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THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

AGENDA

Board of EducationMeeting

January 13, 2011

THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Agenda Index

A. Superintendent’s Priority Items E. Human Resources

B. Board of Education F. Business Operations

C. Closed Session (Closed to Public)

G. Finance

D. Academic Services

H. Other

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Greg Meyers, President Paula M. Harris, First Vice President

Carol Mims Galloway, Secretary Anna Eastman, Assistant Secretary

Manuel Rodríguez Jr. Michael Lunceford Harvin C. Moore

Lawrence Marshall Juliet Stipeche

Terry B. Grier, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDAJanuary 13, 2011

Table of Contents

A-1.SUPERINTENDENT'S INFORMATION ITEMSA-1a Debt Management Activity Report

Debt Management Activity ReportA-1b Combined Charities Campaign Report

Top Contributors List

A.SUPERINTENDENT'S PRIORITY ITEMSA-1 Major Business Projects Status Reports

Benefits Status Report Food Services Status Report PeopleSoft Status Report SAP Status Report SIS Status Report

B.BOARD OF EDUCATIONB-2 Approval Of Legislative Agenda For 112th Congress, First SessionB-3 Approval Of Annual Training Needs For Members Of The Board Of Education, January 1, 2011 Through December 31, 2011

Annual Assessment of Board Training Needs

C-2.PERSONNEL (CLOSED TO PUBLIC)

C-3.LEGAL MATTERS (CLOSED TO PUBLIC)

C-4.REAL ESTATE (CLOSED TO PUBLIC)

D.ACADEMIC SERVICESD-1 Approval Of The 2011-2012 School Calendar (WITHDRAWN)

2011-2012 School Calendar Book(WITHDRAWN)D-2 Acceptance Of Funds And Authority To Negotiate And Execute An Agreement Renewal With The Texas HIPPY Corps-University Of North Texas For The Home Instruction For Parents Of Preschool Youngsters Program

HIPPY Budget Attachment HIPPY Participating Schools

D-3 Approval Of Proposed Boundary Adjustment For William B. Travis Elementary School And James Ketelsen Elementary SchoolD-4 Acceptance Of Funds From The Council For Economic Education For The Economic And Financial Literacy Initiative Grant For The Houston Independent School District And Authority To Negotiate And Execute Contracts

Budget-Council for Economic Education Math Stars Financial Literacy Preliminary Results

E.HUMAN RESOURCES

F.BUSINESS OPERATIONSF-1 Approval Of Crime Insurance Premium For Second Year Of Three Year PolicyF-2 Authority To Execute And Amend Construction Contract For Frank Black Middle School RenovationsF-3 Authority To Execute And Amend Construction Contract For Eugene Field Elementary School And Memorial Elementary School RenovationsF-4 Authority To Execute And Amend Construction Contract For Buchanan Grimes Elementary School RenovationF-5 Acceptance Of Funds From The Texas Commission On Environmental Quality And The Railroad Commission Of Texas For The Purchase Of Propane Fueled School Buses And Associated InfrastructureF-6 Authority To Execute And Amend Construction Contract For Crispus Attucks Middle School And Jesse H. Jones High School Renovations

G.FINANCEG-1 Approval Of Consultant And Professional-Service Contracts And Ratification Of Bid Waiver Projects

Consultant Requests Ratifications

G-2 Approval Of Vendor Awards For Purchases Over $100,000 And Ratification Of Vendor Awards For Purchases Under $100,000

Purchasing RequestsG-3 Authority To Renew Contract With Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, L.L.P. For Delinquent Tax Collection ServicesG-4 Authority To Establish A 401(A) Through An Inter-Local Agreement With The Texas Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN)

H.OTHERH-1 Acceptance Of Contributions From The HISD Foundation In Support Of Districtwide And School-Specific Programs H-2 Approval Of Current And Anticipated Donations For Districtwide And School-Specific Programs

Districtwide Donations SummaryH-3 Authority To Execute A Memorandum Of Understanding With The HISD FoundationH-4 Acceptance Of Funds From The Texas Education Agency For Eight Schools Awarded The 2011-2013 Algebra Readiness Cycle 2 Grants And Authority To Negotiate And Execute ContractsH-5 Acceptance Of Funds From The Asia Society For The Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Network For Two Schools In Houston ISD And Authority To Negotiate And Execute Contracts

Background - Asia SocietyH-6 Approval To Engage Professional Services Or To Authorize Issuance Of A Request For Qualifications (RFQ) For Redistricting Of Trustee Districts In The Houston Independent School District (HISD)

REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Office of Superintendent of SchoolsBoard of Education Meeting of January 13, 2011

SUBJECT: DEBT MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY REPORT

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) enacted a formal Debt Management Policy with the intent to improve the quality of decisions and provide justification for the structure of debt issuance. The guidelines set forth in the Debt Management Policy were developed to provide for the issuance and management of HISD’s debt portfolio. Adherence to the policy indicates to rating agencies and capital markets that HISD’s debt is being managed in a prudent manner.

HISD’s Debt Management Policy requires that the Office of Finance provide a report to the Board of Education semiannually detailing debt management activities and adherence to the policy. The attached report covers the period from July 1, 2010,through December 31, 2010.

A-1a

REPORT OF DEBTMANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Houston Independent School District

As of December 31, 2010

Attachment A-1a

FOREWORD

Pursuant to the Debt Management Policy adopted by the Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District, the Office of Finance shall periodically report to the Board debt management activities and adherence to the Policy.

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION

We hereby certify that debt management activities were conducted in compliance with the Board-approved Debt Management Policy.

________________ ________________Melinda Garrett Kenneth HuewittChief Financial Officer Controller

________________ Rick FairmanTreasurer

1

DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICYCOMPLIANCE REVIEWAs of December 31, 2010

Houston ISD Compliance SummaryCategory Compliant Comments

Debt Management Policy reviewed annually. Yes Approved by Board of Education on 06/10/2010.

Arbitrage reports prepared and reported in CAFR. Yes CAFR dated 6/30/10 reflects arbitrage liabilities prepared by contracted specialist.

Authorized types of debt issued in current reporting period. Yes Debt issued during the period included Contractual Obligations as authorized by Policy.

Variable rate debt <= 25% of total debt. Yes As of 12/31/2010 variable rate debt equaled 8.0% of total debt.

Refunded debt met net present savings thresholds of 2% Yes There were no refundings in the current period. for current refundings and 4% for advance refundings.

Legal debt limitation requirements met. Yes Attorney General letter on file with issuance documents.

District debt service tax rate limitation of $1.00 per $100 Yes Current debt service tax rate is $0.15 and total tax rate is $1.1567. assessed valuation and total tax rate of $1.70 not exceeded.

The District obtained credit ratings from at least two nationally Yes Current ratings are Aaa by Moody's and AA+ by Standard & Poors. recognized bond rating agencies prior to bond issues.

Required bond issuance reports filed with nationally recognized Yes Letter on file by bond counsel (Andrews Kurth) dated 12/14/2010 municipal securities information repository by bond counsel. indicating compliance.

The District filed CAFR with nationally recognized municipal Yes Filed by District in November 2010. securities information repository (NRMSIR).

Investment of bond proceeds meets Debt Policy guidelines. Yes Proceeds invested in segregated accounts and reported within the Districts Cash Management and Investment Policy.

The District met targeted debt service fund balance of 10% of Yes The debt service fund balance at 6/30/2010 was 58.0% of budgeted

total debt service at most recent fiscal year end. 2011 debt service.

2

SUMMARY OF DEBT ACTIVITYFOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2010 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2010

DEBT ISSUANCE

$14,500,000 Contractual Obligations Debt issued dated October 1, 2010 as Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations,

Series 2010.

The obligations mature in years 2012 through 2014.

Proceeds from the sale are to be used for the purchase of capital items and to pay costs of issuance.

3

SUMMARY OF DEBT ACTIVITY

DEBT PAYMENTS (7/01/10 through 12/31/2010)

Principal Payments $ 32,245,204

Interest Payments $ 81,363,046

Fiscal Charges $ 106,042

Total Expenditures $ 113,714,292

Other Financing Uses -Payments to Escrow Agents $ 0

Total Disbursements (Uses) $ 113,714,292

Note: This report is an unaudited management report and may not reflect final audited results.

4

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTDEBT SUMMARY AS OF JUNE 30, 2010

7/10 - 12/10 7/10 - 12/10 7/10 - 12/10

Original Final 6/30/2010 Activity Activity Activity 12/31/2010

Date of Interest Issue Maturity Debt Debt Debt Debt Debt

Issue Description Rates Amount Date Principal Sales/(Refundings) Principal Pymts Interest Pymts Principal

5/15/89 Series 1989 6.7 to 7.0 190,012,895$ 8/15/2010 4,686,417$ -$ 4,686,417$ 16,423,580$ -$

10/15/92 Refunding Series 1992 3.5 to 6.35 71,905,037 8/15/2014 30,112,062 - 165,000 697,725 29,947,062

1/01/97 Refunding Series 1997 5.2 to 5.375 31,435,000 8/15/2017 1,765,000 - - - 1,765,000

7/22/99 Series 1999C (QZAB) 1.54 8,000,000 8/1/2012 8,000,000 - - 61,600 8,000,000

8/01/05 Series 2003 4.0 TO 5.0 262,535,000 2/15/2033 219,090,000 - - 5,324,090 219,090,000

5/25/04 Variable Rate Series 2004 VARIABLE 300,000,000 6/15/2031 194,755,000 - - 212,930 194,755,000

2/10/05 Series 2005 3.25 TO 6.0 193,300,000 2/15/2032 142,995,000 - - 3,456,575 142,995,000

2/10/05 Refunding Series 2005A 4.25 to 4.46 198,078,577 2/15/2020 198,078,578 - - 4,138,294 198,078,578

9/21/05 Refunding Series 2005B 5.0 173,140,000 2/15/2024 167,640,000 - - 4,191,000 167,640,000

12/08/05 Series 2005A 4.0 to 5.0 104,700,000 2/15/2032 99,030,000 - - 2,444,975 99,030,000

11/21/06 Refunding Series 2006A 5.0 28,100,000 8/15/2017 28,100,000 - - 702,500 28,100,000

3/22/07 Refunding Series 2007 3.85 to 5.0 279,865,000 2/15/2026 279,865,000 - - 6,464,500 279,865,000

3/01/08 Series 2008 5.0 389,825,000 2/15/2033 389,825,000 - - 9,691,813 389,825,000

4/15/09 Refunding Series 2009 4.0 14,160,000 2/15/2012 13,810,000 - - 276,000 13,810,000

11/01/09 Series 2009A-1 4.0 to 5.0 68,920,000 2/15/2018 68,920,000 - - 2,477,900 68,920,000

11/01/09 Series 2009A-2 (BABS) 6.07 to 6.17 148,850,000 2/15/2034 148,850,000 - - 7,225,132 148,850,000

11/01/09 Series 2009A-3 (BABS) 4.76 to 6.13 183,750,000 2/15/2028 183,750,000 - - 8,175,135 183,750,000

5/01/98 Lease Revenue Series 1998A (PFC) 4.45 TO 5.43 46,246,108 9/15/2022 18,633,160 - 2,103,961 1,781,039 16,529,199

5/01/98 Lease Revenue Series 1998B (PFC) 4.45 TO 5.38 47,999,985 9/15/2022 20,339,553 - 2,994,827 2,535,173 17,344,726

4/01/06 Lease Revenue Series 2006 (PFC Food) 4.25 TO 5.50 33,600,000 9/15/2030 31,490,000 - 915,000 722,075 30,575,000

4/26/10 Lease Revenue Series 2010A (PFC El) 2.00 TO 4.00 16,070,000 9/15/2021 16,070,000 - - 213,334 16,070,000

4/26/10 Lease Revenue Series 2010B (PFC El BABS)5.24 TO 6.22 38,430,000 9/15/2029 38,430,000 - - 861,933 38,430,000

Bonds Payable 2,304,234,770$ -$ 10,865,204$ 78,077,303$ 2,293,369,565$

12/08/05 Contractual Obligations Series 2005 3.25 TO 3.75 21,000,000 7/15/2013 12,000,000$ -$ 3,000,000$ 217,500$ 9,000,000$

11/01/06 Contractual Obligations Series 2006 3.625 TO 3.75 13,000,000 7/15/2012 8,100,000 - 2,600,000 148,563 5,500,000



11/01/09 Contractual Obligations Series 2009 2.00 TO 4.00 23,500,000 7/15/2017 23,500,000 - - 569,577 23,500,000

10/01/10 Contractual Obligations Series 2010 2.00 TO 3.00 14,500,000 7/15/2014 - 14,500,000 - - 14,500,000

Contractual Obligations 75,855,000$ 14,500,000$ 16,245,000$ 1,512,642$ 74,110,000$

4/19/01 Maintenance Notes Series 2001 3.9 TO 5.45 100,000,000$ 7/15/2011 10,000,000$ -$ 4,900,000$ 250,000$ 5,100,000$

5/15/05 Maintenance Notes Refunding Series 2005 3.9 TO 5.45 61,245,000 7/15/2020 61,020,000 - 235,000 1,523,100 60,785,000

Notes Payable 71,020,000$ -$ 5,135,000$ 1,773,100$ 65,885,000$

Total Debt Payable - Principal 2,451,109,770$ 14,500,000$ 32,245,204$ 81,363,046$ 2,433,364,565$

Note: Activity includes payments made for Contractual Obligations and Notes Payable on 7/15/10 but w hich are accrued for Fiscal Year 2009-2010.

