Gatesville ISD board approves audit, calendar, policy updates, Tarleton MOU and contract forms

Gatesville ISD trustees approved several routine but consequential items at Tuesday’s meeting, voting to accept the district audit, renew a memorandum of understanding with Tarleton State University, adopt the 2025‑26 school calendar, accept policy updates recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), and approve updated employee contract forms from the district’s legal counsel.

Auditor presentation and acceptance District staff reported that the audit firm Blotte Vernon presented the fiscal‑year audit, finding Gatesville ISD in compliance with grant and fund requirements and reporting no instances of material noncompliance for local, state or federal funds. A presenter asked trustees to formally accept the audit as previously presented; Board member Cheyenne moved to accept the audit and Board member Linda seconded. Trustees voted in favor.

Tarleton State University memorandum Superintendent and staff recommended renewing a multiyear memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tarleton State University that preserves an admissions pathway and scholarship assistance for top students. Presenters said Tarleton’s enrollment has grown and the agreement renews an existing arrangement that grants automatic admission for students in the top half of their class and provides additional scholarship dollars. Board member Lloyd moved for approval; Board member Charles seconded and trustees approved.

2025‑26 school calendar The board reviewed two calendar options developed after a district DEIC (District Educational Improvement Committee) meeting of parents, teachers and administrators. Option A was the clear preference in the districtwide vote: 215 votes for option A and 29 for option B. Option A shifts the start to mid‑August and adds seven in‑service days at the beginning of the year, which officials said would help new teachers. A motion to adopt the 2025‑26 calendar passed after a motion by Linda and a second by Cheyenne.

Policy updates from TASB Trustees reviewed TASB’s recommended updates (noted as update 01/24 and resource manual update 70) and a synopsis prepared by staff. The presenter said no changes appeared “too earth shattering.” The board moved to accept the recommended policy additions, deletions and revisions and approved the update with a motion by Linda and a second by Lloyd.

Updated contract forms The board approved updated contract forms provided by the district’s attorney (Eichelbaum Wardell). Staff summarized three key changes: adding lesson‑planning duties to teacher contracts, requiring employees who wish to file legal claims to do so within six months of the event, and recording the district official’s signature (Mr. Amen) on the contracts for system automation. Trustees moved and seconded the approval; the motion passed.

Votes at a glance - Acceptance of FY audit (Blotte Vernon): motion by Cheyenne; second Linda; outcome approved. - Renewal of MOU with Tarleton State University: motion by Lloyd; second Charles; outcome approved. - Adoption of 2025‑26 school calendar (Option A): motion by Linda; second Cheyenne; outcome approved. - TASB policy update (01/24 and resource manual update 70): motion by Linda; second Lloyd; outcome approved. - Approval of updated contract forms (Eichelbaum Wardell): motion moved and seconded; outcome approved.

Minutes and consent Earlier the board approved a consent agenda that included the minutes of the Jan. 27 regular meeting, financial statements as of Jan. 31, bills and payrolls for January, year‑to‑date budget amendments, a district “vital signs” report and the food service report. A motion to accept the consent agenda carried.

What trustees did not decide Trustees did not provide additional details on any changes to staffing levels or district budgets tied to these approvals at the meeting; specific contract terms and budgetary effects were not specified in the public record.