At its Feb. 26 meeting, Bryan ISD authorized negotiation of architectural and engineering contracts for the 2025 bond implementation, approved $141,350 for kitchen equipment paid from Child Nutrition funds, and approved $282,000 for two fine‑arts trailers using bond savings; board discussed timelines and energy‑efficiency considerations.
Bryan ISD staff proposed replacing the district's early‑exit bilingual model with a one‑way dual‑language program that would provide Spanish and English instruction through sixth grade for Spanish‑speaking students; presenters cited TEA guidance, research on biliteracy and a family survey with 100+ respondents showing broad support.
District leaders reported increases in staff and student satisfaction, declines in discipline referrals and teacher turnover, and attendance trending toward a 95% goal; trustees discussed recruitment pipelines and incentives.
CFO Norma Frootter gave a primer on district tax math: the M&O rate (~67¢ including Tier 1/Tier 2), I&S rate (27¢), Bryan ISD currently levies 6 golden pennies of possible 8, and the district showed how pennies translate to recurring revenue tied to attendance.
The district has started a soft launch of ParentSquare, trained principals and expects phased campus onboarding in February with full district adoption planned March 2; features include translations and two‑way messaging.
District staff reported RFQ responses, architect/engineer interviews this week and a packaging plan for multi‑phase bond sales; priority projects include Bryan Collegiate, Merrill Green field house, synthetic turf and campus renovations.
Principals from Bonham, Mary Branch, Mitchell and Rayburn presented campus improvement priorities tonight, emphasizing literacy, targeted interventions, attendance strategies and family engagement as key levers to raise student performance.
Superintendent staff briefed trustees on the required five‑year renewal of the District of Innovation plan, recommending retention of current waivers (start date flexibility, teacher certification parameters, attendance for credit and class-size flexibility) and noting a forthcoming DEIC vote and public posting period.
District staff proposed consolidating New Arrival Center and early-exit bilingual models into a one‑way dual language program for elementary grades to promote biliteracy, better leverage bilingual certifications and align with TEA-preferred models; stakeholder meetings are planned.
Trustees approved a $224,250 contract to replace Merrill Green Stadium lighting with LED fixtures; the board asked staff to return with detailed warranty language and noted funds will come from identified bond savings.
