(gavel pounding)
-: Members, we are gonna call this meeting to order
and welcome to the April 16, 2021 meeting
of the Texas State Board of Education.
We've had a very productive meeting this week.
Good work's been done
and I wanna thank everyone,
all the members and staff for helping us
through that process.
We are going to begin with the student performances
and I am going to call on Ms. Aisha Davis
to make the introductions.
-: All right, good morning.
So I have the pleasure of having District 13
to give our student performances today
and today is really special 'cause it's a celebration.
One year ago, we adopted African-American studies in Texas
and it's been such an amazing journey
to develop the course, get to know
all the communities and make sure
all students have access.
We have over 2,000 students that have enrolled
in the very first year
and about 20 districts that offer it.
The day before I came to board meetings,
I actually got three emails
from districts who plan on offering it next year.
So, today is a one-year celebration of that
and I'm so thankful to my colleagues
for making it happen.
And not just approving African-American studies,
but approving a course that was rich in information
and in knowledge and something that's gonna help build
our communities, so all of our students understand
those dynamic contributions
from our African-American citizens in America.
So, thank you so much for that
and for our first performance,
I have two coming from District 13.
The first one is from DeSoto, where I used
to be a teacher.
So, from the all American City of DeSoto, Texas,
the DeSoto Early College High School Literary Scholars
have created and performed a variety
of instructional raps to engage all students
in English language arts curriculum
and promote post-secondary readiness.
In 2018, the student group formed under their teacher,
Ms. Cora Garner, who consistently involves them
in both academic and volunteer opportunities
within the DeSoto ISD and the DeSoto community.
From writing and producing commercial jingles
to original pieces,
the Literary Scholars continue to illustrate
how the expression of creative arts
can increase mastery on both state
and college admissions assessments
and I do wanna say the way I got introduced to her
is I saw this amazing video that was going viral
and it was a teacher and she was going over some Shakespeare
and the students were engaged and they were excited.
And I was like, "This is amazing,"
and I found out she was in DeSoto.
So I invited her last year,
but because of COVID, she wasn't able to come,
so I'm so excited that they put together a video
that we can share with you today.
So, let's see a sample of that performance.
Ms. Cora: Good morning class.
Class: Good morning Ms. Garner.
-: I said good morning class.
Class: Good morning Ms. Garner.
-: Listen, if it's okay with you, I'm gonna take
a trip down memory lane.
Let's review some of the raps we've created
over for the STAAR test, PSAT and (indistinct).
All: Yeah.
-: All right, let's get it.
(gentle lilting music)
♪ If I wanna be college ready, college ready ♪
♪ Then I gotta put in that work ♪
♪ If I wanna be college ready, college ready ♪
♪ Then I gotta put in that work ♪
♪ I know I can be amazing ♪
♪ I know I can be anything ♪
♪ I know I can be the American dream ♪
♪ If I take school seriously ♪
♪ It goes like blurb, questions, read for me, ♪
♪ Predict, then DOB ♪
♪ Blurb, questions, read for me, ♪
♪ Predict, then DOB, basic approach, strategy ♪
♪ Basic approach strategy ♪
♪ For the PSAT ♪
♪ Clap it up, clap it up, clap it up ♪
♪ Clap it up ♪
♪ Clap it up, clap it up, clap it up ♪
♪ Main idea is the most important ♪
♪ Most important thought about a topic ♪
♪ In a text, in a text ♪
♪ Main idea is the most important ♪
♪ The most important ♪
♪ Thought about a topic in a text, hey ♪
♪ Main idea is the most important ♪
♪ The most important ♪
♪ Thought about a topic in a text, in a text ♪
♪ Main idea is the most important ♪
♪ The most important ♪
♪ Though about a topic in a text ♪
♪ Comment isn't candid ♪
♪ While drama is an apparent ♪
♪ Situation unexpected, unexpected ♪
♪ Comment isn't candid ♪
♪ While drama is an apparent, situation unexpected ♪
♪ Unexpected ♪
♪ Comment isn't candid ♪
♪ While drama is an apparent, situation unexpected ♪
♪ Unexpected ♪
♪ Comment isn't candid ♪
♪ While drama is an apparent, situation unexpected ♪
♪ Unexpected ♪
(light airy music)
♪ Hit, feel it, cut ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit, feel it, cut ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit, feel it, cut ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit, feel it, cut ♪
♪ Hey watch us hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Five, six, seven, eight ♪
♪ Here we go ♪
♪ Hit it, hit it, hit it, hit it ♪
♪ Your intro way too late, you need to hit it ♪
♪ Feel it, feel it, feel it, feel it ♪
♪ Feel it, feel it, feel it ♪
♪ Your essay way to whack ♪
♪ You need to feel it ♪
♪ Your essay way to whack ♪
♪ You need to feel it ♪
♪ Cut it, cut it, cut it, cut it ♪
♪ Your essay way too long ♪
♪ You need to cut it ♪
♪ Your essay way too long ♪
♪ You need to cut it ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Watch us hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Watch us hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it, hey ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Five, six, seven, eight ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Watch us hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it ♪
♪ Hit it, feel it, cut it, hey ♪
♪ H stands for hook ♪
♪ I stands fro intro ♪
♪ T stands for thesis ♪
♪ F stands for first ♪
♪ E stands for example ♪
♪ E stands for elaborate ♪
♪ L stands for link ♪
♪ C stands for closure ♪
♪ U stands for upgrade ♪
♪ T stands for mic drop ♪
(bright music) (woman chuckles)
(heavy drums pounding)
Woman: Are you ready for the next one?
-: Ready?
All right, thank you so much, that was awesome.
And now for our second student performance,
we have Grand Prairie ISD.
I always like to call it my hidden gem of District 13.
So, it's my sincere pleasure
to introduce Grand Prairie ISD,
which is located in the North Texas region
between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Grand Prairie has a diverse student population,
about 28,000 students
and an American Indian Native population
of less than 1% of the district.
But, within that less than 1%,
there are 18 tribal nations that are represented,
consisting of Apache, Cherokee, Chickasaw,
Chippewa, Muskogee Creek, Navajo, Pomo,
Laguna Pueblo, Sioux and Isleta del Sur Pueblo.
In 2021-22, Grand Prairie ISD is looking forward
to honoring their American Indian Native communities
by offering an American Indian Native American
studies courses in their high schools
with hopes of it eventually becoming
a state-wide approved course.
I'm excited to present Grand Prairie ISD's journey
to understanding a dramatic monologue
that explains the need for American Indian
Native American education.
Thank you so much to all of my students
and teachers in District 13.
-: I'm Linda Ellis,
the proud superintendent of Grand Prairie ISD.
I'm here today to invite you to come along with me
(faintly speaking) Grand Prairie ISD
who is leading our community
and the state of Texas on a journey of discovery.
So join me as we go into a classroom
in Grand Prairie High School
and let's all learn from our students
as we take a journey that will expand
all of our understanding, are we all ready?
(man chanting in foreign language)
-: Welcome to our journey.
I'm Joey Silva from the Lakota Nation.
Today, we invite you our journey
for better understanding and a stronger community.
You are a part of our journey.
With more than 500 nations, just in the United States.
It is important to acknowledge the land
of those who were here before us, we will do this now.
We would like to acknowledge that we are meeting
on the American-Indian/native lands
in what is now known as North America
and what our nations referred to as Turtle Island.
We recognize the Alabama- Coushatta, Caddo,
Carrizo/Comecrudo, Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Kickapoo,
Lipan Apache, Tonkawa, Wichita and affiliated tribes
in Isleta Doss Pueblo
and all the American Indian and native peoples
and communities who've then
all become a part of these lands
and territories in Texas.
We are not defined by stereotypes,
we are not all the same.
We have many different cultures, foods, and languages,
borders do not divide us.
We are still here.
We are not divisible.
We want to learn more about our own culture
and we want to share our perspectives with others.
I'm a student with an interest in acting and films.
I'm a National Merit Scholarship Nominee and I'm a color.
In most ways I'm like every student,
loves hanging out with friends
and I struggle over PSAT tests and other courses too.
However, as a color student, I struggled
with being able to talk about my culture,
with my friends and peers, but not because I'm ashamed,
but because they wouldn't understand
because they have no frame of reference
for what life is like for native American.
I enjoy attending powwows and ceremonies
but have no way to relate this to my friends
and American-Indian/native studies course
will not just allow others to learn the history
but to learn about their fellow citizens cultures.
And this will make for a better relationship all around.
(bright upbeat music)
Grand Prairie ISD listened to us
through a community conversation event in February of 2020
and in conjunction with the tribal members
of different native nations, professors,
and (background noise drowns out speaker)
have developed an American-Indian/native studies course
to begin fall of 2021 available to all students.
