[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6070168,"mediaKeyId","3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb","parentId",3060356,"title","Katy ISD recommends contractors for multiple renovation projects, moves portables and plans Taylor High athletic reconfiguration","audioSeconds",1399,"startMs",3979000,"endMs",5378000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb&start=3979&end=5378","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb/thumbnail_3979000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070168/Texas/Katy-ISD-recommends-contractors-for-multiple-renovation-projects-moves-portables-and-plans-Taylor-High-athletic-reconfiguration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070168-53e57d00a92bce4c93313a4439ed3ce1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944515&Signature=H1QIGpw8KzGYCSFVuNdG9CbsIpfzz6ANVBSOnAp~AOSUVSin8YHi-9sVhph~1DJS18G-FvqK~HycddFLj56BOCXJ2PhQKIKieuXCbhZMy3seWOBEa8NSpmPcAgpOHngkJcnYfgKBvMf8LqqVNAiweeqXuqdm1aB3O7BG1liCEexclGD09VbS6esbRsJyovh1Ug1KTslu10n6vIVFnEEtMPzMbe3bi8xwjT~LCqBMwxsoLlZq3tt9-toLOnAZQ8BI7a6HpoUP1NkieLCGgLrzRpSZiZihgY0uN0s10AARUezY4wFAgYK4Nv8hewTy~6tuo8bLlkxGVnGkUV62PLsXyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Katy ISD","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","Katy Independent School District staff presented a slate of facilities and construction recommendations at the April 14 work study meeting, including recommended construction managers at risk for renovation projects, portable relocations to address student growth, chiller replacements tied to bond life‑cycle work and a plan to reconfigure Taylor High School’s athletic access to improve student safety.

Lisa Casman, Executive Director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, described a two‑step construction manager at‑risk selection process the district used to evaluate contractors’ experience, fees and proposed on‑site personnel. Based on that process, staff recommended awarding CMAR roles for projects including Beck Junior High renovation and addition, May Creek Elementary and Sundown Elementary renovations, and the Marquel Hopkins law enforcement center expansion to the firms recommended in the packet. Casman said the step‑one evaluation emphasized personnel and track record (50 percent of score) with fees and pre‑construction services weighted in step two.

Casman and trustees discussed capacity concerns and scheduling; staff said they reviewed contractor staffing and schedules before recommending awards and that some firms are already active on other Katy ISD projects. Trustee questions about why a particular firm won one bid but not another were answered by staff as being related to proposed personnel and project‑specific references rather than price alone.

Portable buildings: Nathan Fuchs, Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations, said five existing portables will be relocated from Pattison Elementary — two to Woodcreek Junior High and three to Haskett Junior High — and that the district is using project funds to mitigate GOF impact. Trustees noted portables are commonly repurposed and have a long useful life.

Bond life‑cycle work: Fuchs also introduced chiller replacements at Miller Career & Technology Center and at Taylor High School’s field house as scheduled life‑cycle work from the 2023 bond; staff said the work is planned to avoid catastrophic failures and is scheduled for completion by early next year.

Interlocal agreements and cost sharing: Staff brought a cost‑sharing agreement for a left‑turn lane near Cross Elementary tied to road work by Waller County Municipal Utility District and an interlocal for track repairs at Creech Elementary in which Cinco MUD No. 7 will contribute $15,000, with additional funds from the campus PTA and Cinco MUD No. 8.

Taylor High reconfiguration: Lance Carter, Executive Director of Athletics, and Ruben Martinez, emergency management coordinator, described a renovation to reconfigure athletic space inside Taylor High’s main building so the athletic trainer, equipment room and athletic secretary would be reachable without students crossing an unfenced parking lot to access the detached field house. Principal Dr. Melinda Stone joined staff in describing the safety and instructional‑time benefits; staff said the reconfiguration will reduce student travel across parking lots during the instructional day and enlarge the indoor athletic training facility to serve multiple sports.

