Board tables MOU with Education Foundation for legal review; approves consent agenda 7-0

The Rockport Fulton ISD Board of Trustees voted to table consideration of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rockport Fulton Education Foundation and approved the consent agenda by a separate 7-0 vote.

The actions matter because the MOU governs how the foundation and district cooperate on fundraising and use of district resources; trustees requested a legal review to ensure the district's interests are protected before approving the agreement.

Superintendent Leslie Austin described the proposed MOU as standard for education foundations and said it outlines mutual expectations, allowed use of facilities and the foundation's role in contributing funds to district programs. Board members noted a draft change to item 6 that clarifies the foundation's use of district facilities will be "in accordance with state law and district availability." The change was explained as allowing the district to refuse a facilities request if the space is not available.

Some trustees reiterated they value the foundation's work and acknowledged the foundation has supported many district initiatives. At least one trustee said it is customary to have district legal counsel review MOUs; the superintendent offered to have the district attorney review the document if the board wished.

Motion to table: Trustee Yarnell made a motion to table the MOU pending legal review; Trustee Randall seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to table the item (motion carries 7-0). Later in the meeting the board took a separate vote to approve the consent agenda. Motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Trustee Bridal and seconded by Trustee Barton; the motion passed 7-0.

The board directed staff to submit the MOU to the district's attorney for review and to return the item for action at a future meeting.