5

INVESTMENT AND CASH BALANCES

$0

$20,000,000

$40,000,000

$60,000,000

$80,000,000

$100,000,000

$120,000,000

$140,000,000

$160,000,000

BA

LA

NC

E

DATE

DEBT SERVICE FUNDPORTFOLIO BALANCE



SUBJECT: COMBINED CHARITIES CAMPAIGN REPORT

The 2011 Combined Charities Campaign (CCC) Committee recently reported that this year’s annual workplace campaign raised $494,795 in contributions. The combined effort of uniting 14 charitable federations that represent over 650service agencies and a once-a-year workplace campaign is advantageous for all involved. This contribution is another example of the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) caring and generosity toward those in need.

HISD provides its employees with a simple online pledge system allowing for contributions to be conveniently deducted from their payroll through a one-time or a 26-pay-period donation. The list of top contributors for the 2011 campaign is attached.

A-1b

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT2011 COMBINED CHARITIES CAMPAIGN

TOP CONTRIBUTOR LIST

Category* Top ContributorPledgeAmount

Principal/Supervisor Direct Report Coordinator

School Site

I Mading ES $8,288 Bente Gage Sam Sarabia Veronica Warrick

II Cullen MS $8,434 Clayton Crook Dallas Dance Gregory Granger

III Dowling MS $7,667 Kenneth Davis Dallas DanceMona Anderson,

Rosemarie Cumings

IV Bellaire HS $26,885 Tim Salem Aaron Spence Andrea Murray

Non-School Site

I Middle Schools Office $4,252 Dallas Dance Charles Morris Blanca Saldana

II Secondary Curriculum Instruction $3,365 Elizabeth Perrin Kim Hall Marisa Hartling

III Elementary Curriculum Instruction $5,551 Rachele Vincent Kim Hall Amanda Jost

IV Child Study $7,610 Michael Webb Sowmya KumarSuzanne Chamberlain,

James Hurst

*Category Description

Number of Employees Per Work Location

Category I II III IV

School Site 1-68 69-137 138-205 206+

Non-School Site 1-20 21-39 40-75 76+

Attachment A-1b



SUBJECT: MAJOR BUSINESS PROJECTS STATUS REPORTS

There are five major business projects currently in progress:

Benefits Food Services PeopleSoft SAP Business System

Student Information System

Status summaries are attached as reports to the Board of Education.

A-1

Benefits Status Report

Major Projects—Benefits 1January 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Purpose

The purpose of the Benefits Outsourcing Project is to apply best business practices and updated technology to the management of the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) benefits programs and processes. Services provided include general administration and call-center support, general benefits consulting, claim audits, actuarial support, wellness initiatives, and communications. The model is also being used with other organizations and uses collective purchasing opportunities when advantageous. Outsourcing allows HISD to access highly specialized resources on an as-needed basis and to share use of expert systems, thereby avoiding the cost of having such resources on staff. Strategically, HISD has moved toward consumerism plan designs, disease management, and wellness initiatives to best manage overall healthcare costs.

2011 Open Enrollment

The initial 2011 carrier files were sent in mid-December and the payroll production file containing the 2011 benefits elections and pricing was received by HISD on December 13, 2010. Ongoing administration for 2011 benefits began January 1, 2011, with the first ongoing payroll file sent on January 10, 2011. A debriefing of the 2011 Open Enrollment is scheduled for January 19.

Early 2011 medical enrollment figures have 99 percent of all employees in a medical plan selecting one of the four consumer options, with only 1 percent electing the Open Access plan. The increase in the consumer plans is a direct reflection of the 2011 redesigned plans, which included the elimination of the Choice POS II plan and the significant rate increase for the Open Access plan. The addition of the two new consumer provider networks designed to increase access to high-performing and cost-effective hospitals and specialists will enhance employees’ ability to be their own medical consumer advocate, which in turn should assist in managing the district’s self-funded plan.

Of the 17,753 enrolled in one of the Consumer Plans, 7,126 or 40 percent elected a Consumer Limited Option and 10,627 or 60 percent elected a Consumer Choice Option. Overall, 17,928 employees elected one of the HISD medical plans out of 24,544 benefit eligible employees, or an overall participation rate of 73 percent.

Attachment A-1



2011 2010 2009

Plan

Number Enrolled 11/29/10

% of Enrollment


% of Enrollment


% of Enrollment

Consumer Basic -Choice 3,018 12.3%

6,093 24.5% 5,612 22.7%Consumer Basic -Limited 4,471 18.2%Consumer Plus - Choice 7,609 31.0%

4,758 19.2% 4,661 18.8%Consumer Plus -Limited 2,655 10.9%Open Access 175 0.7% 6,746 27.2% 6,939 28.1%

Choice POS IINot offered 0.0% 911 3.7% 884 3.6%

Discount Benefits Plan + FSA 1,873 7.6% 1,602 6.4% 986 4.0%No Coverage 4,743 19.3% 4,735 19.1% 5,653 22.9%Total Eligible 24,544 100.0% 24,845 100.0% 24,735 100.0%

Due to the plan changes this year, multiple targeted supplemental open-enrollment communications, including employee meetings, e-mails, and Connect-ED messages, were developed and directed to eligible employees prior to and during open enrollment. As a result, employee engagement and active enrollment increased significantly over last year. As of the close of annual enrollment on November 19, 2010, 86 percent of the total eligible enrolled online or through the call center compared to 48 percent last year.

In December, HISD benefits coordinators conducted an outreach campaign to 2,181employees who did not enroll and were defaulted or mapped into a medical plan based on that employee’s 2010 medical plan. Benefits coordinators reached out to these employees through mandatory site-specific meetings to ensure employees were aware of and understood available 2011 medical choices. A recorded telephone message was also sent to these employees in December through Connect-ED.

In January, 2011, a welcome kit outlining the 2011 Consumer Plans will be mailed to employees. This welcome kit will provide employees with easy to understand information about how the Consumer options work, details about provider networks, precertification and 100% preventative care benefits. The kit will also provide information about filing a claim and other tools and resources available.

Discount Benefits Plan + FSA

The discount benefits plan + Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available to the 6,466 benefits-eligible employees who earn less than $25,000. This is not



insurance, but for the eligible employees who are not enrolled in a district medical plan, an FSA does provide a $500 district-funded flexible spending account (FSA) at little or no cost to the employee.

Overall, 5,016 employees elected one of the HISD medical plans or the discount benefits plan + FSA out of 6,475 benefit eligible employees, or an overall participation rate of 77.5 percent.

2011 2010


% of Enrollment


% of Enrollment

Medical Plan - Group A&B 3,145 48.6% 3,146 48.4%Discount+FSA - Group A&B 1,871 28.9% 1,661 25.6%No Coverage 1,459 22.5% 1,689 26.0%Total Eligible 6,475 100.0% 6,496 100.0%

Multiple targeted supplemental open-enrollment communications, including employee meetings, special open-enrollment packets, e-mails and Connect-ED messaging, were developed and directed to eligible employees prior to and during open enrollment. In December 2010, benefits coordinators reached out, through mandatory site-specific meetings, to the 1,489 employees eligible for the discount benefits plan + FSA who had not selected a medical plan, the discount benefits plan + FSA, or no coverage to ensure employees were aware of and understood the 2011 medical choices. A recorded telephone message was also sent to these employees in December 2010, through Connect-ED and the Benefits Outlook call center, HISD continued to contact employees individually by phone. These employees were informed through multiple communication tools that they could make corrections to enrollment elections prior to December 31, 2010.

Priority Medical Care Program and Domestic Travel Surgery Programs

As discussed in our Board workshops that took place earlier this year on April 22 and August 9, 2010, HISD continues to focus on reducing plan costs by continuing efforts to assist employees and dependents living with chronic conditions. These changes include expanding consulting services to include travel surgery anddevelopment of a Priority Medical Care Program (PMCP) with direct contracting for possible implementation as early as 2011. These changes will also require expanded data measurement and data warehousing resources. Mercer has successfully implemented these programs for some of its largest clients in other parts of the country with very good success. Savings opportunities vary by initiative with PMCP yielding up to 20 percent savings on claims from participants who have covered chronic conditions and with travel surgery providing at least 1:1 return on



investment for HISD and significant cost share savings for employees and covered dependents who participate. Participation in the programs will be voluntary, but will include cost sharing incentives for participants to encourage participation in these programs.

The PMCP program will provide enhanced care for those plan members living with chronic conditions that represent the top 20 percent of all medical claimants. The PMCP program will identify medical providers who will provide a specialized set of enhanced services designed to ensure participants get the right care at the right time in the right setting. This high-touch, highly personalized approach utilizes a primary care physician practice with the appropriate resources to interface regularly with each patient’s specialty providers, including mental health professionals. It uses a personal nurse approach that provides each participant with a personal nurse who has a close, personal, professional relationship with each participant. The nurse and physician practice provide 24-hour “concierge” access to assist participants with all health needs. If a patient has a medical problem in the middle of the night, the patient can contact the physician or nurse for assistance in determining the right course of action from someone the employee knows who knows the employee and the employee’s medical situation. If an office visit the next morning is the right course of action, the nurse or doctor can make those arrangements. If emergency care is needed, the medical care provider can direct the patient to the appropriate facility. The breadth of the care team includes mental health professionals that are available for consultation to assist the participant with the emotional aspects of coping with chronic medical conditions.

In order to maintain the program under the control of HISD and its partner districts, it would be necessary to enter into direct contracts with the selected physician groups.There is funding in this request for Mercer to provide the direct contracting services for the PMCP. These direct contracts with the physicians would provide for the additional duties and responsibilities as well as additional remuneration for the participating physician practices (likely on a per participant per month basis). To manage this program as well as to enhance the effectiveness of the 2011 medical plan, data measurement and data warehousing resources will be enhanced and expanded. The enhanced data warehouse will be utilized to identify eligible participants in the program, monitor the success of the program, determine physician success, and refine the program offerings.

To identify the providers, the consultants working on the project will reach out to providers in the area who appear to be able to provide the services based on physician practice coverage, clinical support, electronic medical records utilization,and other criteria. The consultants will work with the providers who meet the requirements, are geographically well placed, and are interested in participating in the program to establish direct contracts for these additional services.



Another piece of the 2011 strategy is to explore and implement, possibly as soon as 2011, a domestic travel surgery program. It will provide significant employee cost share avoidance for selected procedures if the procedures were obtained at a center of excellence selected for quality and efficiency. HISD and other THCP member districts as well as 4-6 other interested employers would contract as a group with a center of excellence for financial deals that outpace those offered to the national carriers in exchange for additional steerage to the highly efficient, high quality facilities. Once the program is implemented, ongoing maintenance of the program will be necessary. Any proposals recommended for implementation would be brought back to the board of education for contract approval.

Central Care Clinic Implementation

Effective January 1, 2011, access to low-cost care is available through Central Care Community Health Centers for employees enrolled in the discount benefits + FSA option. Central Care currently operates two federally qualified health centers in central and south-central Houston, offering low-cost physician and dental services.Employees can now receive physician care for $30 co-pay and dental care for $50 co-pay as well as discounts on other medical services. Although this new benefit is available only to employees enrolled in the discount benefits plan + FSA, Central Care does offer services to family members at affordable prices.

Best Doctors Implementation

Welcome kits will be mailed out in January 2011, to all employees for HISD’s new benefit, Best Doctors. Best Doctors, an independent third-party vendor, offers more than an expert second opinion when an HISD-covered participant receives a serious medical diagnosis. This advocacy service uses physicians who are recognized national experts to help confirm the diagnosis and to assist employees in understanding treatment options. The district is providing this service at no cost to all employees and family members enrolled in a district medical plan.

CVS/Caremark Pharmacy Benefit

As a part of HISD’s new agreement with CVS/Caremark, Mercer negotiates with CVS/Caremark to ensure that HISD and other THCP participants get the best possible pricing under the pharmacy management program. Mercer was able to negotiate significantly better pricing from CVS/Caremark for the 2011 plan year. It is estimated that the price reductions will reduce pharmacy costs to HISD by approximately $996,000.

Food Services/ARAMARK Education Status Report

Major Projects—Food Services/ARAMARK Education 1January 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Purpose

The Houston Independent School District and ARAMARK Education manage the Food Services Department. The goals are as follows:

increase student participation in all programs identify every eligible child for free or reduced-price meals provide employee training and a safe environment increase customer satisfaction earn recognition as a national leader in child nutrition and wellness among public

school districts

Food Services works every day to support student achievement through proper nutrition, and constantly reviews, modifies and improves the program to help reach the district’s goals.

Increasing Student Participation

A look at year over year meal counts comparing October 2009 versus October 2010, reports a 1.3 percent increase in reimbursable student lunches with 1,750 more lunches being served per day. The First Class Breakfast initiative continues to push breakfast to a remarkable 69.1 percent increase year over year, with currently 46,303 more meals being served each day. The First Class Breakfast initiative roll out was officially completed on Tuesday, November, 2010! A remarkable 214 schools are currently participating in FCB.

