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Board Meeting Report – June 18, 2020

Board Report from Thursday, June 18, 2020

The Southside ISD Board of Managers and Trustees met in person and conducted the board meeting at the Southside ISD Administrative Offices on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The meeting was also presented by online video conference. It was the District’s first board meeting conducted under the leadership of Superintendent Mr. Rolando Ramirez since assuming the position on June 1, 2020.

PRESENTATIONS

  • Board Policy DEC:  Mrs. Sharon Fuery, Executive Director of Human Resources, discussed Board Policy DEC. The presentation focused on the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This law provides employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The law is in effect until December 31, 2020, however it could be extended.
  • Summer School Plans:  Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes and Director of School Improvement Dr. Jodi Spoor outlined plans for the fun, fun, fun, Cardinal Academy Summer Blast (summer school) to begin July 6 through July 30. The Cardinal Academy Summer Blast is for all Southside ISD students. It will be an engaging online innovative experience that truly makes learning fun. We will also provide paper packets for students who need them. The Cardinal Academy also includes fine arts and fun physical activity. Students will have live interaction with teachers. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to become math magicians and science explorers. Southside High School has already initiated successful credit recovery program. All Cardinal Academy summer school students have the chance to receive commemorative t-shirts and gift cards as an incentive to progress academically. Incentives also apply to campus administrators. Superintendent Ramirez says teachers at the campus with the greatest percentage of pre-registered students will win a nice meal. The Board learned that Matthey Middle School is ahead by one percentage point over Heritage Elementary in the number of registered students.
  • Graduation Plans:  Southside High School held a curbside distribution of diplomas earlier in the month. A virtual graduation video airs Friday, June 19, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Lastly, students will be able to physically walk the stage on Thursday, July 2 at 8:00 p.m. at Southside Stadium.
  • We are One: Ms. Sylvia Rincon, Director of Communications & Marketing, presented the campaign developed under the direction of Superintendent Ramirez. The campaign has several key elements including a focus on transparency. Superintendent Ramirez will host Facebook Live sessions with the community. The Superintendent will also present video summaries regularly. Additionally, the campaign includes 1:1 opportunities for our students. Students will no longer need to share their technology. For those needing assistance, the District will provide Wi-Fi hotspots and one Chromebook for each student to use.
  • Transition Plans:  Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes outlined what the District’s Transition Task Force presented for Fall 2020. It includes plans for students attending school online, on campus, or both. Dr. Hayes says campuses can accommodate half of student population to lessen the potential exposure to coronavirus. Lower numbers equals lower exposure. Also, if allowed, attendance will be limited at extracurricular activities such as football games.
  • Financial Statements:  Mr. Stanley Osborne, Chief Financial Officer, announced expenses for the current fiscal year will be lower than expected and the fund balance is expected to grow.

ACTION ITEMS

  • #1 The Board approved Consideration and adoption of an order of the Southside Independent School District authorizing the issuance of a Tax-Exempt series of unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds: Levying a Tax and providing for the security and payment thereof:  providing for the award of the sale thereof in accordance with specified parameters: authorizing the execution and delivery of a purchase contract, a paying agent/registrar agreement and an escrow agreement relating to such bonds: approving the preparation of an official statement; enacting other provisions relating thereto.  Mr. Stanley Osborne said the bond sale is expected to save the District at least $554,000. This item was approved by the Board.
  • #2 The Board approved Consideration and adoption of an order of the Southside Independent School District Authorizing the issuance of Taxable Series of Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds; levying a tax and providing for the Security and payment thereof: providing for the award of the Sale Thereof in Accordance with specified parameters: Authorizing the Execution and agreement relating to such bonds: approving the preparation of an official statement; enacting other provisions relating thereto.  Mr. Stanley Osborne said the bond sale is expected to save the District at least $1 million. This item was approved by the Board.
  • #3 The Board approved Discuss and consider approval of Resolution to give authority to refund bonds within identified parameters. This item was not acted on, as the Board had previously approved the resolution.
  • #4 The Board approved Discuss and consider approval of Budget Amendment for Meals for Substitutes Program 2019-2020. This item was approved by the Board.
  • There was no Closed Meeting (executive session) and the meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

A Message from Superintendent Rolando Ramirez

June 12, 2020 

Dear Cardinal Nation, 

​We​ know there are a lot of questions surrounding the beginning of the school year and many of you are anxious for answers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation changes by the hour. There is still a lot of uncertainty as we continue to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year. The district continues to receive guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and state and local officials.

In the meantime, we want to assure you that SISD continues to stay on top of the situation. I am in regular communication with the Commissioner of Education, and we remain committed to getting you information as soon as we know it. We anticipate that our coming school year will look different than it has in the past. We are planning for many different scenarios to include in-person classes, distance learning, and/or a combination of both.  