We look forward to continuing our journey
of understanding, community, and hope for a better world
in partnership with you.
As Chief Joseph of Nez Perce say,
"I believe much would be saved
if we opened our hearts more."
We are still here.
See us.
(bright ethereal music)
-: That was great.
And thank you the Grand Prairie and also DeSoto,
we've learned something there and editing essays
is one of the valuable tools is to cut it
and members we might want to use that same editing tool
with our discussion sometimes around
(members laugh)
the boardroom also.
So maybe we can work on work on that also.
Who do I call on next, Ms. Perez,
are you next standing up there?
Or we have, I think the pledges, who is Dr. Audrey Young.
The invocation in the pledges. -: All right.
-: Join me as we pray together for our schools, our students,
and our teachers.
Almighty God, our heavenly father,
you have committed to our care
the education and nurturing of our children.
Please bless those that teach and provide wisdom
to those who learn.
You yourself are the great teacher.
Fill our hearts with wonder and excitement
as we see your divine design, and math, and science
and as we seek your hand in history,
as we learned to glorify you through art and music.
Lord we want more for our students.
We pray to make them outstanding leaders,
respectful of each other and beholden to morals and ethics.
Help our students to walk humbly in faith in their beliefs
and to let their light shine.
Lord grant our teachers comfort,
give them grace as they help students who are struggling.
Give them the courage to say what needs to be said,
tools and knowledge on when and how to speak love
to our students and strength when they feel weak.
We are overwhelmed with gratitude
for the gift of serving our state and our students.
Thank you dear Lord.
And in your name, we pray.
Amen.
The Pledge of Allegiance
All: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America and to the Republic
for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
Dr. Young: The Texas Pledge.
All: "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee,
Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."
-: Thank you, Dr. Young.
Ms. Perez are you next now?
It looks like the next business in order
is the presentation of the resolutions.
So Ms. Perez.
Oh, I'm sorry, I guess I should follow the script.
Ms. Martinez, would you please call the roll?
Ms. Martinez: Thank you.
Ms. Perez. -: Here.
-: Mr. Cortez. -: Here.
-: Ms. Perez Vies. -: Here.
-: Mr. Allen. -: Here.
-: Dr. Bell Medron. -: Present.
-: Mr. Hickman. -: Here.
-: Dr. Robinson. -: Here.
-: Dr. Young. -: Here.
-: Mr. Maynard. -: Here.
-: Ms. Hardy. -: Here.
-: Mrs. Little. -: Here.
-: Ms. Davis. -: Here.
-: Mrs. Melton-Malone. -: Here.
-: Dr. Johnson. -: Here.
-: Dr. Ellis. -: Here.
Ms. Martinez: All present.
-: Thank you, a quorum is present.
The first business to be considered
is approval of the minutes of the State Board of Education
meeting from January 26 and 29th, 2021.
Are there any corrections to the minutes?
Hearing none, the minutes are approved.
Now, the next business in order is the presentation
of the resolutions.
You've been up there so patiently for so long though.
-: It's a rarity, I do recognize, patience on my part, yes.
Today is one of our favorite days.
We get to read and learn about all
of the Blue Ribbon Award Winners in our state.
And this year is like all others, there are several.
Our first resolution.
Whereas as the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
recognizes elementary, middle, and high schools
where education excellence is achieved.
Whereas a National Blue Ribbon Schools flag
overhead is a Mark of exemplary teaching and learning.
Whereas in 2020 Texas nominated 26 schools to be recognized
for their students' achievement.
And whereas 26 of these schools
were named 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools
by the United States Department of Education.
Now therefore, be it resolved
that the Texas State Board of Education does hereby extend
its congratulations to: Early College High School
and Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District,
Early Childhood Development Center and Windsor Park Gifted
and Talented Elementary School in Corpus Christi ISD,
Dr. Wright El Lasseter Jr. Early College High School
and Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
in Dallas ISD.
Maude Mae Kirchner Elementary School in Eagle Pass ISD,
Transmountain Early College High School in El Paso ISD,
Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences in Fort Worth ISD,
High School for Law and Justice and Young Women's College
Preparatory Academy in Houston ISD,
Heights Elementary School in the Laredo ISD,
Langham Elementary School in the Nederland ISD,
Windhorst Elementary School in Windhorst ISD,
as exemplary high performing schools.
And be it further resolved
that the Texas State Board of Education does hereby extend
its congratulations to Alvarado Elementary South School
in Alvarado ISD, Reilley Elementary School in Austin ISD,
Edward Titche Elementary School in Dallas ISD,
Milam Elementary School in El Paso ISD,
Hobbs Williams Elementary School in Grand Prairie ISD,
Memorial Elementary School in Houston ISD,
West Main Elementary School in Lancaster ISD,
John Z. Leyendecker Elementary School in Laredo ISD,
Kelly-Pharr Elementary School in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD,
Redwater Junior High School in Redwater ISD,
Edward Roberson Middle School in Spring ISD,
Vista Academy of Austin-Mueller
in Texas College Preparatory Academies,
Desertaire Elementary School in Ysleta ISD,
as Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools
and be it further resolved that this resolution be presented
to the principals of the aforementioned schools
for being recognized for excellence
through the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
and that a copy be included in the permanent record
of the Texas State Board of Education.
Please witness our signatures this 16th day
of April, 2021 in Austin, Texas,
Keven Ellis, Chair and Georgina Perez, Secretary.
Well, we actually do have one more and I realize
this is not something that our Chair is prepared for
which is always my favorite way to do things.
(members laugh)
Dr. Ellis: I think the parliamentarians
said you're out of order now.
-: I believe I am
but I will take a point of personal privilege here.
As you all notice, our fearless leader's
circus decorations on his desk might lead you to believe
that today is his birthday.
His birthday is actually Monday and with the careful thought
and far more effort put in by everyone else
your wonderful family has sent a message
for you that I will now read.
And I would like to reiterate
that these are not my words. (laughs)
Mr. Chairman, Dr. Ellis, doc, or just Ellis,
whatever your title is from others,
to us, you are simply dad or just Kev.
Your family wants to issue the best 50th birthday ever.
You are amazing in every way.
What Texas has been able to see in your determination,
drive, and commitment towards being a fair
and honest State Board of Education Chair.
We have seen these qualities
and so much more for many years.
Your practice has been built on trust
and appreciation for both your staff and patients alike.
Your reputation precedes you in our hometown.
And although you moved our family to my hometown
you quickly made it your own.
On most occasions, while in town, we are stopped
by someone who just wants to brag on you, our family jokes
that you are the popular one, you have gained the confidence
of not only your community, but your friends too.
Your friendships are solid
with your lunch bunch and fishing buddies
as a tested by your weekly lunch dates
for more than the past 24 years.
All the wives know these lunch dates are really
just sports-gossip sessions, Gig 'em, Aggies!
We get to enjoy the front row seats
to see all the work you have completed
both in public and the countless hours behind the scenes
striving to serve the children of Texas.
You make it look easy.
However, most days you are running from room
to room to see your patients only to return to your desk
then field a myriad of phone calls,
planning and prepping for your volunteer job with the state.
We are proud of your accomplishments
and know all Texas children are in great hands
with you advocating for them.
To Katie, Jacob and John.
You are the one they look up to, the one who first
and foremost has shown them the importance
of always putting God first and everything they do.
You are their biggest supporter
whether in academic sports or simply in life.
You're the one who also said, we need a boat
just so you can spend free time on the lake fishing
finding just the right spot for the next adventure.
The one who taught your son, how to make homemade pizza
telling your stories of your college days
working for a pizzeria all while making sure he puts
the sauce on just the right way.
You are your daughter's favorite, full-eating companion,
and the one she calls just because.
You are their very proud Aggie dad and let's plan out
every minute of the day, while on vacation.
And if it says new
we have to try it at least once kind of dad.
However, most of all, you are there.
You have always been present in their lives
making sure each know they are loved.
You are a friend to many,
a wonderful dad to our three children.
And yet I am most blessed
because I simply get to call you mine.
You have been my very best friend for nearly 30 years.
And I look forward to sharing this milestone and many more
with you and our family, wishing you the very best
and most special person in our lives.
We love you more than you'll ever know.
Happy 50th, love your family.
Shelly, Katie, Jake, and John.
(members clapping)
-: Thank you, Ms. Perez for doing that abs.
(Ms. Perez laughing)
-: Well, we can sing happy birthday now,
but Ms. Shelley has also sent tiny pies to everyone
in the room so that we can sing happy birthday to you.
And while we don't wanna set off the fire alarm
we're only placing one candle on yours.
Happy birthday. -: Thank you.
-: Okay, here we come, I'll make sure I can do this.