Free and Reduced Price Meal Status

The Student Eligibility and Accountability department continues to process free and reduced priced meal applications. To date, 104,229 paper applications and 3,063on-line applications have been processed as of November 1, 2010. A total of 9,407 applications were denied benefits.

As of November 1, 2010, 149,012 students are eligible for free meals and 14,170are eligible for reduced price lunch meals, for a total of 163,182. This represents 79.94 percent of student enrollment and is higher than last year’s October 30 eligible status of 78.63 percent.

Attachment A-1


Major Projects—Food Services/ARAMARK 2January 2011

On-line meal applications have been received at a record number that doubles last year’s total. The department anticipates use of this convenient and fast application process to continue increasing as the school year progresses.

Nutrition Education Leadership

Whidby Students Tour Food Services Support Facility

Students from Whidby Elementary School's 4th and 5th grades took a reprieve from their classrooms before the Thanksgiving break to come tour the Food Services Support Facility (FSSF). The students got to experience a full in-depth tour that took them through every production area of the massive building and learned what goes into making more than 260,000 meals per day.

Upon their arrival, students were greeted by Ace, the nutrition mascot. After hi-fiving, hugging, and taking pictures with Ace, students gathered in a large

trainingroom where Food Services Trainer Patrick Zinc and Chef Rachel Dunlap gave students an overview of the facility to give them an understanding of what the facility does. Then the students suited up with hairnets and lab coats to tour the 175,000 square foot storage and production facility which includes the:

bakery with ovens big enough to walk in, cook chill area where fresh hot foods are made

from scratch and chilled rapidly for transport, cold foods area where thousands of fresh

made salads and sandwiches are prepared each day, and

warehouse with refrigerators and freezers as big as a football field stacking items two stories high.

Students watched in awe as warehouse workers used forklifts to get products from shelves hundreds of feet high. As the students went through the cold foods area, they were surprised to see actual people assembling the sausage, egg and biscuit sandwiches they eat for breakfast. They then went through the freezer and



Brian Giles, Food Services Senior Administrator and Femi Afolayan, Food Services Accounting Manager with Helms Elem student

refrigerator areas blowing smoke with their breath, walking quickly to escape the cold. They were happy to get to the much warmer bakery area were they got to walk through one of the huge ovens that was not in use.

After the tour, students were allowed to ask questions about the food production process and the facility. And, based on the detailed questions they asked, the students were very interested in knowing a lot more about how the food they eat everyday is made. Students were then treated to fresh baked muffins, of course,made in the facility, and 100 percent fruit juice. And as a final treat, students went back to school with goodie bags containing fun, educational surprises from Ace.

Increasing Program Participation

Annual Thanksgiving Lunch Kicks Off Holiday Season

Food Services kicked off the holiday season with its annual Thanksgiving school lunch Thursday, November 18, 2010. Every year, a delectable menu is specially prepared for students, parents, teachers, and school staff. The traditional Thanksgiving menu included homemade turkey and gravy, dressing, seasoned green beans, whole wheat roll, and scrumptious sweet potato pie for desert.

The occasion serves as a great opportunity for teachers,

parents, and the community to come together and everyone looks forward to the event each year. This

year the number of guests reached almost 10 percent more than last year, with a total of 15,312 meals being served. Parents and family members not only enjoyed the tasty lunch but many schools also had extra special treats from the students. Students did everything from dressing up as pilgrims and serving as hosts to giving Thanksgiving-themed performances.

Over 75 Food Services management and administrative staff from the FSSF also took part in the occasion by volunteering to help serve at various schools. They were all decked out in chef’s hats decorated by Tinsley Elementary School second-graders. Brian Giles, Food Services Senior Administrator and Femi Afolayan, Food Services Accounting Manager, both served at Helms Elementary School, where media was invited to cover the festivities.



The excitement of the event got everyone in the holiday spirit and made everyone thankful to be a part of such a hard-working, dedicated organization. Food Services would like to acknowledge all employees for their teamwork in making the event a district-wide success.

Community Engagement

HISD Food Services/ARAMARK Sponsors American Diabetes Association in Walk to Fight Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association's walk/run event themed, “Together We Can Stop Diabetes,” held on Saturday, November 20, 2010, marked the 7th year of participation for HISD Food Services and ARAMARK. The annual walk/run is the only event in Houston serving people with all types of diabetes and uses funds raised to continue local and national diabetes research, community programs, education and outreach, and advocacy.

ARAMARK donated 1,000 apples, 3000 bananas, and 4,500 healthy granola bars for the walk/run in which more than 4,500 Houstonians participated. The event was held simultaneously in two locations: Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston and in The Woodlands, TX. Food Service’s nutrition mascot, Ace, was on hand to energize the crowds and exercise with participants concerned about finding a cure for diabetes.

After the walk, several participants stopped by the Food Services’ nutrition booth, where dietitians presented a visual demonstration of the amount of sugar found in common food items such as sodas and candy bars. Participants also learned about fat-reducing strategies, which are especially beneficial for avoiding or controlling heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Healthy recipes and information regarding healthy snacking and eating were distributed to parents and children in attendance.

The information shared with participants was designed to encourage them to take a pro-active approach to their own health by teaching them how to develop healthy



habits for themselves and their children. ARAMARK and HISD Food Services were pleased to support the cause in an effort to find a cure for this growing community health concern. Overall, it was a great day and the walk is estimated to have raised more than $450,000 to help find a cure for diabetes.

PeopleSoft Status Report

Major Projects—PeopleSoft Page 1 of 1January 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project PurposeThe purpose of the Human Resources/Payroll Project is to affect significantly the attainment of Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) goals through the application of best business practices and updated technology to human-resources and payroll work processes. The PeopleSoft system is used by schools, regional offices, and central office departments including Human Resources, Payroll, Budgeting, Accounting, Finance, Benefits, and Professional Development Services.

Project StatusThe PeopleSoft team is engaged in production support, performance-tuning, and leveraging the application by developing new functionality.

TASKS ONGOING OR COMPLETED DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD

PeopleSoft Online Position ManagementThe PeopleSoft team and Budgeting are completing all definitions, analysis, and design in order to finalize the construction of the new module. Budgeting and the PeopleSoft team will also recheck the project scope and review each business requirement to determine feasibility and alignment with the project deliverables against potential district initiatives that could impact the deployment of the online position module. All scope change documents have been completed and aligned with the business processes. The project has moved into the construction phase,and the PeopleSoft team is currently building the workflow routings for approval.

Non-Employee Data in PeopleSoftThe scope of the Non-Employee Data Project has changed and, as a result, the PeopleSoft team is currently re-evaluating the business requirements to include several other business areas within HISD that will require non-employee data from PeopleSoft to meet the district requirements for Public Education Information Management System reporting. Based on this change in scope, a new project kick-off meeting will be conducted with all key stakeholders to address each area’sspecific business needs as they relate to non-employee data. The current business processes flows have been captured, and the project kickoff meeting will be scheduled as soon as the availability of all key stakeholders is determined.

Time and Effort LogThe Time and Effort Project is on schedule for districtwide deployment on December 10, 2010. Time and effort training will be conducted on December 14 and 15 during open labs to supplement the training material provided to employees at deployment.

Attachment A-1

SAP Business System Status Report

Major Projects—SAP Page 1 of 2January 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Purpose

The Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) systems are used to support the business operations of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Key units that use the system to manage financial resources are Accounting, Finance, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury, Asset Management, Budgeting, Procurement Services, Warehouse, Rebuild HISD, Food Services, Construction and Facilities Services, and Transportation Services, as well as the general departments and schools that use the systems to manage financial resources. It is the goal of the SAP Projects Team to maintain, enhance, and upgrade the system to address the emerging needs of HISD users and capitalize on new technology.

SAP Business Warehouse/Business Intelligence Implementation (BW/BI) and the Enterprise Portal

The SAP Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Warehouse (BW) systems are reporting tools that enable access to the millions of records that reside in SAP through extraction, indexing, and organization of data into manageable packages for insightful analysis in a timely fashion.

Status: The BI team continues to receive requests to add additional data and create new reports in the SAP Business Warehouse for faster, more streamlined analytics in the system. The latest success was to convert an SAP production system Accounts Payable report that ran as long as 12 hours at night for one year’s worth of data into a BI report. The new BI report takes 26 seconds to run. The BI team plans on delivering more reports and functionality related to Finance, Warehouse, and Food Services in the first quarter of 2011. Additional plans include rolling out BI to casual users in the first half of 2011.

Supplier Relationship Management for Public Sector (SRM-PS)—Vendor Master Management and Registration of Supplier (ROS)

The SRM module in SAP allows suppliers (including potential and current vendors) to provide/update profile information to SAP via the HISD website. Additionally, it streamlines the procurement process from requisition to goods receipt by introducing internal catalogs to the requisitioner for district-contracted items that move straight into a purchase order that is immediately sent to the vendor.

Status: The pilot launched June 14, 2010, to Stephen F. Austin High School, Charles Milby High School, and various central departments. The pilot is still running, and plans to roll out districtwide are commencing. The training and communication plan

Attachment A-1

12/8/2010 SAP Business System Status Report

Major Projects—SAP Page 2 of 2January 2011

is in the process of being documented and finalized and will seek executive approval. Full roll-out is scheduled to start mid-January.

Ongoing SAP System Modifications

The SAP systems are modified through requests made to the SAP Change Control Board and approved by the SAP Steering Committee.

Fiscal Year 2011 Status: As of July 1, 2010, 76 requests have been submitted, 59 are completed, and 54 are in progress.

SIS Status Report

Major Projects—SIS Page 1 of 5January 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Purpose

The purpose of the student information system (SIS) project is to implement the Chancery Student Management System (SMS) across the district in collaboration with district stakeholders and internal customers, addressing its impact on student achievement, improving student services, and addressing accurate and timely reporting to federal, state, and local agencies. Student information traditionally consists of demographic data, special-population data, attendance data, grade reporting, and student information. SIS will not only provide the means to collect, store, and report on this information, but it will also provide the specialized functional capabilities associated with the business of effectively and efficiently managing elementary and secondary student data.

User Support

The general performance of the Chancery SMS system was acceptable for normal school activities through the month of December 2010, in the production database.

SIS continued to work closely with the chief schools officers (CSOs), school improvement officers (SIOs), principals, and school staff members to support information requests and data reporting. Significant support was provided to schools and Houston Independent School District (HISD) departments related to progress reports and report cards as the grading cycles were completed. Support was provided to schools and departments related to student membership and attendance, as schools continued to balance attendance cycles and prepared for internal audits. SIS also supported schools with student data coding for Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) reporting.

SIS continued to provide Chancery roles to new HISD staff members and staff members who have changed assignments.

SIS continued work in conjunction with Federal and State Compliance to assist with membership and attendance reporting, auditing, and related procedures. This project will be an ongoing collaboration with the goal of improving processes, procedures, and data quality across various categories of student data.

SIS continued to support schools and departments in the development of database scripts for the identification, reporting, and correction of student data quality issuesas well as scripted procedures for the mass entry of data to individual student records as appropriate. Functional areas affected include attendance, Career and Technical Education (CTE) coding, grade reporting, at-risk student coding, Internet safety, high-school graduation plans, historical transcript data, and student contact information.

Attachment A-1

SIS Status Report


Chancery Focus Group

A focus group of principals and other key district staff members was constituted in December to initiate an ongoing dialog with the SIS team regarding issues and problems schools have with Chancery SMS. The initial meeting identified that the purpose of the group is to identify things that are not working and identify areas that need improvement, so that SIS can investigate root causes, identify potential remedies, and together with the focus group develop and prioritize effective solutions for implementation in the production environment. Any area of concern that principals have related to the student information system is subject to review and not solely those issues related to software. The group will meet periodically at the convenience of principals and on a continuing basis to ensure that issues are understood and addressed and that system improvements for all schools and the district result.

External Support

HISD continued participation with technical and functional conference calls with HISD stakeholders. The calls address system-performance issues, data quality, software updates and hot fixes, system functionality and procedures, and system customizations, and report issues identified by school users and the SIS technical group. The SIS team has continued to work with Chancery to develop scripted solutions to address specific problems and data conditions for individual student records and schools. The SIS team is also involved in periodic status calls with GradeSpeed and Academic Services related to grade-book implementation.

SIS continued conference calls on an as-needed basis with Pearson School Systems Technical Support to review the status of outstanding support issues and also participated in calls to review the status of PEIMS development. Significant changes are to be made in PEIMS reporting for the 2010–2011 school year. SIS continues to work closely with Pearson to develop and evaluate solutions for the Classroom Link data collection. New record types and changes to existing records will require significant changes in the PEIMS data extract and may require changes to the base functionality of Chancery SMS. The 2010–2011 PEIMS data summer submission will include scheduling information for the first time, as well as course completion data for all grade levels. These changes are significant and will change how schools prepare for the PEIMS submission.

Pearson has under development a completely new functional and technical methodology for extracting PEIMS data for submission to the Texas Education Agency. SIS participated in a local meeting of the SMS Texas State Users Group to review the technical aspects of the new product and progress towards completion.This new functionality is to be delivered in time for the summer PEIMS submission.

