to other initiatives, including $22 million for Sherwood and Terrace elementary schools. 
• 2022 Bond Program: Progress was noted at Valley Oaks, Guthrie, and the Ag Center, with $47.4 million spent by June 2024—12% of the total bond issuance. 
• Committee Activities: The committee held 28 meetings and participated in over 70 Project Advisory Team (PAT) meetings, ensuring effective oversight at the campus level. 
• Budget and Timeline: All projects remain on schedule. 

The presentation also highlighted groundbreaking ceremonies and grand openings, showcasing how the bond programs are transforming SBISD’s educational experience and positively impacting the broader community. 

Watch it! Want to see how $1.28 billion in bond projects are transforming schools? Watch the Bond Oversight Committee’s annual report for updates on key progress, new developments, and the impact on students and the community. Don’t miss this inside look at how your bond dollars are being spent! 

Beginning at 00:54:43  https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/320578 

Click here to see a complete meeting schedule. 

Review key takeaways from the SBISD Board of Trustees workshop meeting, including notable academic achievements, important discussions on facility needs, and impactful advocacy efforts for school funding ahead of the upcoming legislative session. 

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Click here to view the full agenda for this meeting. 

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Opening Remarks by the Superintendent: Dr. Jennifer Blaine, SBISD superintendent, kicked off the workshop meeting by celebrating the district’s exceptional academic accomplishments, recently recognized in a Good Reason Houston report. She shared the news that SBISD ranks number one in the region for college readiness in both reading and math, reflecting the hard work and commitment of students, educators, and staff.  

Dr. Blaine also thanked the Board for its continued support and highlighted two key initiatives that would be discussed further: the School Finance Advocacy Team (SFAT) and the Athletics and Arts Stakeholder Committee (AASC). 

Watch it! Dr. Blaine’s passion for SBISD’s progress is clear in her remarks. Listen in to hear about the district’s impressive standing as the leader in college readiness and how SBISD is setting the bar for student achievement in the region.  

Beginning at 00:00:24 https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/319222 

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Discussion of Legislative Priorities: A key topic of discussion during the meeting was SBISD’s advocacy efforts in preparation for the 2025 Texas Legislative Session, which begins in January. Board members Courtney Anderson and David Slattery, who serve as the Board’s legislative liaisons, provided updates on the recent work of the School Finance Advocacy Team (SFAT) and underscored the ongoing need for state leaders to address persistent funding challenges for public education in Texas. 

They shared insights from the first of three SFAT meetings, where community members had the opportunity to learn about public education funding in Texas and discuss ways to advocate for SBISD schools. Both Anderson and Slattery emphasized that other districts across the state are facing similar financial difficulties. With the continued debate over school vouchers on the horizon, they stressed the importance of districts uniting with their communities to urge state leaders to adopt solutions that benefit students and families, both within SBISD and across Texas. 

Anderson and Slattery also addressed the state’s potential approach to funding, which could allocate resources into designated "buckets" with attached restrictions. They emphasized the importance of allowing districts more flexibility (local control) in how funds are allocated, so they can make decisions that best meet the needs of their students and communities. 

Courtney Anderson expressed optimism about the expanding coalition of districts, saying, “We’re no longer just Spring Branch standing alone. Districts across the state are coming together to demand change. The more districts we can unite, the stronger our voice will be.” David Slattery echoed her sentiment, adding, “It’s not just Spring Branch asking for funding. Districts all over the state are feeling the pressure, and we’re joining forces to push for meaningful change.” 

The Board also discussed the upcoming finalization of its Legislative Priorities document, a key tool for guiding the district's advocacy efforts during the legislative session in the coming months. 

Watch it! This is your chance to hear firsthand how SBISD is teaming up with other districts to make a bigger impact in Austin. Their united front could be a game-changer for public education in Texas. Watch the video to learn more about the district’s advocacy plans and the power of collaboration.  

Beginning at 00:03:49 https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/319222 

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Discussion of Future Facilities Planning: A major focus of the meeting was the district’s future plan for aging athletic and performing arts facilities, which are in need of significant upgrades and repairs. Board member Chris Earnest shared insights from recent community and stakeholder meetings held by the Athletics and Arts Stakeholder Committee (AASC). He highlighted serious safety concerns and infrastructure issues found across the district, particularly in facilities like the 50+-year-old Tully Stadium, the outdated W.W. Emmons Natatorium, and numerous school gyms and competition fields. 

Earnest highlighted the critical need for investment, citing a range of pressing issues, including raw sewage on floors, insufficient competition spaces, mounting maintenance costs, and serious safety hazards. His recent tour of district facilities revealed the extent of the challenges in maintaining safe, functional spaces for both students and the broader community. 

Board President Lisa Alpe emphasized the importance of addressing these needs, saying, “Athletics is visible, and it doesn’t make a great impression. We have to be more competitive. School spirit is a thing.” Board member Courtney Anderson also highlighted the potential for revenue generation through facility upgrades, noting, “Beyond making necessary updates to our athletic facilities, there may also be opportunities for revenue generation by hosting community events.” 

The Board is actively exploring how a bond could be used to fund these upgrades, with the possibility of creating revenue-generating opportunities as part of the investment in the district’s future. The AASC has two additional meetings scheduled—one in January and another in February—and the Board will review a comprehensive facilities assessment report during their December retreat. 

Watch it! This portion of the meeting reveals the challenges SBISD faces in maintaining aging facilities, as well as the potential solutions. If you're interested in how the district is evaluating its infrastructure needs and taking steps to address them, this is a must-watch. 

Beginning at 00:21:42 https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/319222 

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Discussion of New Election Process for Harris Central Appraisal District Board: In this portion of the meeting, Christine Porter, associate superintendent for finance, explains the new process for electing directors to the Harris Central Appraisal District Board.  

She outlines key next steps and details the upcoming voting decisions the SBISD Board will need to make as part of this updated election process. Get an inside look at how the district is preparing for these changes and the procedures for appointing and electing new members. 

Watch it! Beginning at 01:10:16 https://springbranchisdtx.new.swagit.com/videos/319222 

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Next Steps and What’s Coming Up 

• The Board will continue refining its Legislative Priorities and engaging with neighboring districts to advocate for more equitable funding as the 2025 Legislative Session approaches. 
• Work on the district's facilities planning will intensify, with a detailed facilities assessment and preliminary cost estimates set to be presented at the Board's December retreat. 

Upcoming Meetings 

The next regular Board meeting will be held on November 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Wayne Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center, 955 Campbell Road. 

Click here to see a complete meeting schedule.