You can lead the singing.
(indistinct chatter)
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday dear Keven ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
-: Thank you.
(members faintly speaking)
And to Ms. Perez, thanks for doing that.
I try to stay pretty stoic
and simple in my words, but thanks, thank you.
And thank you...
Ha, thank you to my family who allows me to do this.
As we all know, it's a sacrifice for everything we do.
This is not about me, we all, every single one of us
do the exact same thing that we give up time that we have
for ourselves and that we could be spending
with things we wanna do,
but to my family specifically on this day
I wanna say, thank you.
Woman: We thought about (crackling drowns out speaker).
(members laughing)
-: My hairbrush was just about running out.
I'm not have needed one of those.
So thanks.
Woman: We did have some big sexy hairspray for you.
-: Yeah. (all laughing)
Good deal.
No fire alarm, right.
-: No fire alarm- -: So good deal.
(members faintly talking)
Ms. K, you did not have that in the script, so...
(members laughing, faintly speaking)
Yeah, yeah.
Woman: Ms. Little will you please
take a vote on the resolutions of courtesy
so that they are appropriately (faintly speaking)?
There's no objection thereabout...
Ms. Little: If there's no objection, do we-
Woman: (indistinct) About the funding.
Ms. Little: If there's no objection,
do I hear a motion that we adopt the resolutions?
(all faintly speaking)
All in favor, say I.
All: I.
Dr. Ellis: Good deal, thank you.
Ms. Little: Motion passes.
-: Okay, we will now move on to public testimony.
I do believe we have one testifier,
I'll call on Ms. Martinez
Ms. Martinez: Stephanie Wang.
Ms. Wang you may begin when you're ready
and you have two minutes.
(Wang faintly speaking)
-: My name Stephanie Wang.
I am 17 years old and I'm a junior
at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas.
Since the age of 12, I participated
in numerous STEM activities,
such as (faintly speaking)
and the Research Science Institute this summer.
As a result I feel it's my responsibility
to transform the knowledge of the I've accrued
into meaningful advocacy that directly benefits
the community that has provided me with so much.
So I, like many of you here have been a witness
to the drastic inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic
and in education, the contrast cannot be suffered.
Misinformation spreads faster than the disease itself,
especially with the advent of the internet
and in a global crisis like COVID-19
lies cost lives.
Misinformation brings with it
the depreciation of personal health responsibility.
And as a result in ever worsening tension between citizens,
government, and the public health infrastructure.
The best solution to this is to inform citizens
starting from a young age
of important epidemiology and public health concepts
so that personal health responsibility is
a favorable choice, the altruistic choice.
And this involves a science
curriculum interviews with epidemiology, public health,
and population (indistinct).
But don't just take my word for it.
According to Dr. Michael Bracken an immunologist
at Yale university public health education can
"Inoculate the public institution against the bias
by evaluating immediate rescue,"
curricular emphasis on topics
like disease transmission, reproductive ratio,
hard immunity, and the chain of infection is imperative
for our fundamental marketplaces and ideas.
Since April of 2020,
I've sought to tackle this educational inadequacy.
First, I published an introductory epidemiology textbook
that has now been used by over a thousand students
and taught classes to hundreds.
Next, I created my own public health curriculum
that is set to be taught in Seven Lakes High School in May
in many Katy ISD schools next academic year,
and then several other schools across the country.
Former Congressman,
he also presented me with a certificate
of congressional recognition for my pro-heroic efforts
helping Texans in need during COVID-19.
Ms. Martinez: Mr. Wang you're out of your time.
Dr. Ellis: That's you time,
you can go ahead and just finish up your thought.
-: That's why I urge the Texas State Board of Education
to implement standards on epidemiology and public health
in Texas biology curriculum.
Crises teach us difficult lessons
and we ought not to let them go to waste.
Thank you so much.
-: Ms. Wang, thank you for your testimony
and thank you for being here today
as was probably pointed out.
We're not able to have a discussion item
on this because it's not posted for the agenda
but members are able to ask any clarifying questions.
Are there any clarifying questions
from the members for our testifier?
Okay, I'm hearing none.
So thank you very much.
Okay, the next item of business
is the approval of the Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda has been distributed to each of you.
So please take a moment to review the items
on the Consent Agenda.
I am not going to read all of them
but we had two new ones that were added
so let me read those just for clarification
since they were added at a later point in time.
Number 12 is adoption of review
of 19 TAC Chapter one to nine, budgeting, accounting,
and auditing, Subchapter A budgeting, accounting,
and financial reporting, and auditing for school districts.
Subchapter B Texas Education Agency Audit function
Subchapter C adoptions by reference
in Subchapter D uniform bank bid, or request for proposal
and depository contract.
And 13, which is proposed appeal
at 19 TAC Chapter 105 Foundation School Program,
Subchapter A, definitions 105.1 rules for the definition
of tax levy and tax collection.
So are there any items to be removed
from the Consent Agenda for separate considerations?
-: Mr. Chairman. -: Mr. Maynard,
I request that moving item number nine,
approval of selection of firms
to provide investment management
for a private equity emerging manager program
and a private real estate emergency manager program
for the Texas Permanent School Fund.
And the State Board of Education is outlined
in request for proposal 70121001
and authorization for contract execution
by the Commissioner of Education and item number 10,
review the process that considers board member nominees
for State Board positions.
-: Okay, are there any other requests
from other members to pull any
of the other Consent Agenda items?
Okay. -: Excuse Mr.Chairman.
-: Mr. Hickman.
Mr. Hickman: Number eight on the...
I have a couple of questions on the Bond Guarantee Program.
-: Okay, so we we remove 8, adoption of an annual report
on the status of the Bond Guarantee Program.
Any other questions or any other members
that would like to remove something from Consent Agenda?
So hearing none,
the remainder of the Consent Agenda is adopted.
Okay, so we...
(Dr. Ellis faintly speaking).
All right, so we will be ready now to begin
with the Committee of the Full Board.
And give me just a second
while I get my minutes together, Mr. Maynard.
-: We need to approve the rest of the consent items.
Dr. Ellis: Think I did, didn't I?
-: You did. -: I did, okay.
-: All right.
-: Okay, item number three is propose new 19 TAC Chapter 112
Texas essential knowledge and skills for science,
Subchapter C high school, 112.473-112.51.
This is on your agenda, members, on page I-6.
and I will call on Ms. Little.
-: Mr. Chair, the committee- -: Microphone.
Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board
recommends that the State Board of Education
approve for first reading and filing authorization
proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 112 Texas essential knowledge
and skills for science,
Subchapter C high school number 112.46
implementation of the Texas essential knowledge
and skills for science high school adopted 2021,
course number 112.47 Aquatic Science
adopted 2021, one credit,
course number 112.48 Astronomy adopted 2021, one credit,
course number 112.49 All Science Systems
adopted 2021, one credit,
course number 112.50 Environmental Systems
adopted 2021, one credit,
and course number 112.51 Specialized Topics in Science,
adopted 2021, one credit, as amended.
-: Thank you, Ms. Little.
Before we process any debate, Ms. Martinez,
what was just sent, okay.
Call Ms. Ramos.
-: Yes, sir.
So I mentioned on Wednesday that depending on the action
the board would take with your techs implementation schedule
and the instructional materials adoption cycle,
you may wanna consider amendments to the implementation
for the five high school science courses.
So the document you have in front of you
just simply shows you those potential amendments
that would shift the implementation back a year
and would align with your schedule
that's recommended for approval.
-: Okay, okay.
Do these changes...
Does a motion need to be made
or is this just clarifying what we did earlier?
-: No, sir.
The motion would need to be made to make these minutes.
Dr. Ellis: Okay.
(members faintly speaking)
-: Mr. Chair, I move that we amend the motion
with the following, do I have to read the whole thing
or just what the changes are?
(woman faintly speaking)
Okay, okay. I move that we scratch out 2023
through 2024 and replace it with 2024, 25.
And then in number C, I move that we scratch out 2022
and replaced that with 2023, and D,
I move that we scratch out 2023 through 2024
and replace that with 2024, 25.
And further in that sentence, we scratch out 2023, 2024
and replace that with 2024 and 2025.
-: Now, we've discussed this before, but Ms. Ramos,
do you mind just one more time just for those watching
clarifying exactly what we just did on those dates.
-: Yes sir.
So first, these five high school science courses
were originally on a schedule to be implemented
beginning with the 23, 24 school year.
But because of the action that the committee took
on Wednesday to push science to the 24, 25 school year
for the proclamation so that all of K-12 science
can be implemented in the same year,
we are just simply recommending
that you update your implementation language here.
-: Okay, so we have a motion.
Do we have a second? -: I second.
-: Okay, we have a motion seconded.