SIS Status Report


Data Extracts and Integrations

The SIS team continued data extracts from the production database as required to support applications used by administrative departments and schools. These external systems include Food Services, Transportation Services, Textbooks (TipWeb), Battelle for Kids (ASPIRE), Campus Online, Easy Tech, Wireless Generation (Texas Primary Reading Inventory testing), School Health and Related Services online system (Medicaid), BlackboardConnect (formerly ConnectED), Title I, the Dell Foundation, Jobs for the Future, the Gates Foundation, Project GRAD,the Texas High School Project (the Big 8 data project), Cambium Learning/SoprisWest, PlascoTrac, Learning.com, ConnectEDU, Renaissance Learning, and others.

A new data extract process to generate automated telephone calls to parents of secondary-school students marked absent from school at first period was developed and remains ready for implementation subject to approval by CSOs.

SIS continues to work toward methods to interface electronically with Apex Distance Learning to receive online course information for the purpose of populating completed-course information into the students’ historical data records in Chancery.Additional work is being performed to populate Apex with student course enrollments based on scheduling in Chancery SMS.

SIS began working with the Special Education Department and the project core team to support the implementation of the PCG EasyIEP online Special Education management system.

SIS began working with the Guidance and Counseling Department to support the implementation of the Naviance college- and career-counseling software tool.

Data extracts were developed or modified in support of Cambridge Learning systems (under contract with CEP), ConnectEDU, Scholarships Plus, and the NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counselors) College Fair. An extract was also provided to the Magellan Group to support a review of campus capacity.

Testing Efforts

The SIS team continues to identify, test, and install additional performance-maintenance patches to improve Chancery SMS performance in the current production Release 7.4.

Review and testing of the Permanent Record rewrite in Chancery and the new Academic Planner module will continue, as SIS monitors several issues previously reported to Pearson for resolution. Many issues have been addressed with the new

SIS Status Report


release 7.5. The Permanent Record conversion is targeted for implementation in July 2011.

SIS continues to work closely with Pearson to test all aspects of state reporting for PEIMS for the 2010–2011 school year as newly updated code is delivered. Testing involves PEIMS, TRex (Transcript Records Exchange), and PET File submissions.

SIS received the production release of SMS Release 7.5 for final review and testing.Database schema comparisons were performed. SIS also performed a test of the Next Year Preparation (NYP) process prior to go-live with the process in January2011. Release 7.5 installation into production is targeted for January 14–17, 2011.

Customizations

SIS continued work to support the Graduation Plan functionality in Chancery SMS.SIS continued to support student tracking for Internet safety training to keep the district in compliance for E-Rate funds. SIS continued work to make it easier for the district to identify and to report on students in the Apollo 20 program.

SIS completed development of a customization and reporting to facilitate for teachers the data entry of Industry certifications earned by CTE students.

SIS developed a customization to assist Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in tracking Magnet school applicants and worked with campus staff members to implement the functionality as a “live” pilot that could be extended to other Magnet schools should it prove to be an effective alternative to current methods.

Summer School

SIS began the planning process for some significant changes to be made in support of a new vision for summer school for 2011. SIS began requirements gathering with the Curriculum Department and others. Planning and implementation of the summer Chancery database will require the collaboration of several departments to configure Chancery and other systems to meet the requirements of summer school.

Reorganization

SIS continued to make modifications to system reports that will reflect the new organizational structure. The new organizational structure adds a layer of responsibility to many reports; consequently, reports will need to accommodate sorting and grouping by CSO and/or SIO.

SIS Status Report


Training

The SIS team continued with training in various functional areas, including master scheduling, student scheduling, elementary scheduling, special populations, registration, and enrollment. Subject-matter experts for secondary scheduling continued with open labs for high-school and middle-school staff members to receive direct support and consultation with scheduling issues and activities.Subject-matter experts in elementary scheduling continued with open labs for elementary staff members to receive direct support for scheduling elementary core subjects and ancillary classes.

Special training sessions were scheduled and held for Special Populations training for Special Education teachers and professionals.

Data Reporting

SIS routinely provides student data to various HISD departments for information and tracking purposes and data analysis. Data was provided to the Professional Standards Department in support of ongoing investigations. Data was provided to the Research Department related to attendance rates in the current school year and previous years. Data was provided to HISD Virtual Schools to identify Special Education student usage of Apex Learning systems. Data was provided to Federal and State Compliance and Research for various purposes.

New reports were placed into production for period attendance and parent contact information, and campus overage student reporting. Various reports are under review for redevelopment to accommodate the new federal race and ethnicity data elements, including student transcripts.

GradeSpeed—Districtwide Gradebook

The SIS team continued to work with Academic Services, Technology, and CampusWare on activities to support the implementation of the districtwide gradebook for the second year. Weekly meetings with CampusWare and the HISD team address current support issues as well as requirements and planning for future functionality. New functionality related to grading for prekindergarten and kindergarten students was delivered and is under review. Software builds were received, tested, and installed to correct errors in the gradebook user interface and reports.

SIS continued to work with CampusWare on knowledge transfer, error correction,and testing activities related to the integration of Chancery and GradeSpeed databases. Performance-tuning opportunities and enhancements are shared with GradeSpeed technical staff members for implementation into the base product as they are identified.

Office of Board of EducationBoard of Education Meeting of January 13, 2011

Greg Meyers, President

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 112th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

It is the practice of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to formally approve the legislative agenda for each session of the United States Congress. Approval of this agenda will guide the district’s feedback and input to HISD’s federal delegation regarding specific federal issues impacting the district.

After adoption, the HISD legislative agenda is posted on the HISD Website and printed in a brochure for distribution to elected officials, key communicators, organizations, and staff members.

A copy of HISD’s legislative agenda for the 112th Congress, First Session, is on file with Board Services.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): None

STAFFING IMPLICATONS: None

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 5: Improve Public Support and Confidence in Schools and is aligned with Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.

THIS ITEM DOES NOT REQUIRE CONSULTATION.

THIS ITEM DOES NOT ESTABLISH, MODIFY, OR DELETE BOARD POLICY.

RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the legislative agenda for the 112th Congress, First Session, effective January 14, 2011.

B-2

Office of Board of EducationBoard of Education Meeting of January 13, 2011

Office of Board ServicesGreg Meyers, President

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF ANNUAL TRAINING NEEDS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 1, 2011 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2011

On November 19, 2010, the State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted amendments to the rule on continuing education requirements for school board members.

The amendments remove any reference to an announcement at the meeting for the call for elections (traditionally done in August of every year). The only announcement the board president must make is at the last regular board meeting in the calendar year, which for most boards is the December meeting.

The annual assessment of training needs of the board of education of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) is on file with the Board Services Office.

COST/ FUNDING SOURCE(S): The funding for this project is not to exceed$10,000 and will be funded by local funds(GF1-4199-41-6419-404-99-999-999).

STAFFING IMPLICATONS: None

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 5: Improve Public Support and Confidence in Schools and aligns with Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.

THIS ITEM DOES NOT REQUIRE CONSULTATION


RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the annual assessment of training needs and the proposed training plan for January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, effective January 14, 2011.

B-3

2010–2011 Annual Assessment of Training NeedsHouston Independent School District

Board of Education

A. Factors for consideration in the assessment

1. Statewide standards on duties of a school board member2. Local student achievement information3. Compliance with accreditation reports4. Local district issues affected by statewide standards

B. Proposed training plan for year January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011

1. Participation in the National School Board Association’s annual conference in San Francisco, April 9–11, 2011

2. Participation in the Texas Association of School Boards’ annual conference in Houston, September 30 – October 2, 2011

3. Participation in the Council of the Great City Schools’ annual conference in Tampa, October 26 – 30, 2011

4. Participation in the CUBE annual conference (date to be determined)5. Participation in a minimum of eight hours of board training plus an

update to the Texas Education Code 6. Completion of training in all standards by all board members, even if

such training shall exceed 20 hours7. Attendance at meetings, functions, and activities within budgetary

constraints that the board determines are for a public purpose and necessary in the conduct of the public schools

Attachment B-3

Office of Superintendent of Schools Board of Education Meeting of January 13, 2011

Office of Academic Services

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE 2011–2012 SCHOOL CALENDAR

This item seeks approval of the 2011–2012 school calendar. The calendar was developed by the calendar committee made up of parents, community members, teachers, principals, employee-organization representatives, and administrators from the central office.

The features of the proposed 2011–2012 calendar include: 180 days of instruction, including seven service/preparation days for teachers August 22, 2011, as the first day of instruction for students and May 31, 2012, as the

last day of instruction for students The following holidays:

o Labor Day: September 5, 2011o Fall Holiday: September 29, 2011o Thanksgiving: November 23–25, 2011o Winter Break: December 19, 2011–January 2, 2012o Martin Luther King Holiday: January 16, 2012o Spring Break: March 12–16, 2012 o Spring Holiday: April 6, 2012o Memorial Day: May 28, 2012

The proposed calendar for school year 2011–2012 is attached.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): None

STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: None

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and is not aligned to a core initiative, but is ministerial for compliance purposes only.

THIS ITEM REQUIRES CONSULTATION.


RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the 2011–2012 school calendar, effective January 14, 2011.

WITHDRAWN01/07/11

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S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 1010 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 1717 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 2424 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 3031

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 32 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 109 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 1716 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 2423 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 3130 31


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2 38 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4 5 6 7 8 9 1015 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11 12 13 14 15 16 1722 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18 19 20 21 22 23 2429 30 31 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 28 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 915 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 1622 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 2329 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Key HolidaysHolidays September 5, 2011 Labor DayTeacher Service Days September 29, 2011 Fall HolidayTeacher Preparation Days November 23-25, 2011 ThanksgivingMake-up Days (if needed) December 19, 2011-January 2, 2012 Winter Break

January 16, 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. DayMarch 12-16, 2012 Spring BreakApril 6, 2012 Spring HolidayMay 28, 2012 Memorial Day

Significant Dates Grading PeriodsTBD New teacher inservice 6 Cycles Report Card DatesAugust 15, 2011 Teachers report to duty TBDAugust 22, 2011 First day of schoolDecember 16, 2011 Last day of first semesterJanuary 3, 2012 First day of second semesterMay 31, 2012 Last day of schoolJune 1, 2012 Last day for teachers

April 6 and May 28, 2012 are make-up days 4 Cycles

Prekindergarten Grading Periods Report Card Dates TBDTBD

APRIL 2012 MAY 2012 JUNE 2012

JULY 2011 AUGUST 2011 SEPTEMBER 2011

OCTOBER 2011 NOVEMBER 2011 DECEMBER 2011

PROPOSED 2011-2012 Academic Calendar


JANUARY 2012 FEBRUARY 2012 MARCH 2012

Attachment D-1WITHDRAWN 01/07/11

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SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS AND AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT RENEWAL WITH THE TEXAS HIPPY CORPS–UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS FOR THE HOME INSTRUCTION FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL YOUNGSTERS PROGRAM

This board item requests that the Board of Education accept funds and authorize the negotiation and execution of an agreement renewal with the Texas HIPPY Corps–University of North Texas for the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. This program aligns with the district’s initiative to provide parent engagement programs and early education for children.

HIPPY is a multifaceted program that focuses on school readiness for children three to five years of age. The program supports the development of parenting skills through in-home teaching for students’ parents. Each school that participates in the HIPPY program provides funds for curriculum and a home instructor’s salary. Parents from targeted communities are recruited and trained as home instructors to increase in-home teaching skills. Each home instructor is allowed to work with a maximum of 25 families, is a part of the HIPPY Corps Initiative, and has the opportunity to become a member of AmeriCorps. The HIPPY Corps initiative is a collaborative effort of the Corporation for National and Community Services; OneStar Foundation, Inc.; HIPPY USA; the University of North Texas HIPPY Center; local agencies; and school districts implementing the HIPPY model.

During the 2010–2011 school year, home instructors who complete the required 900 hours of service in the HIPPY Corps initiative are eligible for an educational award to be used to further their own education. The OneStar Foundation, Inc., has granted the University of North Texas HIPPY Center an AmeriCorps grant for 2010–2011 for the implementation of the Texas HIPPY Corps Initiative. As part of its contract with Texas HIPPY Corps–University of North Texas, HISD is being granted $11,310.These grant funds will be used to pay for curriculum, supplies, and costs associated with training home instructors.

The HIPPY program empowers parents as primary educators of their children in the home and fosters parental engagement in school and community life. The curriculum provides exposure to skills, concepts, and experiences that together constitute “school readiness” for young children. Principals may select to participate in the program.

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Approximately 51 percent of the 2007–2008 HISD HIPPY participants were in HISD kindergarten in 2008–2009. These HISD HIPPY kindergartners outperformed the HISD kindergartners on the Aprenda 3 reading subtest by two normal curve equivalents (NCEs) in 2009. In spring 2009, there was a performance gap on the math subtest between the two groups of students by three NCEs, with the HISD kindergartners outperforming the HISD HIPPY students. Therefore, the major focus for the 2010–2011 academic year is to increase the number of mathematics home activities to address the current performance gap in math.

