I. Call to Order/Certify Notice/Establish Quorum

Mrs. Alicea Elliott, President of the Board of Trustees, announced a quorum of Board Members was present and called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Members present: Mrs. Alicea Elliott, Mr. Eugene Buford, Mrs. Margaret Richardson, Mr. Chris House, Mr. Freddie Paul, Mrs. Gina Hunter, Mr. Robert Risko

Members absent: None

Also present were: Randy Jones, Chief Financial Officer; Tony Brooks, Technology Director; Ginger Morrison, Assistant Superintendent of School Operations; Jami Ivey, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability; Peggy Oldham; Bobby Oldham; Billy Buford; Allen Buford; Sharon Buford; Lois Buford; Tony Buford; Cameron Buford; Gina Anton; Chloe Anton; Gail Carnes, Executive Assistant and Dr. Janie Sims, Superintendent.

Present by Zoom: Jennifer Risinger, AMS Principal; Brooke Brock, Director of Special Populations; Lisa Howell, BAE Principal; Cathy Kirkland, Director of Federal Programs; Claudia Stiles, CAE Principal; Nikki Mason, SAE Principal; Nicole Cornish, AHS Principal; Jennifer Nicholson; Tim Hensley

II. Invocation was given by Mr. Eugene Buford.

III. Pledge of Allegiance was given to the national and state flags.

IV. Audience Participation - Anyone wishing to make a comment to the Board about an agenda item must email gcarnes@athensisd.net by 5:30 p.m.August 24. Comments will be read aloud by the Board President at this time.

No one signed up to speak.

V. Special Employee Recognition

Dr. Janie Sims, Superintendent, introduced Peggy Oldham to the Board of Trustees as the first employee of Athens ISD to serve 45 years in AISD exclusively. Board Secretary Eugene Buford, Mrs. Oldham’s brother, presented a plaque from the district to her for her years of service.

VI. 2020 Tax Rate Hearing

Mr. Randy Jones, Chief Financial Officer, conducted the 2020 Tax Rate hearing. This is designated as a public hearing to discuss adoption of the 2020 tax rates. No one signed up to speak.

VII. Information Items

A. Administrative Reports - Beginning of School Year 2020-2021; COVID-19 Related Issues

Dr. Janie Sims, Superintendent, reported to the Board of Trustees that today ran extremely smooth for the first day of in-person instruction. There were typical traffic problems and some wait times for temperature checks of students. Enrollment is about the same as last year. Dr. Sims also introduced Sergeant Bill Carlow, Athens ISD newest police officer.

VIII. Action Items

A. Consider Adoption of 2020 Tax Rate

Motion was made by Mr. Eugene Buford and seconded by Mr. Robert Risko that trustees approve and adopt the tax rates per $100 of valuation for the 2020 levy as presented. Local Maintenance at $0.93650 and Interest & Sinking (Debt Service) at $0.39909 for a total of $1.33559. Roll call vote was taken with all ayes for a unanimous vote. Motion carried 7:0.

B. Consider Renewal of Athens ISD's Participation in the Texas Rural Education Association Risk Management Cooperative for 2020-2021

Motion was made by Mr. Robert Risko and seconded by Mr. Chris House that trustees approve the renewal of Athens ISD’s participation in the Texas Rural Education Association Risk Management Cooperative for the period of September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021 as presented. Motion carried 7:0.

IX. Consent Agenda

A. Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting Held on July 27, 2020 and Special (Emergency) Meeting Held on July 29, 2020 and Special (Emergency) Meeting Held on August 4, 2020

B. Financial Statements for the Month of July 2020

C. Approve Tax Appraisal Roll

D. Consider TASB Unemployment Compensation Program for October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021

E. Consider Revision to the 2020-2021 Appraisal Calendar

F. Approve Agreement with Anderson County Elections Division to Conduct Athens ISD Trustee Election on November 3, 2020 for the AISD Voters in Anderson County

G. Approve Agreement with Van Zandt County Elections Division to Conduct Athens ISD Trustee Election on November 3, 2020 for the AISD Voters in Van Zandt County

Motion was made by Mr. Robert Risko and seconded by Mrs. Gina Hunter that the consent agenda items be approved as presented. Motion carried 7:0.

X. Executive Session Discussion

A. Employment/Resignations of Contract Employees - Texas Gov't Code 551.074

At 6:37 p.m., the Board President announced that trustees would adjourn to executive session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code and/or Education Code concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act. Should any final action, final decision, or final vote be required, then the final action, final decision, or final vote shall take place in open session. The Board returned to open session at 7:18 p.m.

XI. Executive Session Action – Open Session

A. Employment/Resignations of Contract Employees– Texas Gov’t Code 551.074

The following resignation has been approved: Michelle Schallhorn.

XII. Adjourn

Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.