Is there any discussion on this one?
Ms. Martinez: Chairman, I think Mr. Hickman-
-: Mr. Hickman and the sky.
Ms. Martinez: To get him a copy.
Mr. Hickman: B remains a charity for specialized topics
for form 2, form 3.
-: Yes, sir.
That's an excellent question.
As you heard at your January here
meeting the public hearing, there is a quite a bit
of desire among the field
because it's a brand new course to implement that earlier.
Typically those special topics courses
do not have instructional materials associated
with them in your proclamations.
Districts find the materials on their own.
So we think that that would still be an appropriate year
for implementation.
Man: And is it possible to do 21,22?
-: If we actually had thought about doing it a year earlier
we thought that an extra year would give districts
sufficient time to prepare and implement
because this would not be adopted until your June meeting.
Therefore that's very little time
for districts to prepare for the 21,22 school year.
Man: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Maynard: Mr. Chairman.
The analogies I just have to add to that,
I mean, they're already registering for 21,22 right now.
They've already published their core schedule
so that I don't think that would even be possible.
-: Correct. -: Yeah.
-: We have a motion and a second.
Is there any further discussion on Ms. Little's motion?
Hearing none, is there any objection?
Hearing none, the motion carries.
Is there any other?
Ms. Hardy.
Ms. Hardy: This is a question for Shelley.
Are any of these courses,
like environmental or earth science.
Can they take just the one half of year of that
and get the complete credit, that credit?
-: Yes, so students get credit based on,
well if a district has a policy for proportional credit,
yes they can. -: Okay.
-: We hear that most districts do have, so it's possible.
-: Yeah, I often hear people say, well,
we can't have this course
because it's only one semester course
but it would do the kids,
I would think well to be able to take a semester
of earth science or environmental science
even if they couldn't take the whole year.
So thank you.
-: All right.
Any other discussion from members?
All right.
Since it was amended, I'm gonna reread the motion.
So we have, the State Board of Education approve
for first reading and filing authorization
proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 112 Texas essential
knowledge and skills for science,
Subchapter C high school, 112.46
implementation of Texas essential knowledge
and skills for science high school adopted 2021,
112.47 Aquatic Science, adopted 2021, one credit,
112.48 Astronomy, adopted 2021, one credit,
112.49 Our Science Systems, adopted 2021, one credit,
112.50 Environmental Systems, adopted 2021, one credit,
and 112.51 Specialized Topics in Science,
adopted 2021, one credit, as amended.
So I would ask now if we're ready for the vote,
all those in favor, please show by raising your hand.
Ms. Martinez: 14.
-: Please lower your hands, and all those opposed
by the same sign, that's 14 in favor, zero against,
so there's a majority in favor.
And the recommendation is adopted, right.
Item number four is nope.
Yeah, update on Texas essential knowledge
and skills and teacher review.
Ms. Little
-: Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board recommends
that the State Board of Education approve the updated teaks
and instructor materials review and adoption schedule
and projected adoption schedule, April 2021,
attachments A and B.
-: Okay, members, as you know,
and members of the public listening,
we have a proposed cycle that goes out,
what, 10 or so years?
It's quite a ways into the distance.
And as time moves on and things change
and things get sped up or things get delayed.
We re-look at that.
And that's what that item was there.
That'll get posted after this is adopted
to the agency's website.
So if anyone wants to see what's in our future
upcoming schedule over the next couple of years
there'll be able to review that.
All right.
Is there any further debate or discussion on this item?
Okay, is there any objections?
Hearing none, the motion carries.
There is a majority in favor
and the recommendation is adopted.
Item number five is Texas Certificate
of High School Equivalency.
This is on page I-48 of your agenda, Ms. Little
-: Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board
recommends that the State Board of Education
approve awarding a contract for the Texas certification
of high school equivalency test provider
to GED Testing Service.
-: Okay, and also as a reminder
for those who weren't with us earlier in the week
that we had two vendors previous this one has chosen
to no longer participate in the program.
So we'll be now left with the one vendor
which is GED Testing Services.
Is there any further debate on this item?
Hearing none.
Is there any objection?
Hearing none, and the recommendation is adopted.
All right.
Thank you, Ms. Little, we will now Ms. Melton-Malone.
Are you ready to go? -: Yeah, I am.
-: We will move to item number six.
Ms. Melton Malone is ready to go.
-: All right. -: Item number six.
The proposed amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74,
curriculum requirements, Subchapter A,
required curriculum 74.5
academic achievement record transcript.
This is second reading and falling adoption.
So on page 2-2 of your agenda.
-: Mr. Chair, on behalf of the Committee on Instruction
I move that the State Board of Education approve
for second reading and following adoption
the proposed amendment
to 19 TAC Chapter 74 curriculum requirements, Subchapter A,
required curriculum 74.5
academic achievement record transcript
and make an affirmative finding that immediate adoption
of the proposed amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74
curriculum requirements Subchapter A
required curriculum 74.5 academic achievement record
is necessary and shall have an effective date
of August 1st, 2021.
-: All right members, any questions or debate on this item?
Is there any objection?
Hearing none, the motion carries-
(background chattering)
hearing none, the motion carries
and the recommendation is adopted.
Item number seven is proposed repeal of 19 TAC Chapter 111
Texas essential knowledge and skills for mathematics
and Chapter D other high school mathematic courses
111.56 - 111.59,
this is first reading and following authorization
on page 2-7 of your agenda, Ms. Melton-Malone.
-: Mr. Chair, on behalf of the Committee on Instruction
I've moved at the State Board of Education
suspend the board operating procedures
in accordance with 5.2A to allow consideration
at first reading and following authorization
and approval for first reading and following authorization
the proposed repeal of 19 TAC Chapter 111
Texas essential knowledge and skills for mathematics,
Subchapter D, other high school mathematics courses
111.56 International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies
standard level, two credits,
111.57 International Baccalaureate Mathematics
standard level, two credits,
111.58 International Baccalaureate Mathematics
higher level, two credits,
and 111.59 International Baccalaureate Further Mathematics,
higher level, two credits.
-: Are there any questions on this item
or is there any debate?
Hearing none.
Is there any objection?
Hearing none, the motion carries
and the recommendation is adopted.
-: Mr. Chair,
we did have a discussion on the "Dyslexia handbook."
Dr. Ellis: Yes, please pull a second.
-: There seem to be some concern
and confusion about the guidelines.
And so I would like if Monica would,
to explain the process that we're going to be going through
from this point on as we look at the "Dyslexia handbook"
to try to answer some of those questions.
-: Yes ma'am.
So, as some of you may recall
in the last update to the "Dyslexia Handbook"
one of the steps that the State Board of Education took
was to adopt the content.
So like the Chapters of the handbook
into administrative rule.
So while the handbook is a separate document
it also lives in rule.
The Committee on Instruction heard public testimony
yesterday related to some confusion
around the identification of students with dyslexia.
In addition to that
we shared some feedback that we have been receiving
from educators on the screening
of kindergarten and first grade students.
So that is a statutory requirement.
And with the criteria that's currently in the handbook
it is a bit more extensive
than what a screener would typically include.
And so we did want to make sure that you were aware of that
to see if the board might want to address that issue.
So there are two main points
of clarification that could be made.
The way that we anticipate that this would work is
and I think you need to balance getting any updates
made as soon as possible so that you're able to clarify
while also making sure that there's sufficient time
to have input from the public and some of that vetting.
And so what we would suggest is
that we go ahead and put an action item on your June agenda.
We will provide a proposal for the committee to start with.
Anything that you take action on will be posted
for the official public comment period,
that 30 day public comment period where we receive comments,
we provide them to you on a weekly basis.
And then we provide responses to all of those comments.
Should the committee be ready to move forward
with a proposal in June, you can take that action.
We'd have the public comment period.
And then you could take final action in September
which is early enough to make any adjustments applicable
to the 2021, 22 school year.
Should the committee want to do more work,
collect more feedback, so there's more input
by posting this action, you don't have to take action.
I think in January or mid November,
sometime recently you did postpone action on an item
and that is something you can do.
If we posted a discussion, then you cannot take action.
And the earliest that you would be able to adopt
any changes would be November.
So to give you maximum flexibility
we would recommend going ahead and moving forward
with an action item at your next meeting
based on that discussion, then you can make decisions
about whether you're ready to move forward or not.
So that's what we would suggest
if the board would like to take a different set of steps
we're certainly happy to support that
recognizing that there is a lot of interest in this topic.
The other thing that we would work to do
is to make sure that we make a proposal available
on the TEA website well in advance of your June meeting.
So that, that way folks have an opportunity
to take a look at that and are prepared
to provide you with input and feedback.