As we plan, we would like input from our students, parents, and staff.  Safety measures to open schools, such as temperature checks, masks, reduced class sizes, etc. will be in place in the event that the pandemic continues. We continue to work with our local and state health officials to determine the best practices. Please continue to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can reach me at rolando.ramirez@southsideisd.org or at 210-882-1600.

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Rolando Ramirez

Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent Rolando Ramirez is ready for A-rated Blue Ribbon Schools

Southside ISD Superintendent of Schools Rolando Ramirez

The new Southside Independent School District Superintendent of Schools Mr. Rolando Ramirez believes Southside ISD can become an A-rated district under the Texas Education Agency A through F accountability rating system. “Our district rating at the end of the year will measure how effective we were. We will work harder, smarter, and as a team to make Southside ISD an A-rated school district,” said Mr. Ramirez.

The new superintendent also believes Southside campuses can become national U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools and also earn National Distinguished Performance Awards. He knows it can happen at Southside ISD because it happened during his tenure in the Valley View ISD; a school district just a little smaller than Southside ISD and located along the U.S.-Mexico border. Valley View’s students are 92 percent economically disadvantaged and 62 percent limited English proficient; similar demographics to Southside’s.

Mr. Ramirez grew up in the Las Milpas barrio of Pharr, Texas which is located adjacent to the larger city of McAllen. Las Milpas, which translated means “the farming fields,” is a humble part of Pharr filled with hard-working immigrant families. It also produced Rolando Ramirez; a star athlete and Class of 1993 valedictorian.

“I was that boy that had to wear the same clothes several times a week. I was that teacher that had to buy supplies for kids. I was that principal that went looking for kids when they didn’t show up for school. Now, I’m the superintendent that looks for the opportunity to help as many people as possible,” said the new Southside ISD leader.

Naturally, children are always on his mind and methods of instruction given the current challenges facing school districts because of COVID-19. “Our main and most important goal is to maximize student learning in a safe and secure environment,” Mr. Ramirez said.

Valley View ISD School Board President Mr. Noe Pruneda said Southside ISD students and parents should prepare to see the superintendent at campuses, games, and community events. He said Mr. Ramirez always places students first and finds ways to make sure all children feel included. “He developed a park for children with disabilities. Now, children in wheelchairs can swing. He’s very compassionate. You’ll see him high-fiving kids everywhere. He’s about school spirit. Just watch, everybody is going to be wearing red shirts. You’re gaining somebody that is spectacular,” said Mr. Pruneda.

When it comes to student performance and student achievement, Mr. Pruneda said charter schools, such as Idea, cannot even come close to achieving Superintendent Ramirez’ school district success.   “We’ve been an A-district and we’ve been the top public school in this area. Down here, none of the charter schools can even touch us.” With pride Mr. Pruneda added, “We have 300 kids graduating and all of them have at least one college credit course.”

As a high school social studies teacher, the future superintendent became known for his creative and fun learning strategies. “He once assigned a project for his students to make a song out of the “Bill of Rights” in order to prepare them for the state test. This became one of his highlights as the social studies department increased their scores dramatically,” said Valley View High School teacher Mrs. Marta Andaverdi.

Mrs. Andaverdi has known the new Southside ISD Superintendent for more than 20 years. She says he has an open door policy for teachers, students, and parents. But his overall focus remains student success. “His mind is always a step ahead and looks at the possibilities and potential in everyone and everything. I don’t think the word “impossible” exists in his vocabulary; as his determination always figures out a way to make it happen,” said the Valley View High School teacher.

Superintendent Ramirez says the coronavirus pandemic has given families greater awareness and appreciation for the work of teachers. He said, “In my opinion teachers should be paid in gold. The public is now experiencing the value of the teaching profession. Teaching is not easy and it takes very special individuals to practice this profession. Therefore, they should be compensated accordingly.”

His former board president also described Mr. Ramirez as selfless; thinking more of others first before thinking of himself. He recalled offering only the superintendent a pay raise. “He said, ‘what kind of a leader am I if my staff doesn’t get a raise’.”

Mr. Ramirez’ friends and colleagues repeatedly mentioned student success and teamwork as part his key objectives. Mrs. Andaverdi emphasized, “You all should expect big changes. He thinks outside the box and expects everyone to work together as a team to send out a motivational message. His creativity will positively impact your students, staff, and community as he did ours.”

Superintendent Ramirez and his wife, Graciela, are the parents of two boys; Josh, 16, and Santiago, 7, and have made their home in the Southside ISD.

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