July 20, 2020 – In the first in-person meeting in several months, trustees listened to public comments regarding re-opening schools, then heard a report from Superintendent Doug Loomis regarding the District’s COVID-19 response and plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Mr. Loomis said, “We’re working hard to build a foundation that provides an in-person option and a virtual option. We need to get kids and staff back in schools, but when it’s appropriate and safe.” Mr. Loomis went through a demonstration of a new Return to School section on the District’s website that compiles back-to-school and registration information, safety protocols, attendance information, staff resources, re-opening plans, as well as information about bussing, cafeteria and food services, extracurricular activities, visitor protocols, technology and more. Loomis said registration is completely online this year and extends through Aug. 7. Messages about back-to-school registration and re-opening plans will be widely communicated to parents via text, emails, social media and the website.
Two representatives from the national Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) presented information virtually regarding the partnership between IDRA and AISD. A District task force has been working with IDRA since last fall on issues such as achievement gaps, educational equity, discrimination and systemic biases within AISD. The next step is to begin work with principals to address these issues at the school level.
Later in the meeting, the Board took unanimous action to adopt a ‘Resolution Regarding Educational Equity, Racism, and Discrimination’ with the intent of acknowledging these issues and affirming the Board’s commitment to support continued efforts regarding educational equity, creating a diverse workforce, and combating bias and discrimination in our schools and community.
The Board approved the purchase of several online instructional resources to use with virtual instruction. They also approved a contract with Tri-State General Contracting for renovations that are part of a bond project at Houston and Bowie middle schools and Emerson and Forest Hill elementary schools. This project addresses security, drainage work, plumbing and window improvements at the four campuses. Trustees approved construction documents for a $1.95 million project at Wolflin Elementary to include bullet resistant glass installation, site drainage improvements and an improved parking/drop-off area. The next step is to solicit bids for this project.
Trustees also approved the purchase of $217,500 worth of licenses for a new learning management system, called Canvas, that will be used districtwide to provide a comprehensive instructional platform for all classrooms and all students, whether they are virtual or on-site. The Canvas LMS would also be used to track student progress and continue instruction for on-campus students in the event a home quarantine is necessary due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Finally, the Board re-elected Robin Malone as president and David Nance as vice president of the Board for 2020-2021. In compliance with state law, Ms. Malone announced how many training hours each Board member completed in 2019-2020.
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