-: Thank you, Ms. Martinez, and just to reiterate
a couple of points as this is a rule we have,
we do have to go through the first reading
and second reading,
so it would be a minimum of two more meetings
before we could have anything that would be available
for the field.
The other thing is that there's legislative bills
out there right now, as we get to our June meeting
the legislative session will be completed.
If anything is directed for us to do out of legislation
we will have known it by that point in time.
I did tell Ms. Martinez that I think having the Commissioner
and the agency give us a draft starting point will help us
move along in the process, we have something to start with.
Of course, this is our document and whatever changes
will be the will of this State Board of Education.
But it is helpful not only to have that starting point
but just to help us move through the process also.
Anything else you wanna add to that Ms. Melton-Malone, or-
-: No, we just wanted to make y'all aware
of what was going to be happening now and in the future.
-: And I know that probably most
of the people who are very interested
in this were paying attention to the meeting yesterday.
Maybe not all of them are watching our meeting today
but we're gonna try to Telegraph as much as we can
to those interested of what our intention is.
And I think that's what we're trying to do here.
So as much as all those are
who are following this and are hearing this
we'll do our best to get that word out,
but also please help spread the word
of what our intention is as we move forward.
We want all the input from all parties involved
as much of a discussion we get from all the stakeholders
helps us come up with a better finished product.
So we're just putting that out there now
that it looks like June will be the next step
in this process and we'll talk about, you know,
Ms. Martinez talked about public in what's the input...
-: Public comment. -: Public comments,
but we also will talk about
if we will have a public hearing at that point in time
or what the appropriate way to have testimony
at the next meeting also.
-: So you will, there will definitely be an opportunity
for testimony like there was yesterday
but we will visit with the chair anticipating
that there will likely be high interest.
Again, we could make a decision to go ahead
and have a specific public hearing,
similar to what you did on earlier this week on science
so that you have an opportunity to hear
from constituents on that process.
-: Right, any other questions Ms. Hardy?
-: I have a couple of questions.
One is I have been receiving a number of emails
and I really haven't understood what their concern is.
I mean, they've never made it very clear to me
or maybe I'm not smart enough to pick up
on what they're saying.
Would this alleviate all these emails that I've gotten
from constituents because I've never really understood
what their problem was.
And the other thing is, is there not a piece of legislation
asking that this authority be taken away
from the State Board of Education?
-: There's some varying pieces of legislation
that have been amended in different ways
and are moving through the legislative process.
So there's any variety of things that can come out
as you know of the legislative session.
Maybe I can explain this
'cause I have a very simple knowledge of it.
So maybe a simple answer might be good.
Right now majority of children with dyslexic
tend to be classified under 504
as opposed to under special education with the IDEA.
So that's, I think the crux of the debate
is whether someone with dyslexia should be classified
under 504 or special ed, obviously goes in much more detail
and depth than that but that's the general debate there.
-: But they should be under special ed
and they're not under special ed is that mentioned in-
-: That's where this debate is going.
-: Okay, then- -: Ms. Hardy,
if I could just clarify, it's about making sure...
I think what you're hearing is a request
for some clarity around making sure students are evaluated
for special education and the way that the handbook
is currently set up there appears to be lack of clarity
around what the expectations are on evaluation.
And so that's what you're being asked to revisit.
-: And so the complaints that...
One of the things I understand in complaining
is that their school district is not interested
in evaluating their child and this would change that.
-: This would make it clear to districts
what the expectation is.
-: Thank you.
Dr. Ellis: Could you have something else
Ms. Melton-Malone?
-: [Ms. Melton-Malone] (indistinct),
Ms. Martinez has answered everything.
-: Okay, gotcha, all right.
Any other debate or questions from members?
Mr. Hickman?
(Mr. Hickman faintly speaking)
-: Yes, the testimony,
pre-timed to vet those particular areas
that we've discussed in here this morning
about the testing, and the evaluations,
and the concern over the dyslexia students
not being considered for special education.
Mr. Hickman: Okay, thank you.
Yeah I think I've also received comments from constituents.
So just wanted to be sure I was up to speed.
Thank you. -: You're welcome.
And these seem to be the main concerns
with the handbook right now and with the school districts.
So that is a problem that we are going to do our best
to try to specify some guidelines
that will help alleviate that problem.
-: Mr. Chairman, just one other thing, Mr. Hickman,
I think we may have missed you
but we did provide hard copies
of the current handbook for all new board members.
Those were put in boxes.
If you are not on the Committee on Instruction.
So Dr. Johnson, you should have received one
and Mr. Hickman, we'll make sure to get that to you.
I'm assuming we probably did that
after you left the building.
Mr. Hickman: Thank you so much.
-: You've any questions Mr. Hickman?
Mr. Hickman: No, that was it.
Thank you. -: Okay.
Ms. Melton Malone, Dr. Young.
-: I wanted to take the opportunity to make a comment
that our committee is excited to have the opportunity
to make changes that benefit the student of Texas
as best as we possibly can.
-: That's lovely. -: Thank you.
The rest of the board for allowing us this opportunity.
-: Dr. Young, I look forward to your expertise
on that topic as we move forward through this.
Dr. Young: I'll be glad to share it.
(member chattering)
-: All right, anything else
from the Committee of Instructions?
Woman: No, thank you.
-: All right, so we will move on next
to the Committee on School Finance Permanent School Fund,
item Number eight is proposed amendment to 19 TAC
Chapter 109 budgeting, accounting, and auditing,
Subchapter C, adoptions by reference 109.41
financial accountability system resource guide.
This is second reading and final adoption.
It's on page 3-1 of your agenda,
and I'm gonna call on Mr. Maynard.
-: Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Committee
on School Finance Permanent School Fund,
I move that the State Board of Education
approve for second reading and final adoption
the proposed amendment 219 TAC Chapter 109
budgeting, accounting, and auditing, Subchapter C,
adoptions by reference 109.41,
financial accountability system resource guide
and make an affirmative finding that maybe adoption
of the proposed amendment 219 TEC Chapter 109,
budgeting, accounting, and auditing Subchapter C,
adoptions by reference 109.41
financial accountability system resource guide is necessary
and she'll have an effective date of 20 days
after filing as adopted with the Texas register.
-: Thank you Mr. Maynard.
Is there any debate or questions on this item?
Hearing none.
Is there any objection?
Hearing none.
There is no objection, the recommendation is adopted.
Item number nine is adoption
or review of 19 TAC Chapter 109.
The consent, okay.
I'm gonna go ahead
and let you move to the consent calendar, Mr. Maynard.
-: I guess we'll go ahead and take them in order.
And the first one was the adoption of the annual report
on the status of the Bond Guarantee Program.
That was pulled on the request of Mr. Hickman.
Members, you should have a portion,
in your mailing you should have received a PSF agenda.
And if you will look on page 121
the overview of the Bond Guarantee Program is found
at that point right there, and the motion is Mr. Chairman,
I move State Board of Education adopt the annual report
on the status of the Bond Guarantee Program
as of August 31st, 2020. -: Okay.
-: And I believe maybe we have a question from a member.
-: Okay, there is a motion.
Okay, so Mr. Hickman, I believe you pulled this one
off the Consent Agenda.
Do you have a specific question?
A clarification?
Mr. Hickman: Yes, just a couple real quick
and apologies Mr. Maynard, I don't have that report
in front of me, the answers are probably in there.
What's the questions either for you or staff,
what's the size of the program?
-: So currently, it depends on how you wanna define that.
So currently we're guaranteeing about $87 billion,
I believe in ISD funds
and about $2.7 billion in charter schools.
If you want to just look at it
in terms of what's being guaranteed as of the report.
Actually that number has grown a little bit
because this report is is a kind of a snapshot
as to where we were on August 31st of 2020.
We've actually issued a little bit more since then.
And so we are much closer, I guess,
closer to about a hundred billion right now.
The total capacity for that is there's a federal limit
and then there is a state limit
and we take the more constraining limit.
The limit on that's about 117 billion.
Of course, we're in the process
of expanding that at this time.
Mr. Hickman: Okay, and you answered my other question.
It is available to ISD in charters.
The last one is, have there been any significant defaults
either for ISD or charters?
-: We've been guaranteeing bonds.
That was passed by an amendment in 1983.
Our first bond guarantee was issued in January of 1984.
And there's never been a default on the program ever.
Mr. Hickman: Okay, that was it.
Thank you Mr. Chairman, thank you Mr. Maynard.
-: Right, any other discussion on that item?
Is there any objection to the adoption of the motion?
Hearing none, the recommend the recommendation is adopted.
All right, the next item that was pulled,
I believe it's next.
-: Mr. Chairman.
And just to comment on that
and I think we've had some discussion around that,
of course, is that actually how that capacity
was determined, it was determined based on a number.