Status and next steps: Staff recommended the awards and agreements for board approval but did not record formal contract awards during the work study. Specific contract documents and final award resolutions will be placed on a future action agenda for trustee approval and procurement processing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Katy ISD Board Work Study Meeting Apr 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Katy Independent School District staff presented a slate of facilities and construction recommendations at the April 14 work study meeting, including recommended construction managers at risk for renovation projects, portable relocations to address student growth, chiller replacements tied to bond life‑cycle work and a plan to reconfigure Taylor High School’s athletic access to improve student safety.","taxTitle","KATY ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14169,"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},6070176,"Katy ISD reviews February financials, budget amendments and recommends Prosperity Bank as depository",529,2597000,3126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb&start=2597&end=3126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb/thumbnail_2597000.jpg","/articles/6070176/Texas/Katy-ISD-reviews-February-financials-budget-amendments-and-recommends-Prosperity-Bank-as-depository","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070176-3ef31ef3c8ea2d2300f669193e4ab10d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944515&Signature=gJnP4T0SEFg7Nrmk7OaD9Ryz1hwLsujL0aQQc5vYnFqsp3eO99wX0pE~z39e3QFuivm26xaIkTWd~hoGBXZ63uYcqZTgADX4Wg~TH-U5aQ-kfqzuPFO2PdZWeu-SrEwG-S~ZcCUxIjkLxFQIxmLnJiBHiEJcDLEQ243XpCrHbkvSeHUp-qiKHDsUX9t5hq9r~ExdzL7x85WAZmKGm7CUQgPGREYZFFGGQ1F2gB7IrPYulLkCMheaROdhi7vVsPiZtLstF-0c4q2I-HD3be9Eovq6Ri5pcW~6i5wSyVh9mNiYucBMOhmx2Vabugnax4q6TMKVj4Kx~6d4BFw7MQqHMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katy Independent School District trustees reviewed the district’s financial report through February and discussed a set of proposed budget amendments and banking arrangements during the April 14 work study meeting.

Jamie Hines, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, told trustees the district is about halfway through the fiscal year and payroll — the district’s largest expenditure — was at roughly 48 percent of budget through February. Hines explained the district makes principal and interest debt payments in February, which drove the debt function to about 80 percent of budget at that point in the year.

Why it matters: Trustees use the mid‑year report to assess whether spending is on track and to consider amendments before the end of the fiscal year.

Hines highlighted specific functions including social work services (about 57 percent spent after moving several positions in a recent budget amendment), data processing (about 54 percent, reflecting annual software contracts) and transportation (higher than average because of the 10‑month nature of the budget). Hines also noted three functions that typically remain at zero until year‑end settlements: payments to fiscal agents for shared services (deaf services), JJAE/JJAE P placements, and a small remaining tax increment fund legal budget.

Espenon Serrios, Director of Budget and Treasury, presented budget amendments tied to increased dual‑credit classes reimbursed by Houston Community College (HCC) — which reimburse Katy ISD for extra‑duty pay — and a $12,000 naming allocation for the Gary Dirks tract at Cinco Ranch High School approved by the board in September. Serrios said approval of the amendments would decrease the general operating fund balance by $12,000 and that capital funds for a Beckendorf Junior High furniture retrofit would come from 2021 bond savings with no net capital‑fund impact.

On banking, staff recommended awarding the 2025–2027 depository contract to Prosperity Bank. Serrios said the recommendation was supported by tabulated interest income projections, customer service, proximity of a vault in Cinco Ranch and the bank’s ability to meet district needs. Trustee Fox and others praised Prosperity Bank’s partnership with the district.

Trustees asked follow‑up questions. Trustee Cozella asked why two new elementary projects showed under/over variances; Hines said the projects were currently expected to come in under the initial bid amounts though change orders could occur. Trustee Champagne asked whether the HCC reimbursement covers extra‑duty pay for Katy ISD teachers teaching dual‑credit; Serrios said it reimburses the district for that extra duty and that the district had already received a first payment of roughly $104,000 with a second payment expected.

No formal approvals were recorded in the work study meeting; staff presented reports and recommendations for future board action at a regular meeting.