The HISD Department of Research and Accountability has monitored the HISD HIPPY program for the last two school years and has provided a research evaluation report, which includes longitudinal analyses of the achievement benefits for its former student participants, grades prekindergarten through 9. For the 2010–2011school year. Research and Accountability will continue to provide this report.

A copy of the budget and a list of participating schools are attached.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost for this program is $77,690and will be funded by state grant funds and in-kind contributions ($28,880—SR16129-621-99-WK9 WK9) ($4,000—SR121-6129 XXX-XX-RT1)($30,000—GF1-63XX-XXX-XX-101)($9,310—SR1-63XX-XXX-XX-RT1)($3,500—SR1-6299-XXX-XX-EW6)($2,000—SR1-62XX-XXX-XX-RT1).


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and is aligned to Core Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the acceptance of funds and authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to negotiate and execute an agreement renewal with the Texas HIPPY Corps–University of North Texas for the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program, effective January 14, 2010.


HIPPY Program

Budget Information

Grant In-Kind Total

Program Operating Costs

Administrative Personnel Expense $28,880 $28,880

Adm. Personnel Fringe Benefits $4,000 $4,000

Curriculum/Supplies $9,310 $30,000 $39,310

HUSA training and support fee $2,000 $3,500 $5,500

Total $11,310 $66,380 $77,690

Attachment D-2

Houston Independent School District HIPPY Program

School Participation Summary for 2010–2011

SCHOOLSCHILDREN SERVED

Brookline ES 25

DeChaumes ES 25

Durkee ES 24

Farias ECC 28

Foster ES 16

Garcia ES 32

Garden Oaks ES 12

JP Henderson ES 25

JR Harris ES 21

Park Place ES 24

Port Houston ES 27

Roosevelt ES 24

Total 283

Attachment D-2

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SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR WILLIAM B. TRAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND JAMES KETELSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Board policy requires students to attend school within designated attendance zonesunless transfers have been approved. This request seeks to adjust the two neighboring attendance boundaries of William B. Travis Elementary School, located at 3311 Beauchamp, Houston, Texas 77009 and James Ketelsen Elementary School, located at 600 Quitman, Houston, Texas 77009, to include an address on Parkview Street, west of I-45.

The new attendance boundary for Travis Elementary School is as follows:

Beginning at the point of intersection of the centerline (CL) of Studewood St and CL of Pecore St; east along Pecore St to the CL of Bradley St; north along the CL of Bradley St to the CL of Cottage St; east along the CL of Cottage St to the CL of Reagan St; south along the CL of Reagan St to the CL of Key St; east along the CL of Key St to the CL of Moss St; north along the CL of Moss St to the CL of Cottage St; east along the CL of Cottage St to the CL of Tabor St; north along the CL of Tabor St to the CL of N Main St; southeast along the CL of N Main St to the CL of Temple St; east along the CL of Temple St to the CL of I-45 (North Freeway); south along the CL of I-45(North Freeway) to the point of intersection with the CL of N Main St; east along a line that extends east from the point of intersection of the CL of I-45(North Freeway) and the CL of N Main St to the CL of White Oak Bayou; south along the CL of White Oak Bayou and all of its meanders to the point of intersection with a line that extends southeast from the CL of Hyacinth; northwest along the extension from the CL of Hyacinth to point of intersection with a line that runs along the south side of all addresses along Glen Park St; southwest along the parallel line to the point of intersection with the CL of I-45 (North Freeway); south along the CL of I-45 (North Freeway) to the point of intersection with a line extended east from the southern boundary of property on the south side of Parkview St; west along that imaginary line to the CL of Houston Ave; south along the CL of Houston Ave to the CL of White Oak Bayou; west along White Oak Bayou and all of meanders to the CL of Studewood St; north along Studewood St to the CL of Pecore St, the point of beginning (POB).

The new attendance boundary for Ketelsen Elementary School is as follows:

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Beginning at the point of intersection of the centerline (CL) of I-45 ( North Freeway) and to the point of intersection with a line extended East from the CL of Parkview St; west along the CL of I-45 (North Freeway) to the point of intersection with a line extended east from the CL of Parkview St; west along the line extended from the imaginary line on the southern boundary of property facing Parkview St, then continuing west along that line to the CL of Houston Ave; south along the CL of Houston Ave to the right bank of White Oak Bayou; west along White Oak Bayou and all of meanders to the CL of I-45 ( North Freeway) to the point of intersection with N. Main St.; north along the CL of N. Main St. to the CL of Brooks; east along the CL of Brooks to the CL of Freeman; North along Freeman St to the CL of Pinckney St.; northeast along Pinckney St to the CL of Commons St; north on Common St. to the CL of Paschall St.; southeast along Paschall St. to the CL of Cochran St.; north along Cochran St. to the CL of Luzon St.; west along Luzon St. to a line extended Northwest from the CL of Booth St.; Continuing north west along that live line to the CL of White Oak Bayou; south along the CL of White Oak Bayou and all of its meanders to the point of intersection with a line that extends southeast from the CL of Hyacinth; northwest along the extension from the CL of Hyacinth to point of intersection with a line that runs along the south side of all addresses along Glen Park St; southwest along the parallel line to the point of intersection with the CL of I-45 (North Freeway);south along the CL of I-45 ( North Freeway) to the point of intersection with a line extended east from the CL of Parkview, the point of beginning(POB).

Documentation regarding the proposed changes is on file in Board Services.COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): None


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1:Increase Student Achievement and is aligned to Core Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports and Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the proposed boundary adjustments for Travis Elementary School and Ketelsen Elementary School, effective January 14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION FOR THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL LITERACYINITIATIVE GRANT FOR THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE CONTRACTS

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has been awarded $25,000 from a Department of Education grant through the Council for Economic Education. The purpose of this grant is to improve the financial literacy of students and determine whether teaching economics through financial literacy education can prepare fifth-grade students to be successful in mathematics and economics. The focus of the project is as follows:

Establish partnerships and linkages with the local business community to advance financial literacy

Develop a plan for addressing the unique needs of low-income or geographically isolated students, or both, and their teachers

Use technology to provide teachers of K–12 students greater access to professional development opportunities in financial literacy

Provide for the dissemination of information on activities and programs conducted

This project will support the Math Stars program, the student and parent incentive program at selected elementary schools, funded in part through private funds donated by a Texas foundation. This specific grant will pay for teachers to receive professional development and training on financial literacy, extra-duty pay for the training, supplies and materials, and printing.

A copy of the budget and preliminary program results are attached.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost for the program is $25,000and will be funded by the Council of Economic Education($25,000—SR1 XX-XXXX-XXX-XX-YB7).


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ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/ IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and aligns with Core Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education accept funds from the Council of Economic Education for HISD and authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to negotiate and execute contracts with service providers, effective January 14, 2011.

Council for Economic Education Math Stars Financial Literacy Grant Program


Detailed Budget 2010-2012

Line Item Budget Category Total Amount

xx-6118 Extra Duty Pay—Teachers (After School Teacher Training)

$5,000.00

xx-6399 General Supplies(Financial Literacy Curriculum)

$10,000.00

xx-6295 Print Shop Charges(Flyers and Brochures for Students and Parents)

$5,000.00

xx-6299 Miscellaneous Contracted Services(Bank Partner Consultant/Financial Literacy Trainers)

$5,000.00

Grand Total $25,000.00

Attachment D-4

Math Stars Success to DateJanuary 2011

Evidence suggests that fifth-grade enrollment at Math Stars schools is remarkably stable.

Principals, parents, teachers, and students report that the Math Stars program acts to increase motivation, time on task, homework completion, and focus in Math Stars classrooms.

Principals and teachers also report impressive interim assessment results in Math Stars classrooms.

The percentage of eligible students currently participating in the Math Stars incentive program is99.9 percent.

Chase Bank has partnered with the 25 Math Stars treatment schools and has offered to help families set up no-minimum balance savings accounts for Math Stars students. Chase representatives are available to attend Math Stars’ Pay Day celebrations and to offer financial literacy workshops to parents.

Pay Period 1(15 days)



Total Fifth-Grade Enrollment

1662 1666 1685

Percentage of Students Earning Pay

91% 96% 98%

Total ObjectivesMastered

9,285 15,063 21,002

Average Objectives/Day

619 941 1000

Average Objectivesin Pay Period

6.1 9.0 12.5

Number of Parent Conferences

895 1,181 1,211

Percentage of Parent Participation

54% 71% 72%

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Office of Business OperationsLeo Bobadilla, Chief Operating Officer

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF CRIME INSURANCE PREMIUM FOR SECOND YEAR OF THREE YEAR POLICY

Crime insurance protects the Houston Independent School District (HISD) against losses due to employee dishonesty; forgery, theft, loss or destruction of money and securities inside and outside the premises; robbery or safe burglary; computer fraud; funds transfer fraud; money orders not paid upon presentation; counterfeit money; and forgery of credit, debit or charge cards.

At the January 14, 2010, meeting, the Board of Education approved the selection of a three-year policy from the Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, a member of the Zurich Financial Services group. This three-year policy is subject to annual premium installments of $78,072, offering HISD stability in pricing and coverage. The policy will continue to include a deductible of $100,000 and limits of $15,000,000 for the coverages listed above, and additional limits of $1,000,000 for Faithful Performance of Duty, and $5,000,000 Excess for the positions of Chief Financial Officer, Controller and Treasurer. This policy includes students as well as employees and extends the coverage territory from the USA to worldwide.

The policy was purchased through Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., who agreed to enter into a formal agreement with David Garcia Insurance Agency, a Minority Business Enterprise as identified by the Houston Minority Business Council, to act as consultant and local representative in support of HISD’s goal of assisting Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses to participate in district projects.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost for this program is $78,072 per year for each of the three years and will be funded by districtwide funds(GF1 41-6426 911-99-940 940).


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 4: Increase Management Effectiveness and Efficiency and is aligned to Core Initiative 4: Data-Driven Accountability, as it promotes the optimization of resources and results.

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RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the continuation of crime insurance coverage from Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland through Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., effective January 14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND AMEND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR FRANK BLACK MIDDLE SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) 2007 bond election approved the renovations of Frank Black Middle School. The HISD Board of Education approved design contracts for the renovations on January 22, 2009.

The full description of the renovations is included in the 2007 Facility Assessment.The work to be performed at Black Middle School includes site work of fence replacement, sidewalks, storm drainage, paving, site lighting, and a new entrance canopy. Building renovations include demolition, masonry, structural steel, elevators, drywall, interior finishes, millwork, doors, hardware, storefront glazing, ceiling, air handling units, fan coil units, chilled water piping, plumbing, electrical, public address system, fire alarm, and hazardous-material abatement.

The project was advertised August 28 and September 4, 2010. On September 30, 2010, the district received competitive sealed proposals from the following responsive contractors:

Bass Construction Company, Inc.Drymalla Construction Company, LTDDT Construction, LPHarrell Contracting Group, LLCICI Construction, Inc.Martin-Harris Construction, TexasMiner-Dederick Construction, LLPRHJ-JOC, Inc. Summit Builders

After evaluation in accordance with the evaluation procedures approved by the Board of Education, Miner-Dederick Construction, LLP, was determined to be the highest-ranked best-value proposer. Therefore, it is recommended this contractor be awarded a contract for renovations at Black Middle School.

Approval will authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to execute a contract for the identified cost and amend the contract within the established allowance.

REVISED01/07/11

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The contract amount is a total of the following project costs:

Highest-Ranked Firm Contract Amount

Change OrderAllowance

Total Budget EstimatedCalendar

Days

M/WBEParticipation

Miner-Dederick Construction, LLP

$3,695,000$3,704,000

$369,500$370,400

$4,064,500$4,074,400

365 48.43%

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost shall not exceed $4,064,500$4,074,400 and will be funded by 2007 Bond Program funds(CP1 81-6621 042-99-813 813).


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 4: Increase Management Effectiveness and Efficiency and is aligned to Core Initiative 4: Data-Driven Accountability.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to execute and amend a contract with Miner-Dederick Construction, LLP, for Black Middle School renovations, effective January 14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND AMEND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR EUGENE FIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) 2007 bond election approved the renovations of Eugene Field Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School.The HISD Board of Education approved design contracts for the renovations on January 22, 2009.

The full description of the renovations is included in the 2007 Facility Assessment.The work to be performed at Field Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School includes site work, sidewalks, stairs, ramps, metal railings, and fencereplacement. Building renovations will include masonry, elevator installation, interior finishes, marker boards, plumbing, restroom upgrades, electrical system upgrades,and sound-system replacement.

The project was advertised September 25 and October 2, 2010. On October 26, 2010, the district received competitive sealed proposals from the following responsive contractors:

Comex CorporationDT Construction, LPHorizon International Group, Inc.Martin-Harris Construction, TexasPyramid Constructors, LLPT. F. Harper & Associates

After evaluation in accordance with the evaluation procedures approved by the Board of Education, Martin-Harris Construction was determined to be the highest-ranked best-value proposer. Therefore, it is recommended this contractor be awarded a contract for renovations at Field Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School.


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Field Elementary School $477,493Memorial Elementary School $575,194




Days

M/WBEParticipation

Martin-Harris Construction $1,052,687 $105,269 $1,157,956 212 15.23%

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost shall not exceed $1,157,956 and will be funded by 2007 Bond Program funds(CP1 81-6221 152-99-813 813)(CP1 81-6221 204-99-813 813).





RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to execute and amend a contract with Martin-Harris Construction for Eugene Field Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School renovations, effective January 14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND AMEND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR BUCHANAN GRIMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RENOVATION

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) 2007 bond election approved the renovations of Buchanan Grimes Elementary School. The HISD Board of Education approved design contracts for the renovations on January 22, 2009.

The full description of the renovations is included in the 2007 Facility Assessment.The work to be performed at Grimes Elementary School includes abatement, window replacement, electrical, plumbing and mechanical upgrades, ADA upgrades, new public address system, security system, additional parking, landscaping, and new site work.

The project was advertised August 28 and September 4, 2010. On September 29, 2010, the district received competitive sealed proposals from the following responsive contractors:

Drymalla Construction, LTDICI CorporationHarrell Contracting GroupHorizon Group InternationalMartin-Harris Construction, TexasMiner-Dederick ConstructionPyramid ConstructionRHJ-JOCSummit Builders

After evaluation in accordance with the evaluation procedures approved by the Board of Education, RHJ-JOC, was determined to be the highest-ranked best-value proposer. Therefore, it is recommended this contractor be awarded a contract for renovations to Grimes Elementary School.


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Days

M/WBEParticipation

RHJ-JOC $1,795,756 $179,575 $1,975,332 180 100%

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost shall not exceed $1,975,332 and will be funded by 2007 Bond Program funds(CP1 81-6621 164-99-812 812).





RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to execute and amend a contract with RHJ-JOC for Buchanan Grimes Elementary School renovation, effective January 14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPANE-FUELED SCHOOL BUSES AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has been awarded a grant in the amount of $1,523,943 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (eight school districts applied for this grant but only two were selected to receive an award) and $620,500 from the Railroad Commission of Texas.

These grants will cover about 71 percent of the costs associated with the purchase of 25 propane-fueled school buses and associated infrastructure, with the HISD capital budget and general fund covering the remaining 29 percent. Older school buses in the fleet will be retired in 2011 and replaced with these 25 cleaner-fuel-burning buses. In addition, HISD will also save over $2.3 million that would otherwise be required in 2012 to replace older school buses.

Propane is one of the cleanest-burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane is also nontoxic, so it is not harmful to soil, water, or humans. Additional benefits of using a propane-powered school bus include reduced fuel costs and fewer oil changes.

The 25 propane-fueled school buses and infrastructure are being funded through the following sources:

SOURCE AMOUNTTexas Commission on Environmental Quality Grant $1,523,943HISD Capital Budget – Buses $852,933Railroad Commission of Texas Grant – Buses $407,900Railroad Commission of Texas Grant – Infrastructure $212,600HISD General Fund – Infrastructure $35,456TOTAL $3,032,832

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COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost will not exceed $3,032,832and will be funded by the following:($1,523,943–SR1 34-6633 859-99-BF6BF6)($852,933–GF1 34-6633 859-99-931 931)($407,900–SR1 34-6633 859-99-BF7 BF7)($212,600–SR1 51-6299 859-99-BF8 BF8)($35,456–GF1 51-6299 859-99-999 999).


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 5: Improve Public Support and Confidence in Schools and is aligned to Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education accept $1,523,943 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and $620,500 from the Railroad Commission of Texas for the purchase of propane-fueled school buses and associated infrastructure, effective January 14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND AMEND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CRISPUS ATTUCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL AND JESSE H. JONES HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) 2007 bond election approved the renovations of Crispus Attucks Middle School and Jesse H. Jones High School. The HISD Board of Education approved design contracts for the renovations on January 22, 2009.

The full description of the renovations is included in the 2007 Facility Assessment. The work to be performed at Attucks Middle School and Jones High School includes abatement, window replacement, electrical, plumbing and mechanical upgrades, ADA upgrades, new public address system, security system, and site renovation work.

The project was advertised August 14 and August 21, 2010. On September 8, 2010, the district received competitive sealed proposals from the following responsivecontractors:

Gamma ConstructionMiner-Dederick Construction, LLPPrime Contractors, Inc.

After evaluation in accordance with the evaluation procedures approved by the Board of Education, Prime Contractors, Inc. was determined to be the highest-ranked best-value proposer. Therefore, it is recommended that this contractor be awarded a contract for renovations at Attucks Middle School and Jones High School.

Approval will authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to execute acontract for the identified cost and amend the contract within the established allowance.


Crispus Attucks Middle School: $2,732,000Jesse H. Jones High School: $3,075,300

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Days

M/WBEParticipation

Prime Contractors, Inc. $5,807,300 $580,730 $6,388,030 180 22.98%

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost shall not exceed $6,388,030and will be funded by 2007 Bond Program funds(CP1 81-6621 041-99-812 812)(CP1 81-6621 006-99-812 812).





RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to execute and amend a contract with Prime Contractors, Inc. for Crispus Attucks Middle and Jesse H. Jones High School renovations, effective January 14, 2011.

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Office of Chief Financial OfficerMelinda Garrett, Chief Financial Officer

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL-SERVICECONTRACTS AND RATIFICATION OF BID WAIVER PROJECTS

The purpose of this item is to authorize consultant contracts and professional-service contracts as required by board policy. According to current policy, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Education’s approval is required for consultant contracts and professional services exceeding $25,000 per engagement, inclusive of expenses, or for consultant contracts where payment to a consultant for the fiscal year has aggregated $100,000, inclusive of all expenses.The attachment reflects a summary of proposed requests. Individual contracts are on-file in Board Services.

Additionally, in November 2009, the Board of Education approved a change to board policy delegating to the superintendent of schools authority to approve contracts for districtwide initiatives valued between $10,000 and $50,000, provided that any such contract be presented to the Board of Education at its next regular scheduled meeting for ratification. The second attachment reflects a listing of the contracts approved by the superintendent of schools since the approval of the board policy change.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): Funds for this recommended action are shown on the attached list.


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and HISD Goal 4: Increase Management Effectiveness and Efficiency and is aligned to Core Initiative 1: Effective Teacher in Every Classroom.



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RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the proposed consultant and professional-service contracts and ratify bid waiver projects,effective January 14, 2011.

Board Meeting, January 13, 2011 Page 1 of 5

SUMMARY OF CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL-SERVICE REQUESTS

Total Cost Totalof This Contracts

Name Using Department Request to Date Budget

The Children’s Museum Herrera ES $6,500 $33,500 SR1-61-6299-286-31-EW5-EW5of Houston $3,450 SR1-61-6299-286-41-CA1-CA1

Gabriela Mistral $5,080 SR1-61-6299-354-41-CA1-CA1McNamara ES $2,540 GF1-61-6299-227-99-E1-101MLK Pre-K Center $8,900 SR1-61-6299-355-41-CA1-CA1Montgomery ES $5,271 SR1-61-6299-207-41-CX1-CX1

$1,529 SR1-61-6299-207-31-EW5-EW5Halpin Pre-K $3,293 SR1-61-6299-131-41-CX1-CX1

$2,647 GF1-61-6299-131-99-E1-101Kennedy ES $5,100 SR1-61-6299-188-41-CX1-CX1Crespo ES $3,400 GF1-61-6299-290-99-E1-101Lewis ES $3,400 GF1-61-6299-194-30-E1-101Hines Caldwell ES $4,980 SR1-61-6299-395-41-CX1-CX1

$1,820 SR1-61-6299-395-31-EW5-EW5$57,910

The Children’s Museum will conduct Family Learning Events where parents will engage in hands-on literacy, math, and science activities with their children. Activity guides will be provided for families attending each Family Learning Event, and a monthly activity calendar will also be provided for students. Additionally, parent workshops will be held where parents will gain knowledge of ways to extend their children’s learning at home. The Children’s Museum will also host a Family Math Adventure for families at the museum for a night of math activities, museum exploration, and museum field experiences. Students will be using science, literacy, and math skills while participating in a fun activity and teachers will get new ideas to use in their classrooms.

Term of Contract: January 6, 2011–June 30, 2011

Attachment G-1REVISED 01/06/11





Leonard Sturm Office of Marketing and Paid on a commission basis $0 BD1-41-6219-703-99-968-968Business Development not to exceed $9,500 per month,

with $2,000 for expenses

Leonard Sturm will develop and provide oversight for district marketing relationships with third parties, management of the marketing office, and consulting support as required. This includes representation of HISD at meetings and other outside activities designed to market services and products of the district. The consultant’s time will be the equivalent to 50 percent of a full schedule for a regular employee. No fees shall be paid until HISD is paid by the outside third party. The commission to be paid will be 20 percent of net income for new agreements and 15 percent of net income for continuing agreements, not to exceed $9,500 per month. HISD will pay travel expenses for trips authorized by HISD.

Term of Contract: January 1, 2011–December 31, 2011

Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S³) Academic Services $175,000 (Year 1) $0 SR1-13-6299-682-41-C61-C61$100,000 (Year 2) (Year 1)$275,000

The Department of Academic Services recognizes the need to put a systemic scheduling process in place for the school district and all schools, K-12. Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S³) is being contracted to complete schedule consulting services, from the entry of student requests to delivering the competed schedules. Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S³) specializes in master schedule process development to analyze current processes and provide recommendations for improvement. These recommended solutions include the development of a master scheduling process plan and extensive staff training. This type of service will emphasize the importance of the master scheduling process and ensure that the district has systems and processes in place to support all schools, K-12, in this important endeavor. The cost associated with the second year will come from federal funds for Professional Development.

Term of Contract: February 1, 2011–January 31, 2013





Citizen Schools Long MS $135,000 $163,420 GF1-11-6299-059-41-CA1-CA1

Citizen Schools provides a second shift of teaching fellows (25 members) and other staff members at the conclusion of the instructional day. During the 3 additional extended school hours, the staff members from Citizen Schools provide the following:

•Tutoring in math and reading for students•Coordination of apprenticeships through corporate sponsors and business partnerships

•Provision of parent engagement activities•College and career awareness for parents and students•Field explorations throughout the Houston community for parents and students•Opportunities for parents to participate in the students’ showcasing of projects completed through apprenticeships.

Term of Contract: August 23, 2010-June 3, 2011

Harris County Department Technology Department $16,552 $1,114,552 GF1-53-6268-424-99-509-509

Harris County Department will provide system tape storage and rotation for disaster recovery purposes for HISD Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Information Technology Systems.

Term of Contract: October 22, 2010 – June 30, 2011





The Glasscock School of Advanced Academics $5,600 $159,875 SR1 13-6299-686-99-KC5-KC5Continuing Studies at Rice University

Since 1994, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies (GSCS) at Rice University has provided teachers with content knowledge and effective teaching strategies to address the learning needs of students in grades 6–12 in Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement (AP). To improve student achievement on the AP exams, the Advanced Academics department will contract with the GSCS to provide an AP Exam Prep Workshop ($28,000) for 200 teachers on February 5, 2011. The goals of the AP Exam Prep Workshops are to provide exam prep strategies for the AP exams and scoring training for AP subject-specific free response questions using College Board exam rubrics. GSCS will provide a three-day AP Vertical Teams training ($12,400) for 30 teachers in English and four-day AP Vertical Teams training ($79,600) for 120 teachers in Math and Science. The goals of the AP Vertical Team training are to identify skills and strategies which should be taught ateach grade level beginning at sixth grade to prepare students for success in high school AP courses and on the AP exams. GSCS will provide an AP Administrators’ Workshop ($11,875) for 125 administrators on February 5, 2011. The goals of the AP Administrator’s Workshop is to learn the benefits of the AP Program for all stakeholders, use data to promote equitable growth and learn how to use tools to assess strengths and weaknesses of their AP program, and create AP goals for the following school year.

The increased focus on the Advanced Placement Program for the 2010–2011 school year and beyond will require additional funding for the allotment of an additional 40 HISD teachers for teachers to attend the AP Exam Prep Workshop on February 5, 2011. These funds will be utilized to cover the registration fee of $140 per teacher.

If Dell Grant is not received, then services will be paid out of KC5 fund.

Term of Contract: October 15, 2010 – June 24, 2011





Partners Consulting Human Capital Department $450,000 $869,696 SR1-41-6299-510-99-SF6-SF6Services, Inc.

The Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) current talent acquisition system, HISD Jobs, was developed over 10 years ago and does not support the scope or scale of recruitment efforts. A new talent acquisition system will allow HISD to recruit and select higher-quality talent through use of a leading acquisition system and a redesigned website. The new system will provide HISD faster recruitment processes due to workflow automation. The district will be able to consistently respond to our applicants through better tracking of candidates. It will find higher-quality candidates through improved search capabilities and utilization of third-party sources. Overall, the system will speed up the processing and on-boarding activities for new hires.

This item seeks approval to pursue an agreement with an outside service vendor, Partners Consulting Services, Inc., for a six-month contract to assist in the project management, web development and design, data conversion, training, and Human Resources and Information Technology integration associated with this new implementation.