I think they said it like in 2009
which requires us to go back and actually navigate
a process in Congress to expand that.
We're hoping that in the course of of remedying that
we do that in such a way where we don't have to do that.
And so we're actually hoping that we get something
tacked onto the infrastructure bill so,
but anyway that's just as a matter of an update.
Okay, next item is...
This relates to the the Emerging Manager Fund.
This is a new allocation.
And on behalf of the committee,
Mr. Chairman, I move that the State Board of Education
approve execution of agreements with Neuberger Berman,
alternative advisors necessary
to make an investment commitment of up to $3 million
for investment management services
for a Private Equity Emerging Manager Program
for the Texas permanent School Fund
and authorization for contract execution
by the Commissioner of Education and approve execution
of agreements with GCM Grosvenor necessary
to make an investment commitment of up to $150 million
for investment management services for a private real estate
Emerging Manager Program for the Texas Permanent School Fund
and authorization
for contract execution by the Commissioner of Education.
-: Members, is there any question on this item?
-: Remember, just to speak to the motion is that
one of the things that we had some discussion some time ago
related to historically underutilized businesses.
The law does not actually allow us to do that.
And so what we have found in our research
and dealing with peer funds such as ERS and TRS
is that the way that we can do that is that
we create an Emerging Manager Fund.
And so when we have emerging managers
we tend to have more minority managers,
more more female managers.
And so this is a way to take that route.
The law doesn't allow us to make decisions other than
just return is all, just return on investment.
Interestingly enough is that the track record shows
is that emerging managers on on average
actually perform better,
maybe they're a little hungrier,
maybe because they're smarter and they're newer,
they have maybe some greater agility in the marketplace,
and so we think this is a great addition.
What this does is that we approved an allocation of 1%.
And when we did that, it was about $350 million.
But because of the growth of the fund
by the time we fully deployed that it will be an allocation
of about $450 million into emerging managers.
-: And two thirds of that will go towards
I believe it was the private equity
and one third real estate, which was the split.
-: So as it turns out, yes, Mr. Chairman,
is as it turns out, is actually that it just in our normal
real estate portfolio that we already have kinda overlap
into that area.
And so is that in order to kind of get more bang
for our buck and it made sense more to go
to wait at that particular allocation into private equity.
-: Thank you for the update.
Is there any questions from members for Mr. Maynard?
Ms. Hardy.
-: It might be important to add that Grosvenor
also does this with the TRS.
And that was where we first heard
about the emerging market and managers.
And it was a very interesting program.
Two, three months ago around maybe it was longer than that
but the fact is that following
up with them is very heartening
because they have had such a successful program.
We look forward to having that kind of success with this.
-: All right, any other discussion?
All right, is there any objection to the motion?
Hearing none, the recommendation is adopted.
All right, Mr. Maynard.
-: Mr. Chairman last item is the procedure
for nominees for the School Land Board
and the Texas Teacher Retirement System.
And I'll move the motion and then I've got two amendments
to make the document comply with our operating rules.
So Mr. Chairman, I move that the State Board of Education
approve the procedure for selecting nominees to be sent
to the Governor for his membership on the School Land Board
and the Teacher Retirement System as presented by staff.
-: All right, so you have the motion, right.
-: Yep. -: Okay.
Is there any discussion or anything else to add to it,
are you going to go through it?
-: Mr. Chairman yes, I need to...
There's two items, the first one is the School Land Board
and I move to...
I guess the parliamentary inquiry
is that we actually have two documents.
Would it be prudent it being that we're going to...
I mean, both of them,
would it be prudent to divide the question
and take them separately?
-: Absolutely yes. -: Yes.
So Mr. Chairman, I move to divide the question
so that we consider each document separately.
Is there any objection?
Hearing none, so moved.
-: Okay, so I will start with the School Land Board.
Is that on item C.
I moved to strike two in insert one and add the words.
Well, actually, and then strike the S
on Texans and then for each position
up for appointment and add the words for each
put a position up for appointment after the word Texan.
Ms. Kay, have you received those?
Ms. Kay: Yes, sir.
I have some, because we've also got some zoom interaction.
It's taking them a little longer in the headquarters
to get the right thing.
-: So if I may speak to it-
-: I apologize.
I didn't realize that we were gonna need
for Kay too and be able to show her screen.
And so I told her- -: It's okay.
Everybody's got a copy of this.
-: Does Mr. Hickman have a copy
or is there someone have when we can email to him?
(Mr. Hickman faintly speaking)
-: It is not.
-: It's a handout, Mr. Hickman.
I'm gonna work on getting that for you.
Dr. Ellis: But talking about it, it's not a lot.
So I think pretty simple to go through it
and some pretty good detail.
You don't get it on the screen.
-: Yeah, so our operating rules say that
each member is actually eligible to nominate one,
but there are two lists.
And so to make this jive with our operating rules
is that understand that we have actually
two positions to fill.
And one position is just that large,
the second position is from a county with a population
of less than 200,000.
And even though...
When you look at the statute and how those appointments
are made, the position that is from a county
less than 200,000 is a position that is essentially assigned
to us because it was created as part of that sunset process.
And therefore the Governor's office looks at that
and they essentially assigned that position to us.
And so we have two positions we have to do.
One is that large.
And then one is from a county less than 200,000.
So each one, what this says then is that each person
can nominate one person for each of those positions.
-: Is that the only change on the document?
Mr. Maynard: On this document, Mr. Chair?
-: Again, I know we don't have it up on the screen
but that was a pretty simple change.
Are there any questions from any of the members
on that change?
Mr. Hickman, did you get that?
I know we apologize for not having your document to you.
Any questions on it from you Mr. Hickman?
(Mr. Hickman faintly speaking)
-: Mr. Chairman? -: Yes, sir.
Brookie: I have a question for clarity
on that sort of somebody who might be nominated.
Most of the counties in my district are under 200,000.
-: I think you're good, you can yeah...
Brookie: So does it have to be somebody
you say from the county, does it have to be somebody
from my county or somebody in the district?
and one of my- -: No, you can nominate.
They don't have to be from your district at all.
Brookie: Okay, so it can be anywhere in Texas?
-: They could be from anywhere in Texas.
Brookie: Okay, thank you.
I'm Brookie here, thank you.
(woman faintly speaking)
Brookie: Okay. (woman faintly speaking)
Mr. Reuben: I also have a question with Mr. Maynard.
Did I understand correctly?
So each of us have the opportunity to nominate two,
one from a county 200,000 or less?
-: Yes. -: And one from-
Mr. Maynard: A large, correct.
-: At large, from a county, anything over 200,000.
-: Now that, and then another in the other person
that you nominate, they could both be
from a county population of less than 200,000.
Because the list that requires them to be less from a county
less than 200,000 is the more restrictive list.
But they could both come from a small county.
-: So, one has to come from a county under 200,000.
The other one has to come from one of our 254 counties.
-: Yep. -: Thank you
-: Mr. Chairman, after we get all this, I'd like,
just to give everyone just a little bit of an update on that
and kind of where some things on that'll kind of help us
a little bit on the process.
-: All right.
Any other questions from members on this one?
(member faintly speaking)
Dr. Ellis: Mr. Maynard,
do you wanna walk through the process?
-: Absolutely, yeah.
So, pursuant to our rules is that being that these
both of these are related to financial management,
that sort of thing.
So let me just speak to the School Land Board specifically,
because it pertains specifically
to the Permanent School Fund.
Is that essentially is that this policy pursuant
to our rules provides for the evaluation
of the candidates and for the committee
of the Permanent School Fund to evaluate the candidates.
And then essentially come back to the board
with a slate of candidates that is actually
that could be open for amendment by the Full Board.
And so at the end of the day
we've got to have two lists of
of six to submit to the Governor's office.
This is simply the procedure to do that.
So all we're doing is as dead
and our rules call for an adoption of procedure.
-: So Mr. Hickman, to take that a step further,
theoretically, if every member appointed one person
from each list we'd have 15 people,
and we have 30 people, two list of 15.
If everyone appointed someone or recommended someone,
and then the PSF Committee would narrow that down
to six on each side, ironically, what happened last time
was not everyone nominated someone.
And we ended up with exactly 12, made life very easy.
We had to get down to 12 and we had exactly 12 nominees.
So that made that step very easy.
And then from there, the next step is
once we pick our person from each list
then that list is sent to the Governor's office.
The Governor's office can choose from those six
or they can ask us to come back with a different six.
Does that cover the process?
Does that help Mr. Hickman?
Mr. Hickman: Yes, that answers my question.
Thank you. -: Okay.
Do you wanna talk any further on that one before-
-: I guess we just need to pass the amendment
and then once we get done with everything
we can talk a little bit
specifically about this appointment process.
