[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6625536,"mediaKeyId","2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18","parentId",2756743,"title","Bryan ISD launches strategic planning and facilities master-plan work, officials say sustainability is priority","audioSeconds",308,"startMs",7704000,"endMs",8012000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18&start=7704&end=8012","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18/thumbnail_7704000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6625536/Texas/Bryan-ISD-launches-strategic-planning-and-facilities-master-plan-work-officials-say-sustainability-is-priority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625536-97b802a222386f2469c687943fbc3260/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155743&Signature=iwfGPiYKJsrq5SODwGhmPP5MuPIF-yqosGre-Dud~Yyp-DEj86X~CeJs8GwUSZqYi73y6ALyLklayF6IdTOjp63VnHz0J254B3KZr9KuTP~ElnYfmRtn3NbX3Na63otQvbgAP1Vwo8UEHcw5EuleqPRRCj9DoOyTpZmEE2BIbfZjkC1DSYGIsimfiXFaKjeFa0PgiY1JjtHxq1PFEl90JdjyGPyvc-4y3XpYFk28t0xcZoLeOKwKAsufbB0WKwoPw7T8GMRUs1uPjLnKrjmLhwLapf8CVgXPLYF1ragv2cVDHdJs8-L~jg~o1wDeaxflqL0hOvdRujLOx9Q-Gv2suQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bryan ISD, TX","date","2025-03-25T03:21:24.733Z","article","Bryan ISD trustees received an update on strategic planning and a facilities master-plan process that district leaders said will use facility assessments, projected student growth and a 10-to-15-year outlook to prioritize long-range capital and maintenance needs.

District staff described the first strategic-planning meeting, calling the kickoff 'very positive' with broad community participation. The planning group includes nearly 90 citizens: students, parents, teachers, campus leaders and community members. The district described a charge to the planning body to prioritize student needs, create a fiscally responsible plan, and serve as ambassadors for the district.

Facilities consultant Bryan Griffin (consultant) presented the approach to building a master plan: collect current facility asset information, track mechanical/electrical/plumbing/technology (MEPT) life cycles, project student growth and model maintenance and deferred-maintenance scenarios. He emphasized sustainability and longevity in construction choices, and cautioned that attractive renovations should be weighed against long-term maintenance costs.

Trustees were briefed that Bryan ISD operates 32 buildings and that deferred maintenance has increased the need for a sustainable long-range capital plan. Administrators said the planning team will refine priorities, produce a draft master plan and discuss funding options after priorities are set. The district will continue public meetings, present updates periodically and use the plan to guide future bond or capital funding discussions.

No board action was required at the meeting; staff said more detailed assessments and funding estimates will be part of later presentations to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bryan ISD School Board Meeting March 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District leaders described the start of a community strategic planning process and a facilities master-plan that will assess 32 buildings, track maintenance needs and consider long-term, sustainable investments.","taxTitle","BRYAN ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",13522,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625541,"Board authorizes superintendent to negotiate ESS substitute-staffing contract for 2025-26",922,8486000,9408000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18&start=8486&end=9408","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18/thumbnail_8486000.jpg","/articles/6625541/Texas/Board-authorizes-superintendent-to-negotiate-ESS-substitute-staffing-contract-for-2025-26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625541-e8094d62c515b8a755f5d58821a786ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155743&Signature=PzZ1gOkxx20t2xUXfVn5MZKWAFOZn3wgzULRVaYT0v88SzEjz8k0YRHoKnRAO6rRrsNGIIzw8va715V8-kADq1Q-VPrFPfcNEiB7e-F14hxhhEguRGC0u0dT2rxwRRBE4h0HWWvcJeEW~EQhy~rU-y5K6g9qxNW6XyQeRJKMeXCHEFJChSbLsmOHyMwDM-onqYU~s~4X6k1sKFj0Z-~VWUiGlWtNq3-niVu0g-s19yDx3VVwnr5eff1GVwC0EMJe0NNxFHk7XIN8yjWDp5w6mZLPz2trF0pX2faCT4olRNnG~H0CNT6xQ-cKo-xuiaayIUMTMi0DtYCzmNv5TRtxYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bryan ISD Board authorized the superintendent to negotiate and enter a contract with ESS South Central LLC to provide substitute staffing services for the 2025-26 school year, a move administrators said supports classroom continuity and recruitment.