Bottom line: Finance staff signaled the district’s expenditures are generally tracking as expected for mid‑year, presented a small set of budget amendments and recommended Prosperity Bank as the district’s depository for the coming biennium; trustees asked for clarifications on construction variances and dual‑credit reimbursement timing.","Katy Independent School District trustees reviewed the district’s financial report through February and discussed a set of proposed budget amendments and banking arrangements during the April 14 work study meeting.",{"_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},6070181,"Katy ISD board reviews discipline plan language on fighting, self‑defense amid public outcry",2107,464000,2571000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb&start=464&end=2571","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6070181/Texas/Katy-ISD-board-reviews-discipline-plan-language-on-fighting-selfdefense-amid-public-outcry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070181-b41fb790d16767c5976461a45fe7fc89/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944515&Signature=JywJuAkU77zUEQpxtZFEd-O124U3CYRGcRipNeBpg~x~Hf~LE5AD2b~BELnwpq-JVxHy2hV0GcTO1DtIQaVFsoE9AjpmmlpU7wEAOc-KYBRRlRP5b37NXGYFcVfx2B6p0OZRyAioTe82UlH9Z7U4MH6TJcRoG7yk~g8aKWqi~lXF2vTkR-nBcA9TrAYS0tHIkmaprLA8wIkEy4R9T6NUjZtslPnbQmjn2zpiLt0s4RmYalIMiWUV02FE49vZYs~ozzxHdCX~yDW2cD553Z4t0U4tlkGz8zKLKK38h-ijOsdTUjhOvno9jpKiJDhYF6V~Q3hcxDYOC70xBiEe2Z9vuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees of the Katy Independent School District on April 14 reviewed the district’s Discipline Management Plan language that governs fighting, physical contact and assault after several parents urged policy changes and staff presented the plan’s current definitions and decision factors.

Board members heard public comments from parents and community members alleging inconsistent application of discipline and urging a clearer self‑defense exception. Justin Graham, the board’s general counsel, introduced the agenda item and Sherry Ashwin, who presented the consolidated language from the board‑approved Discipline Management Plan, walked trustees through the section that appears on page 10 of the plan and related definitions on page 18.

Why it matters: The discussion came after several public speakers said a campus video demonstrated inconsistent classification of an assault and called for policy changes to protect victims and teachers. Board members asked staff for clarifications and for data showing how often fighting and assault disciplinary actions occur and what penalties were assigned.

Ashwin told the board that the district’s written guidance states that “physical contact is not tolerated on school property” and that when “an individual is physically confronted by another student, the individual should avoid striking back” and instead seek an adult. She reiterated language in the plan that “a claim of self defense is not justification to avoid disciplinary action” unless there is documented evidence the student could not flee, and explained that administrators apply six statutorily required factors — including self‑defense and intent — when determining consequences.

Board discussion centered on how self‑defense is evaluated in practice. Trustee Kotel asked who defines “could not flee” and Ashwin said that is part of an administrator’s investigation using student statements, witnesses and available video. Ashwin also noted the district added a three‑part guide for self‑defense (the student must be without fault in provoking the encounter, not be the aggressor, and use only the minimum force necessary to remove themself from immediate danger) about four to six years ago to give administrators clearer guideposts.

Several public speakers pressed for policy changes. Rebecca Trahan, a community member, urged adding an explicit self‑defense clause so that “nobody should be punished for fighting back, especially when that is what is taught in every self‑defense course.” Danny Gianfrancesco, a parent, cited a video and called the plan’s language “ambiguous,” asking how campuses determine participation and whether administrators relabel clear assaults as “mutual.” Gianfrancesco said, “This ambiguity demands attention. Clear, universally applied language must be established to avoid misinterpretations that harm victims instead of protecting them.”

Ashwin told trustees the plan already includes a range of outcomes depending on severity — from “physical contact” to “assault with bodily injury” — and that repeated fights may be recommended for discretionary placement in the district’s DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program). She said partnership with campus police is common when penal code elements are suspected and that police involvement is determined based on the totality of the evidence.

Trustees asked staff to provide additional materials. Trustee Fox asked for a future presentation with districtwide statistics: frequency of fights across Katy ISD’s campuses, the kinds of discipline assigned and how often more serious placements are recommended. Board staff captured that request for a future report.