Then we'll move to TRS.
-: An amendment first.
So is there any objection to the amendment as presented?
Hearing none, the amendment is passed.
So now we're back to the main motion
which is the School Land Board,
anything further on that one?
Okay, so is there any objection to the motion for the items
to the changes of the School Land Board?
Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
So now the next one, Mr. Maynard.
-: Okay, yeah, the next one it relates
to the Texas Teacher Retirement Board.
And so we do actually...
There are two positions on the TRS Board
and we are responsible for submitting names
to the Governor's office.
We have one that actually expires this year
and I believe the next one that we have expires in 2025.
And so those are to my recollection,
those are six year terms.
And so in order to to be consistent with our operating rules
on item C, each board member shall be entitled to submit
and then strike the word two and insert the word one.
-: Okay, any questions on that one?
Is there any further, just any other further explanation
you wanna make on that one?
-: No, sir. -: Okay.
Hearing no further discussion, is there any objection?
All right, the motion is adopted
-: Mr. Chairman, well okay.
You got the amendment.
-: Right, so the amendment is adopted.
So now we will adopt the motion.
Is there any objection to the motion?
Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
-: Mr. Chairman, if I may,
the School Land Board appointments
are a little interesting because they're two year terms,
which means is that every two years we have to come up
with this list of six names.
And in my way of thinking is that if you go out
and solicit people, you say, "Hey, would you be interested
in being nominated for the School Land Board?
And because we have to submit these names
and then a little, by the way would you also go
to the Governor's website and fill out this application
and everything," and then after the process,
you have to come back to them and say, "Well, you lost,
you're unsuccessful."
To me, that's kind of a hard sell.
And so when I was the executive director
at the FFA Organization, we had a little bit
of a similar process with our board
and we had a nomination process.
And how I approached that is that I would talk
to prospective people and say,
"Hey, would you be willing to be in the pool
to be considered for a board position
sometime in the future, maybe sooner, maybe later."
Okay, and I think that this kind of works in this situation,
because it's every two years.
Now, here's what you need to know.
And is that, if your nominee fills out an application
with the Governor's Appointments Office,
as long as Governor Abbott is his Governor
those applications stay in the system.
They don't have to fill them out again.
Now, if they want to go back and update them.
In other words, if they've had a significant change
of employment or status or something like that.
So what I'm saying then is that
so if you nominated someone last time
all you have to do is go back to that person
and say, "Would you be okay if we renominated you,
you don't have to fill out the application again
unless you wanna go in and update it.
And essentially you can nominate the same person
that you did last time
and their information is still in the system.
And so by doing that, what we do is
we essentially create a pool of potential nominees
that we can just maintain over time.
And just over time as we update them
because we have to do this every two years.
So the history behind that, by the way,
is that in case anybody cares is that
when the School Land Board was created in 1939
it was the Governor, the Attorney General
and the Land Commissioner that were actually on it.
And back then they had two year terms
and it's just never changed.
Okay, and so that's why it is what it is.
I was hoping that at some point
that maybe they would change that
and make those longer terms
and maybe stagger them or something like that
but no move has been made to do that.
So that Mr. Chairman, these terms expire on August 31st
and it is the preference
of the Governor's Appointments office
that they get them earlier.
I mean, they'll take them any time we can get them
but I would suggest is that they would prefer
if they get them earlier that gives them a little more time
to vet them and that sort of thing.
And then maybe to get ahead of that
when those terms expire on August 31st, okay.
On the TRS, this is a six-year appointment.
And this also I believe expires on August 31st.
So again, it would be an interim appointment.
One of the things that is, I think, worth noting,
and I think the last time that we had this process
is that we received a lot of nominations
that were kind of school people.
And what everybody here needs to understand
is that school people are already accounted for
in the board structure.
What the statute calls for us to do is to nominate someone
with investment experience.
That's what they really want us to do 'cause school
people are already represented on the board
so we don't have to do that.
So it's not so much financial experience.
For instance managing a school budget
versus investment experience
are related but not the shame.
What they're really need in this
they're needing the investment experience.
And so if you don't have somebody that works in investments,
like maybe, somebody that works over
that handles like Morgan Stanley or something like that
that would be interested in doing that.
It's a six year commitment.
So Mr. Chairman, I would suggest that we take both of these
up in June, which means that between now and then
is that folks would need to do that, solicit that,
encourage their nominees to go into the Governor's website
and go ahead and fill out an application
for either both of these and that we take these up in June.
-: And I do recall last time we came up with a one pager
basically explaining, because anyone any of us go to talk to
is just gonna want, what's it entail?
What am I signing up for?
So I think last time we had that, so if we can pull that
back out and clean that up a little bit.
Let's send that to the members and the link
to the Governor's application, website-
Mr. Maynard: We'll see if we can get that done
sometimes this next week and get that out to everybody.
-: And to your point, obviously our next meeting is in June
the one after that, isn't sitting out until September
and these positions run out at the end of August.
So yeah June is gonna be the time we need to get this done.
Ms. Little.
-: Mr. Maynard, when you say financial experience
and you gave the example of Morgan Stanley,
what about somebody that's got
real estate investment experience?
-: For School Land Board, that would be ideal.
-: Okay. -: Not so much for TRS.
TRS is specific to investment in things like pension funds
and sets like that, School Land Board is a little broader.
And so it includes oil and gas.
It includes real estate.
If the investment function of the School Land Board
is actually moved into the PSF Corporation
and reunited with our fund
they won't really be doing much investment work.
That'll be mostly this oil and gas
and back to oil and gas and real estate.
Ms. Little: All right, okay.
Thank you.
-: To put one more little point on it
between the two sides of this
the School Land Board positions,
both of those are in their first term,
the first two year term oftentimes Governor appointees
are six year terms.
So if those two members decided they wanted to return
and the Governor wanted them to return
it could be the same two that returned.
On the TRS side,
the gentleman who we will be replacing his term
has actually served two six year terms.
So he will not be coming back
because of the length of times he served.
So the TRS position will definitely be a new person.
The School Land Board could be a reappointment
of the current ones.
Dr. Robinson.
Dr. Robinson: With somebody who is in banking career
in banking, the-
-: I would think so depending on kind of
what their experience is.
But yeah, I think that we've...
Well one of the members that we appointed
on the School Land Board is a banker.
-: Yes, Mr. O'Neil who is one of our appointees
from the School Land Board.
Mr. Hickman.
-: (faintly speaking)
Also at list of six that the committee will review
and then bring to the Full Board.
Dr. Ellis: Mr. Maynard's thinking,
but I believe the answer is correct.
We could all-
Mr. Maynard: I believe that's right.
Dr. Ellis: Yeah.
Mr. Hickman: We each submit one,
the committee narrows that down to six
and then that comes back to the board for adoption.
Same sort of process.
Okay, Thank you.
-: Then to the Governor
for him to pick one of those six.
Mr. Cortez.
Mr. Cortez: It's just a single pick, not a big at-large
and then less than 200 county system.
-: Yeah, so that's just one position.
-: Okay. -: Right.
And this is from anywhere.
Mr. Cortez: Yeah.
Member: Same thing, no geographic boundaries
(member faintly speaking).
-: Point out that I think, and this is the case in all
of the Governor's appointments,
there are some looking at diversity and so forth.
Do you have that off the top of your head on?
-: Yeah, I mean, it's actually an owner-operator
rules as well, but right.
There's that they, in five, by law,
all governing boards in those appointments states
they do have to consider those things.
-: Chairman Ellis. -: Yes, sir.
Mark: This is Mark Shoemaker.
I wanted to mention one comment on the TRS positions.
There is no required number
that the State Board of Education
needs to submit to the Governor.
It can be as few as two
or as many as however you would like.
And in the procedure that you adopted
that conforms to the statute.
So there is no six nominee number.
It can be any number of nominees.
-: Mr. Chairman I stand corrected. (laughs)
Dr. Ellis: Mark is a smart man.
-: (laughs) That's why we-
(crosstalk drowns out speakers)
That's good, no, that's good.
Give me the honors man.
-: Let me point out too.
What I our legal counsel just brought this to me.
According to section 32 of the natural resource code
appointments to the School Land Boards should be made
without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, age,
or national origin of the appointees.
And section 651 of the government code requires
in each case where the governing body
of a state board Commission or other state agency
that has Statewide jurisdiction is appointed
by the Governor or another appointing authority,
the Governor or appointing authority shall ensure
to the extent possible that the membership
of the governing body reflect racial, ethnic,
and geographic diversity of the state.
That's what we're referring to there.
Okay, we're on an amendment or the motion?
