ALL THE BUZZ

As we move forward into 2025, I’m proud to share some exciting updates from our district. This month, we are pleased to release our Annual Report, highlighting the progress and achievements of our students and staff. Additionally, we are grateful for the continued support of the Kovar Scholarship, which has now awarded over $600,000 to help our students pursue higher education. Finally, I want to acknowledge our flexibility during last week’s weather-related closure—thankfully, no instructional days will need to be made up.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Caldwell ISD!

Public Hearing

Erin Supak, Chief Academic Officer, held a Public Hearing to discuss the 2023-2024 CISD Annual Report. The full report is located on the district website HERE.

Public Input

There was no public input this month.

Board of Trustees

Board Trustee Krista Zwernemann spoke about the importance of teacher retention efforts, focusing primarily on how to support teachers with student behaviors. Board President William Foster spoke about maintaining a culture of high expectations for all students.

Superintendent’s Report

School Board Appreciation:

Dr. Barton thanked the Board for their hard work and dedication to the district. In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, each campus presented the Board members with a special token of appreciation, showcasing the creativity and gratitude of students and staff across the district.

Enrollment Report:

Informational Reports

Kovar Investment Fund:

Kavon Novak, Financial Advisor, reported on the Kovar Endowment Fund, stating that the investments have been good and the current balance is approximately $2.3 million.

Finance Reports:

Heather Escalante, Chief Operating Officer, presented the December Financial Reports. The full report can be viewed HERE.

New Business (Action Items)

Consider and Approve Investment Policy:

Mrs. Escalante presented the district's investment policy. The District is in contract with Prosperity Bank for depository services until August 2025 and utilizes pool accounts for higher interest rates to ensure they make the most of taxpayer funds. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the investment policy as presented.

Discuss Kovar Scholarship Parameters:

Mrs. Escalante presented the financial history of the Kovar Scholarship. The Board of Trustees discussed changes they would like for the 2025 award to be approved during the February board meeting.

Consider and Approve Resolution to Pay Employees for the 2025 Winter Weather Closure:

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to pay hourly employees for the school closure day due to winter weather. The Board determined that the District will not require employees to make up work missed due to the closure of school facilities or operations as a result of the January 21-22 freeze.

Call for General Election:

The Board of Trustees called for an election to be held on May 3, 2025, for the purpose of electing:

• Three Caldwell ISD Trustee Vacancies (Mr. Hicks, Mrs. Ochs and Mrs. Zwernemann)

Application for a place on the ballot should be filed by February 14, 2025.

Consent Agenda

Meeting Minutes - The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the meeting minutes.

The Board went into Executive Session at 7:06 PM. After the closed session, the Board of Trustees voted to approve the Superintendent’s evaluation and contract as discussed in the closed session. Additionally, the board authorized the administration to offer to purchase the parcel of land under the terms outlined in the offer sheet discussed in closed session.

The Board Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.