Bryan ISD HR and finance staff described a longstanding partnership with ESS that began in 2019. Angela Behrens, assistant director of human resources, said ESS maintains a district-specific recruiting and onboarding team, offers weekend and evening orientations, provides specific trainings (including stop-the-bleed and special education preparedness), operates an after-hours call center, and has produced recruits the district later hired into full-time positions.

Behrens reported current operational metrics: ESS has filled tens of thousands of absences for the district since 2019 and, as of the meeting, the district had about 482 active substitutes in the ESS pool. She said the district saw very high day-of fill rates recently (99% on one recent Monday and 97% the morning of the meeting).

Finance staff presented pricing history and cost context. Administration said ESS agreed to reduced markups over several years and that if the district were to internalize substitute staffing and provide equivalent benefits and outreach, internal cost estimates suggested a likely increase in total expense. Trustees and administrators described the arrangement as an efficient operational solution that helps campuses secure classroom coverage.

The board approved a motion to authorize the superintendent to negotiate and execute a contract with ESS South Central LLC. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records the vote as unanimous but does not give a roll-call tally. The administration said the contract will be brought forward to finalize terms and return to the board if required by board policy or state purchasing rules.","Trustees authorized the superintendent to negotiate and sign a contract with ESS South Central LLC to provide substitute staffing for the 2025-26 school year, citing improved fill rates and recruitment support from the vendor.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625545,"Board approves two CTE-weighted community service courses for credit",400,8145000,8545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18&start=8145&end=8545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18/thumbnail_8145000.jpg","/articles/6625545/Texas/Board-approves-two-CTE-weighted-community-service-courses-for-credit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625545-91d6ab109cba0b529f2d26d293623df4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155743&Signature=ROEs3-r8le23of3v-QwZqQoA7QxH2wf7ILOaXO48oFqxLmgLVTVE~CvJx9J1uGchBEkd7ftB4yzEvtJnTzEsdl4lDGA8j52Ohg9C1YYOz3m8O5oeem6yzib4HkTWWbSYYbi3Edw1FmchzrML-ptWPrRNFa6pCIYVPQu2gY7TH1mn4PAixVT4EhHYKxBIzNBfSqdjfMLSzE1lySujMMoEqZ4TvbJWFzI6j7Mm05ixGEafJfBoJEKDdCuuNbKOgcp-iPfldaVS4QLMDnGPmOt4pX2AbzGKcPq3c75dVjWdJIEaNfeGpIB8rQ7T7GqsK1hi6SiFeQV9V8PFHevgnZ~6GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees approved two innovative course offerings that will give students state elective credit and CTE-weighted funding for structured community service instruction.

Dr. Christina Richardson and curriculum staff presented the proposals to the board, describing the courses as aligned with state TEKS for innovative courses and as opportunities to recognize student volunteer work with graduation-credit-bearing classes. The two courses approved were Principles of Community Service and a follow-up Community Service course designed to deepen students' engagement with local agencies and nonprofit partners.

Administrators said the courses are already on the Texas Education Agency's innovative course list and would count as state elective credits. They noted the courses also fit within existing CTE pathways for students interested in nonprofit careers or social services. Board members asked whether similar 'life skills' or practical instruction had been considered; staff replied that the district already evaluates a range of innovative courses and chooses the best-fit options for each campus.