Members there's a clarification, a staff pointed out
that during the emerging managers
that it might have been said investment commitments
up to 3 million for investment management services.
It should be 300 million for investment management services.
So we're clarifying that for the record
in case there was any discrepancy.
So, for clarification, that is 300 million.
Staff does that cover that?
Okay.
All right. Mr. Maynard, does that conclude the PSF?
(member faintly speaking)
Thank you, sir.
Dr. Robinson, you're ready?
Dr. Robinson: We are ready.
-: I'm gonna move to item number 11 on our agenda
which has proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 61 school district,
Subchapter B special purpose district 61.111,
applicability of state law
to Boys Ranch Independent School District.
It's on your agenda members on 4-13.
Dr. Robinson.
-: Yeah, the Committee on School initiatives.
Let me find a specific,
I move to recommend
that the State Board of Education
approve for second reading and final adoption,
propose new 19 TAC Chapter 61 school district,
Subchapter B special purpose school district 61.111,
applicability of state law
to Boys Ranch Independent School District
and make an affirmative finding that immediate adoption
of proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 61, school districts,
Subchapter B special purpose school district 61.111
applicability of state law
to Boys Ranch Independent School District is necessary
and shall have an effective date 20 days after filing
as adopted with the Texas register.
-: Any further questions or debate on this?
All right, is there any objection?
Hearing none, the recommendation is adopted.
Item number 12 is proposed amendment
to 19 TAC Chapter 30 administration, Subchapter A
State Board of Education, general provisions 30.1
petition for adoption of rule changes.
This is second reading and final adoption.
It's on your agenda on 4-17.
Dr. Robinson.
-: Yes, Committee on School Initiatives
recommends the State Board of Education approve
for second reading and final adoption
the proposed amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 30 administration
Subchapter A State Board of Education,
general provisions 30.1,
petition for adoption of rule changes
and make an affirmative finding the immediate adoption
of the proposed amendment
to 19 TAC Chapter 30 administration, Subchapter A
State Board of Education, general provisions 30.1,
petition for adoption of rule changes is necessary
and she'll have an effective date of 20 days
after filing as adopted with the Texas register.
-: All right members, any further questions on this one?
Hearing none, is there any objection?
hearing none, the recommendation is adopted.
Number 13 is review a proposed amendment
to 19 TAC Chapter 230 professional educator preparation
and certification, Subchapter A,
general provisions 2.51 definitions.
It's on your agenda on 4-25.
Dr. Robinson.
-: I recommend that the State Board of Education
take no action on the proposed amendment 219 TAC Chapter 230
professional educator preparation certification
Subchapter A, general provisions, 230.1 definitions.
-: Members, any questions on this one, any further debate?
Hearing none.
Is there any objection?
Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
Dr. Robinson, did you have any other comments
from your committee?
-: Yeah, we just...
Point of privilege.
We recognize our meeting yesterday.
I know Heather is not here today, Heather Mosaic,
but we acknowledged her service
to the community school initiatives
and the Texas Education Agency
and she will be greatly missed.
She's a wonderful person, very professional,
and has been very helpful to me in the last couple of years
and on the learning curve of CSI.
So we appreciate her service.
-: Also point out too.
I think there was a little discussion we will have...
Every other year, since I've been on the board
the charter school vote has been in our summer meeting
which is our June or July meeting.
Last time it was in September.
It should be back on the agenda this time in June.
So that will be our next meeting.
In your mailbox is a spreadsheet of the charters
on where they are in the process.
Now you should, I believe everyone received the email
with the link to the applications, if not let Steph know
and you'll have a link to the current applications
for where we are in the process with those.
So anything else from Committee on School Initiatives?
Mr. Maynard.
-: Mr. Chairman, just as a matter of personal privilege also
Cathy Civiletto who's been working with the PSS staff
for 17 years is on her retirement
and so yesterday's meeting was her last go around with us.
And so she's been a faithful staffer,
been a real valuable member of the team
and we're gonna miss her as well.
(member faintly speaking)
Yep.
-: We've limited retirement to two committee.
No one else can retire, all right.
(members chuckling)
I've just heard chuckles from the staff table behind me.
So, all right.
That completes our agenda item, I believe.
So now this is the point in the meeting
where we have time to tell each other what's going on
with our families, with ourselves, inside of our district,
with schools within our districts.
So are there any members who have any comments
they wanna make?
(woman chuckles)
Ms. Perez-Diaz.
-: Thank you chair.
So I just wanted to personally thank everybody
for all the congratulations I've received this week
for my pregnancy and give everybody a heads
up that my due date is actually June 25th
which is the Friday of our next board meeting.
(members laughing)
Dr. Ellis: It's going to make that meeting very exciting.
-: Yeah, yeah, so unless somebody is prepared
to serve as a midwife,
(members laughing)
I may be participating via online.
(indistinct chatter)
So yeah. (laughs)
Dr. Ellis: If your child has four hooves
then Mr. Maynard might be a good one.
(member faintly speaking)
-: Yeah. -: That's true.
That's true.
So, anyway, so I may or may not be here physically
but I will do my very best to participate virtually
if baby decides to come right around that time.
And then I just wanted to share that Dr. Ellis,
you are in good company
because today is also Ladrena Lal Thanos birthday
and you all share, so Selena,
you all share the exact same birthday.
So she would have been 50 today, too.
-: Great, oh, I did not know that.
Well, if you can plan on the baby coming afternoon
on that Friday then you can fully participate.
The meeting will be good to go.
Ms. Little.
-: In that same vein, my daughter told me this past week
that I'm gonna be a grandmother again.
And I'm really excited about that.
That will make my fourth one and they call me honey.
So I'm going to get to be a honey, again.
And I love that.
And and her due date could very well
be our November meeting.
So that's where I will be.
(members laughing)
I'm done, Laura.
-: Mr. Maynard.
-: Mr. Chairman, I'm happy to report that
the snowpocalypse, the great freeze, Winter Storm Uri,
whatever you wanna call that,
appears to not have significantly damaged
the Hill Country peach crop.
All: Yeah.
-: So in June, I'm happy to report that
we will have pizzas for you.
All: Yeah.
-: Hopefully it survived the hailstorm yesterday too.
Yeah, all right.
Any other comments from members?
I tried to say my thanks earlier.
Maybe I wasn't able to get it out very well, but again,
thank you for all the birthday wishes and the staff.
I believe I got a pen.
Was this from the staff that, that worked on that?
So whoever got me the pen, I think it was the staff.
I thank them very much for that.
(member faintly speaking)
Oh, that's from the members?
Okay, thank you members for my pen.
I will wear this proudly.
We are, okay...
The Royal we, yeah.
And you always kind of hate bragging on yourself, but I do.
I was privileged to be appointed by our Governor
to the Education Commission of the States recently.
And I'm bringing that up
because I think that's a benefit to the whole State Board.
Typically there's seven members
from each state who are appointed.
It's typically the Governor, some house members senators
which has been in our state
plus the additional two where the higher ed Commissioner,
the Commissioner of education.
So for the first time, I believe they've put the member
of the State Board of Education on that.
And I'm saying that because the Education Commission
of the States is primarily a research organization
and they have quite a few resources to work with.
And so they've started,
I had my onboarding call last Friday
and they shared with me that it expands to all of y'all.
If any of you have questions that you would like researched
by the Education Commission of the States
you can bring that to me and I can submit it to them.
And like I said, they have a lot of resources.
So any education policy question
that you just kind of get stumped on it
and want some input on, let me know.
(member faintly speaking)
It's a Governor appointee position.
(member faintly speaking)
Well, thank you.
But again, I think it's a benefit to the whole board
for what they were explaining to me
in the call that we all kind of get the benefit of that.
Dr. Elena
Dr. Elena: Mr. Hickman is also trying
to speak Mr. Chairman.
-: I just wanted to wish all of our Muslim students
in the state of Texas
a blessed Ramadan season at this time.
-: Absolutely, absolutely.
Mr. Hickman.
-: (faintly speaking)
heading all the regions
so congratulations to her.
-: I think we were a little unsure.
It's completely within our rules
to have a member participate during zoom
even outside of our COVID pandemic rules.
But I told Mr. Hickman at first, if it wasn't the case
and he had to be in a public setting,
he could get a lawn chair in his front yard
and post a public meeting notice on his tree
and participate virtually via zoom.
But it was okay.
He was able to...
I did see some artwork in the background.
Didn't I Mr. Hickman?
Mr. Hickman: Anything beautiful here is my wife's work.
Anything ugly is my doing.
(members laughing) -: Gotcha you.
All right.
Members, anything else?
All right, again, thank you all for a really
great productive meeting, safe travels to everyone.
And we will see you in a couple of months.
We stand adjourned.
(gavel pounds)