Board Briefs: February, 18, 2025

Manor ISD’s Board Briefs 

Welcome to the latest edition of Manor ISD’s Board Brief! Each month, we will offer a snapshot of key decisions, discussions, and highlights from our most recent board meeting. As always, Manor ISD is committed to transparency and keeping our community informed about the work being done to support our students, staff, and schools. In this update, you'll find information about important approvals, recognitions, and updates on initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational experience across our district. 

 

Meeting recording  Meeting Agenda/Boardbook

 

Scholar Recognitions

Manor ISD Students Shine at 2025 Travis County Youth Show

Manor ISD students made a big impact at the 2025 Travis County Youth Show, earning top placements across multiple categories and showcasing their talents in agriculture, culinary arts, photography, and more. Their hard work and dedication paid off in a big way, as students who advanced to auction raised approximately $24,000 to support their programs.

Leading the way were several Manor ISD students who earned Grand and Reserve Champion titles in various categories:

• Magedlina Morales, Lagos Elementary, Grand Champion - Pullets, Reserve Champion - Fryer

• Callan Macdonald, Manor MS, Grand Champion - Pies, Jellies and Jams, BBQ Sauce and Dried Foods 

• Eliana Lopez, Manor New Tech MS, Grand Champion - Yeast Breads and Animal Photos, Reserve Champion - Jewelry and Landscape Photo 

• Isabella Crawford, Manor Early College HS, Grand Champion - Night Photo, Reserve Champion - Textiles Accessories

• Nathaniel McGlauchlen, Manor Senior High School, Reserve Champion Hampshire

• Mattison Reagan, Manor Senior High School, Reserve Champion - Jellies and Jams

 

Manor ISD Scholars Selected for Prestigious Statewide Art Exhibition

Manor ISD is proud to announce that two of our talented scholars, Emily Nguyen from Manor New Tech High School (MNTHS) and Rey Juarez from Manor Early College High School (MECHS), have been selected to participate in the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Youth Art Month Spring Exhibition 2025 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

This prestigious exhibition highlights outstanding student artwork from across the state and provides young artists with an opportunity to showcase their creativity on a statewide platform. Being selected for this honor is a testament to Emily and Rey’s dedication, talent, and artistic excellence.

From this exhibition, a select number of artworks will be chosen by the First Lady of Texas to be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery, an even higher distinction that places students’ work in the heart of Texas leadership.

 

Hitting the High Notes: Manor ISD Students Selected for Prestigious All-State Choir

Manor ISD is celebrating the incredible vocal talent of eight students who have earned a place in their respective State Solo and Ensemble category . Representing campuses across the district, these students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and passion for music, securing their spots through a rigorous audition process.

Meet Our State Solo and Ensemble Singers

Manor High School, Manor Senior High School, and Manor Early College High School:

• Michael Arredondo (12th grade)

• Zion Calahan (10th grade)

• Jimi D'Cruz (12th grade)

• Jefferson Gomez (12th grade)

• Izayah Malik (11th grade)

• Aani Sunar (11th grade)

 Manor New Tech High School:

• Aryanna Bocksnick (12th grade)

• Joshua Rhea (11th grade)

 

Manor ISD Reaches Historic 10,000-Scholar Milestone

Manor ISD has officially surpassed 10,000 scholars for the first time in its history, marking a significant achievement in the district’s continued growth. This milestone comes as many school districts across the state face declining enrollment, highlighting the work of Manor ISD’s dedicated educators and strong community partnerships.

The 10,000th scholar, Ramiro Rodriguez Nunez, a kindergarten student at Presidential Meadows Elementary enrolled this Fall. To celebrate this milestone, Manor ISD honored Ramiro at the February Board meeting.

 

Staff Recognitions

We’re proud to celebrate the incredible staff members who go above and beyond to make a difference at Manor ISD. Here’s a look at who was recognized during this month’s board meeting!

 

Superintendent Update 

Administration continues to progress monitor implementation of new student safety recommendations.  Some tasks will take longer than a year to complete (i.e. structural changes to MNTHS).  At this time, 5 of 25 recommendations have been fully implemented

• Consolidated entry points for MNTHS

• Trained all campus administrators on bullying policies and procedures and assigned a central office admin to monitor
• Ensure all campuses turn in duty and procedures plans
• Completed secondary campus security camera upgrade

Administration has seen demonstrations of six Weapon Detection Systems and are entering the evaluation stage of the process.  The Center for Safe Schools has conducted a safety audit of the Manor SHS Complex; the report can take between 45-60 days to complete along with any follow up questions or interviews

The DIP is posted on our website and will continue to be updated as new recommendations surface.

 

Information Items 

January Monthly Financial Report

The operating financial report for the month ending January (7/12 or 58.3% of the budget year), reflects the following:

The General Fund has collected $81,482,103 (80.3% of the budgeted revenue), which is an increase of $3,181,015 or 4% year over year. The General Fund has spent $68,866,656 (58.6% of the budgeted expenditures), which is an increase of $10,917,371 or 19% year over year.

The Debt Service Fund has collected $44,151,668 (97.9% of the budgeted revenue) and has spent $32,589,673 (53.8% of budgeted expenditures). Debt service payments are made during the months of February and August.

