Published: June 23, 2008 11:02 pm      

Trinity ISD starts budget discussion

Trinity Independent School District budget trustees were given preliminary information on the 2008-09 budget Monday night and were told current projections show the budget is within $1 million of being balanced.

The board also approved the resignation of Debbie Quan, who had been a member of the board since 1998 and resigned for personal reasons.

“We’re starting our work on the initial budget, and I have no doubt that by the time we get here in August we’ll be able to present a balanced budget,” TISD Superintendent Bobby Rice said. “We might finish out the year not having much left over in the way of funds, but we shouldn’t be under.”

The district is taking into account several increases in spending, including fuel and energy costs, Rice said.

“We’re looking at an increase in fuel costs, normal step increases for our students and another $15,000 for miscellaneous expenses,” said Kevin Parish, TISD business manager.

“Within the next few months, we’re going to be working with the Texas Education Agency to try to regain some of our funding, and then on our end, we just have to make sure we have everything finalized by August,” Parish said.

Quan, who delivered her letter of resignation during a brief closed session, said she chose to resign because of “timing.”

“I’ve seen many positive changes during my time on the board, and I look forward to seeing many good things in the future,” she said. “It’s just time for me to resign, but kids and schools are just part of me.”

In addition to Quan’s resignation, the board also accepted the resignations of district employees Shelley Madeley and Andrea Seale.

Steven Holmes and Leona Cerniglia were given one-year, probationary teaching contracts; Sharon Witt was given a probationary nursing contract and trustees also approved a reassignment for Vanessa Franklin, formerly a curriculum director, to the position of principal at Trinity Intermediate School.

In other action, the board accepted a proposal for professional management services for custodial, maintenance, transportation and grounds departments.

Rice also made a short presentation on the construction of Trinity Intermediate School.

“The air conditioner is running upstairs, and the paint is going up in all of the rooms,” Rice said. “All they have left to paint is the auditorium, and work is going to start on the floors next week.

“Also, the fence in the back is complete, new door handles are up, and further work is continuing on the auditorium.”

In other action, the board:

• approved their consent agenda;

• approved the purchase of one $90,000 bus through Buy-Board;

• approved district/board goals for the 2008-09 school year;

• approved a renewal of their Workman’s Compensation Contract;

• approved employee handbooks for the 2008-09 school year;

• approved TASB policy update 83; and

• approved the renewal of a truancy officer contract.