Board Briefs: March, 25, 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 UIL Band Solo and Ensemble Contest, Advance to State

The sound of dedication and talent echoed as Manor ISD students took the stage at the UIL Band Solo and Ensemble Contest, leaving judges in awe and earning their place in their respective solo or ensemble category. These talented musicians have showcased not only their skill but also their commitment to excellence in music.

From Manor New Tech High School, several outstanding students impressed with their performances:

• Garrett Melanson, Tenor Sax Solo - Advanced to State
• Saxophone Quartet – Advanced to State
  • Trinity Cain
  • Mya Diggs
  • Garrett Melanson
  • Maya Wilkins
• Ireoluwa Adesanya, French Horn Solo - Advanced to State
• Juan Perez, Bass Trombone Solo - Advanced to State
• Ellen Guerrero Melendez, Keyboard Percussion Solo - Advanced to State
• Demeco Minjarez, Keyboard Percussion Solo - Advanced to State
• Julian Vasquez, Snare Drum Solo - Advanced to State

At Manor High School, these talented musicians also earned top honors:

• Haley Garcia (MECHS), Clarinet Solo - Advanced to State
• Cristopher Pineda-Resendiz, Snare Drum Solo - Advanced to State
• Eduardo Rodriguez, Xylophone Solo - Advanced to State
• Flute Quartet – Advanced to State
  • Katherine Anderson
  • Joy Austin
  • Mia Garcia
  • Emmaleigh Martinez

Advancing to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest is a remarkable achievement that represents months of practice, determination, and a deep passion for music. These students will now have the opportunity to perform at the highest level at the end of May, showcasing their artistry among the best musicians in Texas.

🏅 Manor ISD Students Compete at Texas Women’s High School Powerlifting Championship

Manor ISD is celebrating the incredible achievements of three powerhouse student-athletes who earned a coveted spot at the Texas Women’s High School Powerlifting Championship. Right before spring break, these young women showcased their strength, determination, and resilience on the state’s biggest stage for high school powerlifting.

Congratulations to:
Arielle Spence – Manor New Tech High School
Valeria Mondragon-Granados – Manor Early College High School
Ashley Mucino – Manor Early College High School

Guided by their coaches, including Joel Velasco, the powerlifting coach at Manor Early College High School, these athletes worked tirelessly to prepare for this moment. 

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 (Sormani) 

At this time, 7 of 25 safety recommendations have been fully implemented.  Recently we have begun intensive counseling at MAP, our disciplinary alternative education program and created a new counselor drop-in service at MECHS and MSHS.

We also want to send a  shout out to the Manor HS and Manor New Tech HS Robotics teams!  They hosted and competed in the Central Texas FIRST Robotics competition over Spring Break.

Information Items 

March Monthly Financial Report 

The operating financial report for the month ending February (8/12 or 66.6% of the budget year), reflects the following:

• The General Fund has collected $87,768,767 (86.5% of the budgeted revenue), which is an increase of $4,510,203 or 5%, year over year.
• Tax collections for February were $7,860,367 (6.3% of the current levy). The Current Collection Rate is 96.4% (-0.60% year over year). YTD collections are $120,847,035, which is $4,382,529 or 3.8%, year over year. A total of $79,493,180 (66%) is for general operations (M&O) and $41,353,855 (34%) for debt service (I&S).
• The General Fund has spent $77,353,343 (65.8% of the budgeted expenditures), which is an increase of $9,623,149 or 14%, year over year.
• The Debt Service Fund has collected $47,206,295 (104.7% of the budgeted revenue) and has spent $32,859,673 (54.2% of budgeted expenditures). Debt service payments are made during the months of February and August. All debt service payments for the current year have been made, totaling $32,859,673.
• The Nutrition Program Fund has collected $5,077,309 (52.3% of the budgeted revenue) and has spent $5,605,999 (50% of budgeted expenditures).

Constraint Progress Monitoring (CPM1) Report: Teacher Retention 

• The District Improvement Plan includes the retention rate and strategies we are implementing.
• The MISD calculated turnover rate for the last school year is anticipated to meet the Board's target.

MISD is working toward building different pathways to increase our recruitment and address our teacher shortage. 

• For the past two years, MISD has averaged about 27 substitute teachers becoming full-time district employees in the district. 
• Twelve of our seniors from our Educator Preparation and Training program from Manor High School attended the Career Fair and signed Letters of Promise, which gives them the opportunity to become Manor ISD employees as they work on their teacher certification or when they complete their teacher certification. Last year, seven CTE Manor High School Students signed letters of promise.
• Manor ISD has hosted Texas State Teacher Residents again this year, and seven have become full-time teachers, reflecting a pathway to teaching and retaining educators.

 

Consent Agenda 

Consideration/possible action regarding the Senate Bill 1882 Operation Agreement with Third Future Schools (Sormani) 

The Manor ISD Board of Trustees has approved the draft 1882 Partnership contract with Third Future Schools. This approval grants Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani the authority to finalize the contract to ensure alignment with district goals and state requirements and ensure a fair sharing of the costs to run Manor Middle School.  The final contract will be posted on the district’s website.

This step advances the partnership process, supporting efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Manor ISD students.

Consideration and Approval of the 2024-2025 Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) Appraisers (Tamey) 

Approved appraisers for March

Administration presented two administrators to be approved to conduct T-TESS evaluations.

Consideration and Possible Approval of Non-Business Day Designation For Public Information Act For 2025-2026 and 2026-2027  

Under the law, school districts are required to designate up to 10 days they intend to be closed, besides state and federal holidays, each calendar year to not count for the Public Information Act. For the next two calendar years, the Board of Trustees approved the administration’s recommendation that the following 10 non-business days not count towards the Public Information Act. They are: 

 

2025-2026 

Oct. 13, 14, 15 and 16

Nov. 24, 25 and 26

Dec. 22, 23 and 26 

 

2026-2027

Oct. 12, 13, 14 and 15 

Nov. 23, 24 and 25