Motions to approve the courses passed with unanimous voice votes. District staff said campuses would determine scheduling and enrollment, and that course TEKS and descriptions will be posted and communicated to students and counselors as part of course selection for the next school year.","Trustees approved two state-approved innovative courses, Principles of Community Service and a follow-on community service course, allowing students to earn state elective credit and CTE weighting for volunteer/community engagement pathways.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625549,"Bryan ISD officials warn of budget pressure as state funding and mandates collide",2393,5214000,7607000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18&start=5214&end=7607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18/thumbnail_5214000.jpg","/articles/6625549/Texas/Bryan-ISD-officials-warn-of-budget-pressure-as-state-funding-and-mandates-collide","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625549-f02ba7e7a6931acef85228507c6e62d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155743&Signature=SjFa7nOO8V2dgKiuuOw9vUfewO-DwTCDHQTNFycWr9mMQ1yWcJbz2TONLkGEVFlfxRRr7eyLMarN0pU0t6V-DsyPnhMc-1ENB20h5FeFGkVDr1AyvIaCu5gZg0N2nS5wC2p01QOKXPVMU-QoYryBudEkuvBB0oCGZqy8b-mlNFleZXuDQT~VAFOEfsvpZcL4S6I4WoyPwnXTVIRfgVLDn5KpsuTXvST7d9pCMSWdamy-9TcjQbExE9l01DI~tl50hngwNWTxgfeX3uIzqJvj3wNGxjVLN0t0vkrHzZqh61OLX6B3l0mH-f-kqs0mnvaJxEfgLKoR2nHttSPQCCW2Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bryan ISD finance staff and administrators told trustees the district faces sustained budget pressure because the state's basic allotment has not kept pace with inflation while certain mandated allotments remain underfunded.

Chief financial staff and the superintendent briefed the board on budget development and potential legislative outcomes. Finance director Kevin Biesau and other administrators explained that the 'basic allotment' funding formula has not been adjusted substantially since 2019, while districts' costs for fuel, utilities, property insurance and health insurance have risen. They said the result is a structural shortfall that will force district leaders to identify further savings unless the Legislature increases funding.

Officials gave specific examples: the state transportation allotment paid roughly $1.47 million last year while the district's transportation costs exceeded $6 million; similarly, the state safety allotment provided about $521,000 but district safety expenditures approached $3.4 million after adding school resource officers, security guards, film, vestibules and other security measures. Administrators said even proposed increases in the safety allotment would leave a substantial gap.

Biesau and Superintendent Ginger Carabine described the district's approach to the 2025-26 budget cycle: preserve instruction and personnel where possible, maintain a healthy fund balance, and prioritize safety. They summarized cost-control steps already taken, including attrition and consolidation of some central-office positions, and said the district had eliminated several million dollars in prior rounds of cuts.

Trustees also heard a rundown of bills in the current legislative session that could affect the district budget. Staff described draft proposals such as HB2 (an increase in the basic allotment draft), Senate Bill 26 (teacher pay changes tied to experience and teacher incentive allotment adjustments), and proposals for educational savings accounts (vouchers) that would fund students on enrollment rather than attendance. Officials warned that vouchers funded by enrollment could shift significant dollars away from public district budgets.

Administrators emphasized the local effects: Bryan ISD's attendance-based funding model means the district receives less than enrollment-based private options, and the district would see immediate operational impacts if state funding remained unchanged. A senior administrator said that if no outside funding arrives before the June budget adoption, cutbacks will be noticeable in classrooms and buildings.

Board members and administrators discussed next steps: updates to budget projections in April and May based on legislative progress, continued stakeholder engagement and \"road show\" visits to solicit staff input, and the June date for formal budget adoption. Finance staff said they would continue refining estimates and present options to the board, including program consolidations and potential staffing adjustments.

