Aside from myriad awards and recognitions for students and staff alike, Katy ISD's board of trustees also discussed several agenda items at Monday's meeting:

 



1. Appraisal district nominations hit a snag
KISD may have missed the opportunity to nominate someone for its seat on the Harris County Appraisal District. The district has a six-member appointed board, including one member who represents all county school districts except Houston ISD.

KISD discussed nominating trustee George Scott at its Oct. 16 work study, and the trustees approved that nomination Monday. However, HCAD spokesperson Jack Barnett said the deadline for nominations was Oct. 15, and Superintendent Lance Hindt said the requirement may have been overlooked amid the district’s storm recovery efforts.

“We’re still pursuing Mr. Scott as our nominee,” Hindt said. “It is not likely that this will be resolved, based on conversations that we had.”

2. A “superior” financial integrity rating
The Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas gave KISD a "superior" rating for the 15th straight year. KISD Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith said the goal of the program is to expand the state’s public education accountability system.

3. Harvey-related budget amendment approved
The board approved an additional nearly $5 million budget amendment for fiscal year 2017-18 to cover the costs of repairs and other costs brought by Tropical Storm Harvey. No remarks were made Monday, but Smith said Oct. 16 that the school district has already spent about $17.5 million on recovery efforts, about $12 million of which was approved in September.

The budget amendments will be paid for by the district’s fund balance, also known as a rainy day fund. Smith said to expect more budget amendments through December.

4. 2014 bond update: Elementary renovation designs approved
Designs were approved for renovations to Golbow and Pattison Elementary schools, two projects approved in the district’s 2014 bond referendum for a combined nearly $31.1 million. Houston firm VLK Architects is leading the project and submitted design plans to the board for each school Oct. 16.