Board approves support program

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Audit shows ‘no material weaknesses’

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| CPCISD

COMO-PICKTON — Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District instructors will have access to new support materials through Boardworks, and students will be shielded from inclement weather thanks to trustees’ approval during the January board meeting Monday night.

“Boardworks capitalizes on instructional technology that we already have in place, utilizing our Chrome-books, teacher computers and smart boards,” Assistant Superintendent Jana Andrews said. “It is a set of templates linked to our state’s Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKs] that the teacher can use as is or can edit to help supplement their instruction.”

Multiple committees in different subjects considered the need for Board-works, and board member Jessica Pegues asked if technology was used often in seventh and eighth grade math. Andrews responded that while lower level math classes did not use it often, higher levels like geometry or calculus may need the extra resources Boardworks provides.

“Just from my walkthroughs of the junior high, … I see quite a bit of smart board use,” Andrews said. “In particular, in eighth grade. I can speak to that.”

Board president DJ Carr asked if instructors who choose not to use Boardworks’ program presently could opt in later, and Andrews said the elements, once purchased, will be the district’s property and be available to all instructors.

The board unanimously approved the $13,640.25 purchase of Boardworks, and when asked by board member Jim Murray when the programs would go into effect, Andrews said, “Immediately.”

Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower presented two bids for the construction of a new bus awning. A bid from Juan Monterroso, a Como-Pickton graduate, and his father Juan Monterroso Sr. totaled $11,250, and the other bid totaled $15,000.

“He [Monterroso] did a really good job on the bus barn extension,” Bower said. “I think that this is going to be pretty good for us.”

Construction on the awning will start once Farmers Electric Cooperative give them authorization to build due to power lines near the location the awning will be built. Bower said the lines should be buried in February. The awning will lead into the elementary cafeteria.

“I don’t like the kids having to start school off soaking wet because they have to run for some cover,” Bower said.

The awning will be used primarily for elementary school bus drop-off, but Bower said the junior high school and high school would use it during bad weather.

Board member JJ Cummings asked if 26-gauge roof panels would be used in Monterroso’s bid, the same panels in the more expensive bid. Maintenance Director Carl Smith confirmed their use.

The board also heard the 2018-19 fiscal year audit report presented by Steve Davis of Morgan, Davis and Company, PC in Greenville. In summary, the district is in “good financial shape” and has no “material weaknesses.” According to Davis, the district is a “low-risk auditee,” meaning the district has had two clean audits prior to this one.