No formal funding decision was made at the meeting; administrators asked the community and elected officials to weigh in on state funding priorities.","District finance leaders told the board that static state funding, rising costs and underfunded allotments for transportation and safety leave Bryan ISD facing potential service reductions unless the Legislature acts or local decisions are made.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625554,"Bryan ISD presents annual report highlighting testing changes, literacy and math goals",1740,2995000,4735000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18&start=2995&end=4735","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756743-8d7b3226b748262366f75b786c1e0a18/thumbnail_2995000.jpg","/articles/6625554/Texas/Bryan-ISD-presents-annual-report-highlighting-testing-changes-literacy-and-math-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625554-09c63cc914a31c7fd6719d5131cc6f40/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155743&Signature=iG~MFKIytJOcyp0iVQE6xuwRrTMxWCqdnbW1MWeYt1xr4qgyJ5HHgu8uyiitE4crLF9vOruJiDeUC7LEDeiZuEraRXFWgTfPpp0HjfDVzQ6GwfhhcjmkUT0lkZ3FSjVpLWajmOv0BlGiDoCsFpFmxt10mp1r3nT7tnABsvUS-0xdqCRDpyeoqnP6w98BKcynWMxvaEJv3NZ2vBieTP8ud1IupvahtxbTmPQHwiZKC4i8kn1Mu5qYAUoiBkFiEzuIq3ibpKiR8K0~bXqdaPg5ZiIdwupTgXCqIi-ppBRq61l~yRlsL2NOwEnWe7swflK4iAr~mAikxqyrPjLPeJuptw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees heard the district's annual report and a presentation of the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) during its public hearing, where administrators described how recent state test changes and implementation issues affected district results and outlined actions for literacy, math and college- and career-readiness.

The annual report was presented by Hugo Ibarra, director of community affairs, and academic leaders from the district's curriculum team. Ibarra said, \"The annual report is approximately 1,000 pages,\" and noted the document was delayed this year because of late data from the Texas Education Agency.

The presentation showed Bryan ISD outperforming a set of five comparable districts in several categories but lagging behind the state on some measures. District staff emphasized that STAAR testing format changes'including new online item types, embedded writing and interactive item formats'likely produced a statewide dip in some performance indicators and complicated year-to-year comparisons.

District academic leaders summarized the main takeaways: literacy and numeracy goals required under House Bill 3 are now part of the annual report; third-grade reading (meets-level) and math results showed modest declines that mirror statewide trends; and Bryan ISD continues to outperform the comparable-group average in several measures. Administrators said the district will continue targeted instructional supports, including explicit literacy instruction (reading horizons and Reading Academies-aligned training), daily mastery checks in math, small-group interventions and more practice with the online testing platform so elementary students can navigate new item types.

Presenters also flagged district strengths: master-level performance (high-end achievers) remains above state and comparable-group averages; chronic absenteeism has trended down from pandemic peaks and is now at or better than state levels; and Bryan ISD exceeded its college, career and military readiness (CCMR) goal for the most recently reported graduating class, a success administrators credited to counseling, CTE and dual-credit programs.

Administrators stressed demographic context: Bryan ISD serves a high proportion of emergent bilingual (English learner) students and said writing now being required across assessments adds difficulty for students still developing English. Staff also explained that some accountability indicators have changed or will change (for example, how CTE completions translate to CCMR credit), complicating longitudinal comparisons.

Board members asked questions about the scale of state changes, the effect on third graders testing on computers, and whether comparable districts truly matched Bryan ISD's demographics. Staff responded that testing structure and item types changed substantially and that the district had been intentionally building student capacity with online platforms prior to statewide implementation.

The district posted the full annual report and campus improvement plans on its website, and officials said campuses are working with instructional coaches and curriculum staff on the action steps included in the report.

The public hearing concluded after board members discussed next steps on literacy and numeracy action plans and encouraged continued communication with parents and community members about the meaning of the TAPR data.","District officials presented the Bryan ISD annual report and Texas Academic Performance Report, noting statewide test changes, declines in some STAAR measures, and district plans for early literacy, numeracy and CCMR goals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bryan ISD launches strategic planning and facilities master-plan work, officials say sustainability is priority

Board authorizes superintendent to negotiate ESS substitute-staffing contract for 2025-26

Board approves two CTE-weighted community service courses for credit

Bryan ISD officials warn of budget pressure as state funding and mandates collide

Bryan ISD presents annual report highlighting testing changes, literacy and math goals