The Nutrition Program Fund has collected $4,228,505 (43.5% of the budgeted revenue) and has spent $4,916,302 (43.8% of budgeted expenditures).

 

2nd Quarterly Investment Report Update

The 2 QT total interest earnings were $864,593 (-26.6%) at an average yield of 4.20% (-0.09 bps) under the previous quarter. When allocating interest earnings by fund: 45% corresponds to the General Fund, 31% to the Debt Service, and 23% to the Construction Fund.

The Average Ending Balance was $12.2MM (+15.9%) over the previous quarter. The Weighted Average Maturity (WAM) is zero days since the investment pool provides for immediate liquidity and is currently yielding the highest return of 4.9%. The portfolio asset allocation by investment type is 87% in the Texas Class Investment Pool and 13% in the local depository bank.

 

Annual Racial Profile Report

The Racial Profiling Report in Texas is a mandated annual report submitted by law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with state laws prohibiting racial profiling. It includes data on traffic stops, searches, and arrests, categorized by race and ethnicity, to assess whether officers disproportionately target individuals based on race. The report is required under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and aims to promote transparency, accountability, and fair policing practices. Agencies must analyze and submit the data to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and local governing bodies, ensuring compliance with state regulations and fostering community trust.

 

Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP) for Decker Elementary School - Dr. Matthew Bentz

For the 2023-2024 school year, Decker Elementary received a rating of “Comprehensive Support and Improvement” through the Federal “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA).  Texas Administrative Code 97.1061 requires the development of a Targeted Improvement Plan for Decker Elementary and that the plan be presented at a Public Hearing and approved by the District Board of Trustees.  The plan describes the priority improvement strategy being implemented, the resources and support being provided to the campus, and the methods that the campus has used to gather feedback from staff and community stakeholders

 

Growth Progress Measures (GPM) 1: Literacy & GPM 2: Math Board Monitoring Report 

The purpose of this board presentation is to present  progress updates on Goal Progress Measure (GPM) 1, focusing on reading achievement and Goal Progress Measure 2, focusing on math achievement, for students in grades K-3.  For reading, the assessment screener utilized is I-station.  For math, the assessment screener utilized is i-ready.  At the October 22, 2024, board meeting, reading and math data from these screeners administered at the beginning of the year (BOY) was shared.  At the February 18, 2025, board meeting, achievement data from assessment screeners administered middle-of-year (MOY) will be shared, compared, and discussed. 

Goal Progress Measure 1: The percentage of 3rd grade students who score Meets grade level or above on STAAR Reading will increase from 25% to 53% by June 2028. 

Annual Targets: SY23/24=25%, SY24/25=32%, SY25/26=39%, SY26/27=46%, SY27/28=53%

Goal Progress Measure 2: The percentage of 3rd grade students that Meets grade level or above on STAAR Mathematics will increase from 19% to 47% by June 2028. 

Annual Targets: SY23/24: 19%, SY24/25=26%, SY25/26=33%, SY26/27=40%, SY27/28=47%

 

Consent Agenda 

Consideration and approval of the Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP) for Decker Elementary School 

The Board of Trustees adopted the MGW Education Consulting contract for “Administrative Contracted Services” via a previously awarded contract with another school district through the purchasing cooperative, “Central Texas Purchasing Alliance.”  Manor Independent School District is a member in good standing of the “Central Texas Purchasing Alliance.”  Competitive bidding requirements established by the Texas Education Code, Section 44.031(a)(4) and as required by the adopting district’s policies have been met, in accordance with Section 791.001 of Texas Government Code, via a previous contract with MGW Education Consulting for Administrative Services awarded by another district within the Central Texas Purchasing Alliance.  The goods and services provided under this contract will be at similar contract pricing and purchasing terms, allowing for inflation, established by the originating district in 2023-2024. The base terms and conditions of the initial award will remain as originally awarded.  Minor modifications to the scope of work of the original contract have been made as allowable to accommodate Manor ISD’s needs - all modifications are directly related in nature to the original contract. 

 

2025-2026 K-5 Math Adoption: 

The Board of Trustees adopted Bluebonnet Learning K-5 Math as the curriculum for elementary math instruction during the 2025-2026 school year.

Bluebonnet Learning K-5 Math is a state-approved, research-based curriculum that covers 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It offers a complete set of resources, including scope and sequence, lesson plans, and student materials. As an open education resource, the curriculum is freely accessible online for educators. Printed versions are available through the EMAT system.

 

Action Items

Consideration and Approval of Third Future Schools to be the 1882 Charter Partner for Manor MS 

The Manor ISD Board of Trustees has selected Third Future Schools (TFS) as the charter school operator for Manor Middle School's 1882 Partnership. The decision marks a significant step in Manor ISD’s ongoing commitment to improving student outcomes through strategic partnerships that provide additional resources, innovative programs, and enhanced academic opportunities.

The next phase of the partnership involves developing a contract that will outline specific offerings, programs, and operational terms. Once finalized, the contract will be presented to the Manor ISD Board of Trustees for potential approval at an upcoming meeting.