Term of Contract: January 14, 2011-July 14, 2011


SUMMARY OF REQUESTED RATIFICATIONS FORSUPERINTENDENT BID WAIVER PROJECTS

Total Costof This

Name Using Department Request Budget

Safal Partners Human Capital Talent $40,000 SR1-41-6299-510-99-SF6-SF6

Safal Partners will support Human Resources in HISD in ensuring a timely and effective implementation of the Talent Acquisition system. The HR implementation provider will work on two main areas:

1) Lead select HR subteams to develop recommendations and define workflows to implement best-practice processes in HR: Track and process all discussions; map discussions into project workflow plans Collaborate with vendor, HR staff, and IT project manager to define overall deliverables for select HR subteams and

help drive select subteams to delivery Define and analyze business processes and identify best practices for improvement Participate in status meetings with vendor as well as internal HR status meetings Track status of HR workstreams and manage HR components of project plan and action/issues list and identify and

manage risks Review materials and configuration worksheets provided by vendor for select work subteams Lead brainstorming sessions and develop recommendations on configuring workflows for select subteams so that

HISD requirements are met for “to-be” business process Coordinate with HR staff to ensure design and creation of forms, templates, worksheets, etc., for select subteams Review and test system configuration for select subteams

2) Lead HR interface with IT to deliver technical projects and integration with PeopleSoft Act as a liaison between HR and IT, and collaborate closely with vendor and IT resources at HISD to develop and

agree to the project plan for applicable technical projects Ensure an integrated design between the various functional and technical project components and track linkages and

dependencies between the functional and technical components Coordinate with IT resources at HISD to define HR functional requirements to drive the technical project deliverables

(e.g., data scrubbing within HR and within IT, data integrations, data migrations, and changes to HISD career website)

Term of Contract: January 3, 2011–April 30, 2011

Attachment G-1

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SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF VENDOR AWARDS FOR PURCHASES OVER $100,000 AND RATIFICATION OF VENDOR AWARDS FOR PURCHASES UNDER $100,000

The purpose of this item is to authorize vendor awards for purchases over $100,000 and to ratify vendor awards for purchases under $100,000. Pursuant to Board of Education policy, contracts for purchases over $100,000 are submitted to the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Education for approval prior to the issuance of purchase orders and/or agreement letters. Procurement Services is authorized by board policy to enter into purchase agreements for bid projects less than $100,000, subject to ratification by the Board of Education.

When determining the successful bidder, consideration is given to the quality of the articles supplied, conformity with developed specifications, suitability to the requirements of the educational system, and delivery terms. All advertised bids are in compliance with minority- and woman-owned business enterprise procedures. All other things being equal, contracts are negotiated and executed with the supplier(s) perceived as providing the best overall value for the district.

However, because of the time between the January 13, 2011 and February 10Board of Education meetings and the urgent need to purchase some goods during this period, it is requested that the Board of Education approve the attached annual bids and other annual bids deemed necessary prior to completion of tabulation and that at the February 10, 2011, board meeting, these bids be brought back to the Board of Education for ratification. This procedure allows Procurement Services to expedite the acquisition of supplies, equipment, and services for the operation of the district.

The attachment reflects the names of successful bidders, the budgets to be charged, and a description of the items to be purchased.

A copy of each tabulation is on file in Board Services.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): Funds for these recommended actions will be necessary only one time, and funding sources are shown in the attachments.

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STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: The current procurement staff members will handle all procurement activities.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports all six goals of the district and all five core initatives. Purchases range from instructional goods/services to maintenance goods/services needed for our facilities-to-standard program.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve vendor awards for purchases over $100,000 and ratify vendor awards for purchases under $100,000, effective January 14, 2011.

APPROVAL OF PURCHASES OVER $100,000 REVISED 01/10/11 Attachment G-2

RECOMMENDED AWARD FOR JANUARY 13, 2011, BOARD AGENDA PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

* M/WBE

BIDS/RFP’S ISSUED

BIDS REC’D

** LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE

Code Legend: BB The BuyBoard Cooperative DIR Texas Department of Information Resources M/WBE - Minority and Women Business Enterprises GSA Federal General Services Administration Schedule 70

A) Certified M/WBE Supplier; B) Compliant; C) Good Faith Efforts; HCDE Harris County Department Of Education P) M/WBE Status in Process; NFP) Not For Profit. HGAC Houston-Galveston Area Council

REGION IV Region IV Education Service Center LOC – Location TASB Texas Association of School Boards Houston (H); Texas (T); Out of State (O); Out of State with Local Office (OT). TBPC Texas Building and Procurement Commission TCPN The Cooperative Purchase Network TPASS Texas Procurement and Support Services TXMAS Texas Multiple Award Schedules USC U. S. Communities Page 1 of 8

10-08-13 RFP/Kitchen and Production Supplies

P C C C C A C C C B C C C C C C A C

57 31 H H O O O H O H T O H T O O O O O T

A.F. Import & Wholesale Co. Ace Mart Restaurant Supply Co. Associated Packaging, Inc. Carroll Manufacturing & Sales Ecolab, Inc. Express Image Paper Company Form Plastics Company Glazier Foods Company Great Southwest Paper Co. Inc. Interboro Packaging Corp. Label Products, Inc. Last Group Enterprises Office Depot Oliver Packaging & Equipment Orbis Corporation Par-Pak, Inc. Pasco Brokerage, Inc. Plascon Packaging

$336,855 $46,684

$214,600 $579,779

$300 $115,272 $630,959 $608,429 $443,314 $90,230

$111,434 $1,098,563

$158,972 $166,000 $33,470

$336,110 $2,604,916 $3,587,900

Attachment G-2

REVISED 01/10/11

APPROVAL OF PURCHASES OVER $100,000

RECOMMENDED AWARD FOR JANUARY 13, 2011, BOARD AGENDA

PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

*

M/WBE

BIDS/RFP’S

ISSUED

BIDS

REC’D

**

LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE


A) Certified M/WBE Supplier; B) Compliant; C) Good Faith Efforts; HCDE Harris County Department Of Education

P) M/WBE Status in Process; NFP) Not For Profit. HGAC Houston-Galveston Area Council REGION IV Region IV Education Service Center LOC – Location TASB Texas Association of School Boards

Houston (H); Texas (T); Out of State (O); Out of State with Local Office (OT). TBPC Texas Building and Procurement Commission TCPN The Cooperative Purchase Network TPASS Texas Procurement and Support Services TXMAS Texas Multiple Award Schedules USC U. S. Communities

Page 2 of 8

10-08-13 RFP/Kitchen and Production

Supplies Continued

B

C

C

C

C

C

B

O

H

O

O

O

O

O

Pollock Paper Co.

Premium Foods Inc.

Sam Tell & Son

The Packaging Factory

TranPak, Inc.

Transilwrap Co. Inc.

Wallace Packaging Inc.

$92,212

$16,272

$664,568

$248

$420,000

$67,165

$886,500

Not To Exceed

$13,310,752

FD1-1322-791-99-977-977

APPROVAL OF PURCHASES OVER $100,000


PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

*

M/WBE

BIDS/RFP’S

ISSUED

BIDS

REC’D

**

LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE





Page 3 of 8

10-02-12 RFP/Frozen Food and Staple

Groceries Annual

Food Services Additional Funds

C

O

JNS Foods, LLC

Not To Exceed

$710,360

FD1-1321-791-99-977-97

Additional fund requested for ¼ lb. hamburger patties due to higher usage than estimated.

10-07-13 Minor General Contracting

Services Less-Than $25,000 Additional Suppliers

A

C

A

H

T

H

Hallmark Group

Sparks Construction

Westco Ventures, LLC

CFS, Bond and Various School

Budgets

This project was approved by the board on November 11, 2010. This is to add three suppliers to the project to ensure sufficient sources of supply.

APPROVAL OF PURCHASES UNDER $100,000 REVISED 01/10/11 RECOMMENDED AWARD FOR JANUARY 13, 2011, BOARD AGENDA PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

* M/WBE

BIDS/RFP’S ISSUED

BIDS REC’D

** LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE


A) Certified M/WBE Supplier; B) Compliant; C) Good Faith Efforts; HCDE Harris County Department Of Education P) M/WBE Status in Process; NFP) Not For Profit. HGAC Houston-Galveston Area Council

REGION IV Region IV Education Service Center LOC – Location TASB Texas Association of School Boards Houston (H); Texas (T); Out of State (O); Out of State with Local Office (OT). TBPC Texas Building and Procurement Commission TCPN The Cooperative Purchase Network TPASS Texas Procurement and Support Services TXMAS Texas Multiple Award Schedules USC U. S. Communities Page 4 of 8

TXMAS Pressure Washer Equipment MSC Industrial Supply Not To Exceed $55,000

GF1-51-6639-802-99-931-931

TCPN Classmate Reader Don Johnston, Inc. Not To Exceed $60,000

SR1-11-6632-379-80-FA8-FA8

This is a portable text reader, or "eBook Reader," which presents and reads aloud the literary text and includes notes and study guide features to engage students and increase comprehension.

10-10-04 RFP/Data Tracking System 10 2 H University of Houston Downtown Not To Exceed $35,000

SR1-13-6299-436-99-JS5-JS5

APPROVAL OF SOLE SOURCE ITEMS


PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

*

M/WBE

BIDS/RFP’S

ISSUED

BIDS

REC’D

**

LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE





Page 5 of 8

Sole Source Parent Star Program Children’s Museum of Houston

Not To Exceed

$50,000

GF1-61-6299-290-99-E1-101

The Children’s Museum of Houston has developed the Parent Stars program to provide resources and support to parents to play a full and active role in helping elementary school age

children develop skills related to math, science and literacy.

Sole Source Kurzweil Pro Learning Station Audio Optical Systems of Austin, Inc. Not To Exceed

$350,000

SR1-11-6632-379-80-FA8-FA8

Audio Optical Systems of Austin, Inc. is the exclusive agent in Texas for Kurzweil Educational Systems®, a leading manufacturer of educational and assistive technology.

APPROVAL OF CONTRACT RENEWAL PURCHASES OVER $100,000


PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

*

M/WBE

YEAR

2 OF 3

YEAR

3 OF 3

**

LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE





Page 6 of 8

09-10-16 RFP/Paper Various Types,

Supplies

(Renewal)

C

C

C

C

B

B

X H

OT

H

OT

H

OT

Brooks Duplicator Company

Office Depot

Olmsted-Kirk

RIS Paper Company, Inc.

Smarketing Business Systems

Unisource

Not To Exceed

$4,000,000

GF1-00-1311

07-10-08 RFP/Fencing Materials and

Services 90 Day Extension

B

A

X H

H

Dow Pipe and Fence Supply

Fencemaster of Houston

Not To Exceed

$350,000

GF1-51-6299-842-99-999-999

APPROVAL OF CONTRACT RENEWAL PURCHASES OVER $100,000


PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

*

M/WBE

YEAR

2 OF 3

YEAR

3 OF 3

**

LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE





Page 7 of 8

08-10-15 RFP/Refrigeration and Box

Truck Repair

(Renewal)

C

C

X T

OT

W & B Service Company LP

ThermoKing of Houston

Not To Exceed

$200,000

FD1-35-6248-794-99-976-976

GF1-51-6249-863-99-999-999

GF1-51-6249-865-99-999-999

GF1-51-6249-867-99-999-999

GF1-51-6249-869-99-999-999

GF1-51-6249-877-99-999-999

APPROVAL OF CONTRACT RENEWAL PURCHASES UNDER $100,000


PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

*

M/WBE

YEAR

2 OF 3

YEAR

3 OF 3

**

LOC

AWARDED TO

AMOUNT

BUDGET CHARGE





Page 8 of 8

08-12-05 RFP/Laboratory Testing

Food Services

(Renewal)

A X T Analytical Food Laboratory

Not To Exceed

$65,000

FD1-35-6269-789-99-976-976

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SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO RENEW CONTRACT WITH LINEBARGER, GOGGAN, BLAIR & SAMPSON, L.L.P., FOR DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTION SERVICES

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) contracts with the law firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, L.L.P. (Linebarger Firm), for delinquent tax collection services. The renewal contract now in effect expires on March 31, 2011.

In October 2008, HISD issued a request for qualifications for delinquent tax collection firms and interviewed law firms that submitted proposals. The Linebarger Firm was recommended by staff members and approved by the board for an initial one-year contract with three annual renewals by HISD. This recommendation is for the second of the three annual renewals set forth in the request for qualifications.

The Linebarger Firm is familiar with tax collections for HISD and has provided very good collection services. This firm is also contracted by the City of Houston and Harris County for delinquent tax collections. Utilizing one firm for all three major entities’ collections provides a more efficient collection process for each of them.The Linebarger Firm also provides additional tax-related legal services for HISD at no additional cost, and provides other reimbursements to the district for various district tax-related costs.

In accordance with state law, HISD provides for additional penalties under Texas Property Tax Code Sections 33.07, 33.08, and 33.11 to be added to delinquent property accounts, from which penalties the delinquent law firm is paid. For tax years 2000 and prior, the penalty is 15 percent of delinquent collections, and for tax years 2001 and thereafter, the penalty is 20 percent of delinquent collections. The delinquent tax collection contract provides that the law firm will be paid only from those penalties and attorney fees awarded by the court that are actually received by HISD. No payments, other than from certain bankruptcy collections, are paid from the HISD portion of taxes, penalties, and interest due under the Property Tax Code.

The term of the renewal contract would be for one year, and includes a 60-day termination option by HISD.