The board did not take formal action on policy text at the work study meeting; trustees used the session to question staff and consider whether clarifying language or additional definitions should be proposed for future revision.

Looking ahead: Board members flagged the item for potential revision and asked staff to return with more data and clearer definitions to support administrative consistency and public understanding.","Trustees heard public comment and a staff presentation on Katy ISD’s Discipline Management Plan section on fighting, physical contact and assault, including how self‑defense is defined and applied; staff said administrators use six statutory factors in discipline decisions and that some policy language was updated several years ago.",{"_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},6070171,"Katy ISD seeks board certification of instructional materials allotment; staff details $12M in purchases and renewals",705,3296000,4001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb&start=3296&end=4001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060356-84167b3b73687e68422afdaec6c10bdb/thumbnail_3296000.jpg","/articles/6070171/Texas/Katy-ISD-seeks-board-certification-of-instructional-materials-allotment-staff-details-12M-in-purchases-and-renewals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070171-ecbff0a47bbd65e30482137ca108369a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944515&Signature=OiePdkn7hhZ3UergyNw1f8idxBZsrx1ZE~ABzCWIS-iQ4Ct72s8Iso2BeP9Vj5bjtje3SD-zgBIB1dOnHKC~8AtnQZf0jyDI6qHO4Lt494t7MW4N5IIQFms-b60bifVdmoUTGR-5NScjLTU-CXkiu5wI3HhD2xPU5XgzB3xCZoytOipNDApye3ATUkTZvXTbBOcKtwhr3ZQcj4JKzs5AkERriQ~2F4gUKNRBItGyaY9xjAj~nkKDobW-Kc2ZLJxmUFx1yFBgJGEbubCI6A4h2Y1XmdxlWq-4iHwfPFz0-yJgxO5Cr3rmCt9MbMw5R3ZBHFqxvn45DX3pjK9O8u2ITA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katy Independent School District officials briefed trustees on the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment (IMTA) and requested board approval to certify that students will have access to required instructional materials for the 2025–26 school year.

Nakia Coy, Executive Director of Federal Programs and External Funding, told the board the IMTA is a per‑student allotment funded every two years and that the district began its selection process in November, using review teams and community feedback. Coy said the district selected new materials for a set of secondary and CTE courses — including AP Biology, French II, reading electives and CTE courses in engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity and marketing — at an estimated cost of about $930,000.

Coy said an estimated $5.6 million will be spent to renew current online textbook licenses and approximately $5.4 million will be used to make a final payment on an eight‑year science adoption approved last year. Together those items total just under $12 million; the district expects an allotment of roughly $16 million this fall for the 2025–26 biennium.

Why it matters: Every Texas school district must certify annually to the State Board of Education and the commissioner that students have access to instructional materials covering the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Trustees asked questions about how many hard copies are purchased versus digital licenses and how the district manages license renewals.

Coy told trustees that the district generally maintains classroom sets and one‑to‑one digital access; for some elementary grades consumable materials remain 1:1. She said staff try to limit buying hard copies when digital licenses suffice, but the district still incurs recurring license costs. Coy also described the public review process: materials are available online and campuses host in‑person previews during business hours (with some late nights) so teachers, parents and community members can examine the actual materials before adoption.

The presentation concluded with staff asking trustees to certify the district’s provision of instructional materials — a routine annual action required by state rule — and to approve the recommended materials so the district can proceed with purchases and license renewals.

The board did not record a formal vote during the work study session; staff will include the certification and adoption for action at an upcoming regular meeting.","District staff requested board approval to certify provision of instructional materials for 2025–26; staff outlined roughly $930,000 for new materials, $5.6M for renewing online licenses and $5.4M for final payment on an eight‑year science adoption, with an expected allotment of about $16M for the coming biennium.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Katy ISD recommends contractors for multiple renovation projects, moves portables and plans Taylor High athletic reconfiguration

Katy ISD reviews February financials, budget amendments and recommends Prosperity Bank as depository

Katy ISD board reviews discipline plan language on fighting, self‑defense amid public outcry

Katy ISD seeks board certification of instructional materials allotment; staff details $12M in purchases and renewals