G-3

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COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): Payments for delinquent tax collections arepaid from the penalties imposed on delinquent taxes provided for in the Property Tax Code, as approved annually by the Board of Education, and attorney fees allowed by the courts.

STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: The Finance Attorney monitors and manages the administration of the tax contract.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT This agenda item supports HISD Goal 4: Increase Management Effectiveness and Efficiency and is aligned to Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to negotiate and execute a renewal contract for the collection of delinquent taxes with the law firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, L.L.P., effective January14, 2011.

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SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A 401(A) THROUGH AN INTER-LOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING NETWORK (TCPN)

The Teacher/Employee Recruitment and Retention Program (TERRP) has been approved by the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 10 (Region 10) for all public school districts, charter schools, and other governmental agencies serviced by Region 10. This program is administered through an Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 401(a) Retirement Plan (Plan) which is set up using a Master Plan and Trust for the investment of plan funds. Houston Independent School District (HISD)will establish a 401(a) Plan and enter into an Inter-local agreement with the ESC Region 4 through the TCPN arrangement with the ESC Region 10 for the administration of the TERRP Plan.

The Inter-local agreement will provide for the administration of the program and it will provide for an investment advisor to oversee the investments of the Trust and accept fiduciary responsibility for the selection of the investments in the Plan. It will also provide a Plan Document, Plan Adoption Agreement, and other relevant documents to the District for the Plan to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the Texas Government Code. The HISD 401(a) Plan Document will be integrated with variable provisions contained in the HISD Adoption Agreement for the benefit of eligible employees as specified in the agreement.

COST/FUNDING SOURCES(S): The cost for this program is anticipated to be $750 on an annual basis.


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 4: Increase Management Effectiveness and Efficiency and is aligned to Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.



G-4

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RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to negotiate and execute an inter-local agreement with Regional Education Service Center 4 through the Texas Cooperative Purchasing Network, effective January 14, 2011.

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Office of Major ProjectsJulie Baker, Chief Officer of Major Projects

SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE HISD FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF DISTRICTWIDE AND SCHOOL-SPECIFIC PROGRAMS

A private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the HISD Foundation exists to secure and manage private contributions that support Houston Independent School District’s (HISD’s) highest-priority projects and goals set by the superintendent of schools and the Board of Education. The HISD Foundation works with its nonprofit board of directors and other key internal and external leaders to raise major gifts ($50,000+) from individuals, foundations, and corporations on behalf of HISD priority projects/programs. The HISD Foundation also secures and manages other levels of private support for various HISD programs and projects.

The Board of Education is asked to accept the following donation:

The HISD Foundation will provide a cash gift from Capital One in support of the Early Childhood Financial Literacy program at Martin Luther King, Jr., Early Childhood Center. The HISD Early Childhood Center Financial Literacy pilot program is designed to provide preschool-age students with the ability to grasp financial literacy concepts that may increase their and their parents’ financial knowledge and improve their financial decisions in later years. This pilot program will utilize information and resources on basic financial concepts that are targeted to preschoolstudents. Since children at this age are financially dependent upon their parents, a parent component/financial literacy training will be incorporated into the program in an effort to increase financial knowledge and make the parents better financial managers and role models for their children. The focus of the life-long benefit of teaching preschool children good money habits is to teach lessons that will affect financial consequences for a life-time. Funds will be used to implement Kids Bank for students, teacher training, parent training and incentives, a summer program,and general program supplies and materials. Additionally, a small portion of the funds will be utilized for evaluation and assessment.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The cost for this program is $12,100 and will be funded by Capital One($12,100–SR1 11-6299-355-10-Z16-Z16).


H-1

of 2

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1:Increase Student Achievement and is aligned with Core Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education accept $12,100 cash and in-kind contributions from the HISD Foundation in support of districtwide and school-specific programs, effective January 14, 2011.


Office of Communications and PublicationsAggie Alvez, Chief Communications Officer

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED DONATIONS FOR DISTRICTWIDE AND SCHOOL-SPECIFIC PROGRAMS

In accordance with board policy, all donations in aggregate of $5,000 or more must be approved by the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) Board of Education.

The attachment reflects a summary of proposed donations.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): Shown on the attached list.


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and is aligned with Core Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education accept the proposed donations for districtwide and school-specific programs, effective January 14, 2011.

H-2

SUMMARY OF DONATIONS GREATER THAN $5,000

Donor Receiving School/ Department

Donation Disbursement Total Value of Donation

Budget String

Helms Community Learning Center PTA

Helms Community Learning CenterRequestor: Principal

$12,000 SR1 11-6114-170-10-YY7-YY7

Helms Community Learning Center PTA is donating $12,000 to support the salary of a part-time hourly fine arts teacher. This position will support the district’s academic curriculum and provide exposure to fine arts curriculum. The fine arts curriculum will enhance the educational opportunities afforded to the students with increased academic vocabulary and enriched instructional rigor. This request has been approved by Walter Smith, Jr., in the Curriculum Department.

Acergy Walter W. Fondren ElementaryRequestor: Principal

$17,000 (in-kind)

Acergy has made an in-kind donation to upgrade the technological infrastructure on campus. This upgrade will include Smart boards, laptop computers, and making the school campus wireless. This upgrade will increase student engagement and achievement as well as decrease the digital gap in our community. The upgrade will also make instruction more effective by increasing the capacity for technology on campus. This request has been approved by Pat Collins in the Technology department.

Total Value of Donations – $29,000

Attachment H-2

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Office of Major ProjectsJulie Baker, Chief Officer of Major Projects

SUBJECT: AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE HISD FOUNDATION

A private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the HISD Foundation exists to secure and manage private contributions that support Houston Independent School District’s (HSD’s) highest priority projects and goals set by the superintendent of schools and the board of education. The HISD Foundation works with its nonprofit board of directors and other key internal and external leaders to raise major gifts ($50,000+) from individuals, foundations, and corporations on behalf of HISD priority projects/programs. The HISD Foundation also secures and manages other levels ofprivate support for various HISD programs and projects.

The board of education is asked to authorize the superintendent of schools or a designee to enter into and amend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the HISD Foundation to formalize the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of the partnership between the district and the foundation.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The cost for this MOU is up to $12,000 for general supplies and other operational costs, as well as salary and benefits for a .5 full-time equivalent (FTE) senior secretary.These funds will be budgeted as part of the 2011–2012 General Fund operating budget.

STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: Dedication of a .5 FTE senior secretary. Remainder of .5 FTE senior secretary salary and benefits to be reimbursed to HISD by the HISD Foundation per the MOU.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and is aligned with Core Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports



H-3

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RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education authorize the superintendent of school or a designee to execute and amend a MOU with the HISD Foundation, effective January 14, 2011.

of 2 H-4


Office of Major ProjectsJulie Baker, Chief Major Projects Officer

SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY FOR EIGHT SCHOOLS AWARDED THE 2011–2013ALGEBRA READINESS CYCLE 2 GRANTS AND AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE CONTRACTS

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has been awarded grant funds from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for eight middle schools – Crispus Attucks, Richard Dowling, Patrick Henry, Kandy Stripe Academy, Francis Scott Key, John Marshall, Ernest O. Smith and Carter Woodson Middle Schools – for the Algebra Readiness Cycle 2 Grant Program. The purpose of the Algebra Readiness Cycle 2grant is to implement programs that increase the preparedness of middle school students to meet standards and pass future assessments in Algebra I. For thiscompetition, TEA identified eligible HISD campuses for consideration of funding.

The Algebra Readiness Cycle 2 grant program goals include the following:1. Increase the number of students who are academically ready to meet the

passing standard on the Algebra I End-of-Course assessment.2. Plan, design, and implement effective systemic programs to improve grades

6-8 teachers’ mathematics content knowledge and instructional effectiveness in order to improve performance for struggling students and those at risk of failure in mathematics.

3. Create opportunities for teachers to receive in-classroom coaching to improve instructional and Response to Intervention effectiveness in mathematics.

4. Ensure grades 6, 7, and 8 students at risk of failure to meet future Algebra I assessment standards participate in a challenging curriculum that meets and exceeds the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the grade level at which the student is enrolled.

5. Equip school leaders to support and facilitate teachers’ efforts to increase student achievement in mathematics.

6. Provide teachers and parents with opportunities to communicate more frequently about student progress in mathematics.

The Algebra Readiness Cycle 2 grant will be implemented during the 2010–2011, 2011–2012, and 2012–2013 school years. Funds must be used to support professional development; to pay salaries for positions that could not otherwise be funded (instructional coach) and to purchase materials, supplies and technology for implementing the algebra readiness model.

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The maximum award per campus is $300,000.00. The total grant award for the eight schools is $2,400,000.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost for the program is $2,400,000 and will be funded by the Texas Education Agency($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-041-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-075-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-052-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-378-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-079-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-061-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-067-XX-SJ3)($ 300,000–SR1-XX-XXXX-074-XX-SJ3).

STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: Eight FTE Math Instructional Coaches, one FTE per school.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/ IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and HISD Goal 2: Improve Human Capital and is aligned to Core Initiative 1: Effective Teacher in Every Classroom and Core Initiative 3. Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports.


THIS ITEM DOES NOT ESTABLISH, MODIFY, OR DELETE BOARD POLICY

RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education accept funds from the Texas Education Agency for eight schools selected for the Algebra Readiness Cycle 2 grant program and authorize the superintendent of schools or designee to negotiate and execute contracts with service providers, effective January 14, 2011.

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Office of Major ProjectsJulie Baker, Chief Major Projects Officer

SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE ASIA SOCIETY FOR THE ASIA SOCIETY CONFUCIUS CLASSROOMS NETWORK FOR TWO SCHOOLS IN HOUSTON ISD AND AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE CONTRACTS

Houston Independent School District (HISD) has been awarded $23,000 from the Asia Society to support two HISD schools -- International High School at Sharpstown and Houston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) -- participating in the Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Network. The purpose of this grant is to support the development of Chinese language programs in schools across America. The Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Network is an international partnership between Hanban and the Asia Society dedicated to building the field of Chinese language teaching and learning in American classrooms. The focus of the project is as follows:

Travel cost for one school representative to attend the National Chinese Language Conference

Travel cost for one school representative to attend the Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Teachers Institute

Hosting representatives from the Chinese partner school, and Improving the quality and scope of the school Chinese program in order to

make the program long-term.

International High School at Sharpstown and HAIS were the recipients of this award and were selected into membership of the network. Each school received $11,500. The purpose of the funds includes start-up funding in the amount of $10,000 for each campus and a $1,500 travel allowance for each campus. The grant period is December 1, 2010 through August 31, 2013. Additional cash awards in an undetermined amount will be provided to the schools in years two and three that will be brought forth upon award.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost for the program is $23,000and will be funded by the Asia Society($ 23,000--SR1 XX-XXXX-XXX-XX-SU8).


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/ IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1: Increase Student Achievement and Core

H-5

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Initiative 3: Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports.



RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education accept funds from the Asia Societyfor HISD and authorize the superintendent of schools or designee to negotiate and execute contracts with service providers, effective January 14, 2011.

Background InformationBoard Item ____: ___Asia Society________________________

How was school participation determined?

School had to apply to be accepted into the Hanban – Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Network. The school has to offer Chinese in the curriculum.

What was theselection process criteria?

Eligibility was determined by school achievements and/or potential in the following areas: 1) curriculum and instruction,2) integration and culture, 3) leadership, and 4) partnerships.

What is the budget breakdown?

Start Up Costs - Supplies and project materials- $10,000 (each)Travel – $1,500 (each school)

What is the expected outcome?

To build a high-quality, sustainable Chinese language program and to strengthen Americans’ understanding of China.

How will program be evaluated?

An external evaluation of success will be completed by the Asia Society. All evaluations will be shared with HISD.

Additional background information

International High School at Sharpstown and Houston Academy for International Studies were accepted into the Hanban – Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Network.

Attachment H-5

NEW01/06/11

Page 1 of 2 H-6


Office of General CounselElneita Hutchins-Taylor, General Counsel

SUBJECT: APPROVAL TO ENGAGE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OR TO AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS(RFQ) FOR REDISTRICTING OF TRUSTEE DISTRICTS IN THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HISD)

State law requires school district trustee districts must be reviewed and redrawn once every ten years when census data is released. The school district hastraditionally employed a qualified law firm and/or demographers to assist the district in performing this task. Census data for 2010 will be released by the federal census bureau in February 2011. The district must act to determine whether new districts should be drawn. The proposed districts must be submitted to the Department of Justice for review. This process must be completed in time for regular board elections in November 2011.

The Houston Independent School District must comply with the redistricting requirements. In order to accomplish this, the board may immediately authorize the administration to engage professional services; or, the board may seek proposals from law firms and/or demographers describing their qualifications and experience in this process. If the board determines that a RFQ will be issued, the submissions will be evaluated, and the board will then approve a firm to lead the process.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The total cost of this project will be paid from GF funds and charged to account GF1 41-6292 911-99-940 940.


ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 6: Create a Positive District Culture and aligns with Core Initiative 5: Culture of Trust through Action.



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RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the engagement of professional services; or, that the Board of Education authorize the administration to issue a RFQ for redistricting of Board of Education member districts, effective January 14, 2011.

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