The Board of Directors held its regularly scheduled meeting to celebrate recent achievements, review committee updates, and handle key operational business.
Celebrations & Community Milestones: The meeting opened with meaningful reflections on school achievements, community partnerships, and student involvement:
Recognition & Awareness: The Board recognized Principal’s Month and Bullying Prevention Month, alongside student participation in STEM nights at the Primary and Elementary campuses, the Junior Spirit Squad, and Raven representation on the Waco Youth Council.
District & Community Wins: Celebrations highlighted the district’s 3rd CTE District of Distinction award, the YMCA’s recognition of Michelle Copeland, and the Class of 2027 team-building events.
Committee Updates & Stakeholder Feedback:
District representatives, committee chairs, and faculty/parent representatives presented updates on campus culture, financial metrics, and academic plans:
Parent & Faculty Representation: The Faculty Representative shared inquiries regarding Special Education supports. The Parent Representative voiced support for the district’s athletics programs—noting balanced budgeting and media coverage—and inquired about parental access to curriculum review. Additionally, first-round parent survey feedback highlighted appreciation for district culture, communication, character development, and dedicated staff. Areas for improvement included stronger Special Education support systems, easier home access to curriculum, expanded electives/extracurriculars, improved food options, the return of free high school lunches, after-school care costs, staff retention, and flexibility regarding absence and tardy policies.
Finance Committee: Member Cunningham reported on the committee's meeting with YYY, noting improvements in cash-on-hand and debt service ratios, though the district has not yet reached the full thresholds required by bond covenants.
Facilities Committee: Member Pate discussed recent air conditioning repairs, the safety audit, and expressed appreciation to the Board for approving gym maintenance equipment.
District Improvement Committee: Member Shanks provided updates on TIP/TAP progress, Region 12 feedback, certification reports, student data, and Professional Learning Community (PLC) discussions.
Superintendent Report & Governance:
Academic Plans & Public Access: Dr. Neumann presented draft highlights for the Quinn Middle School Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP) and the Rapoport Elementary/Primary Turnaround Plan (TAP). Full plans and feedback links are accessible online at www.RapoportAcademy.com/siplan through November 6, with final plans slated for November presentation. Dr. Neumann also reviewed the District Improvement Plan (DIP) and provided campus and district plan copies in the Board materials. Regarding curriculum transparency, Dr. Neumann shared Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidance on parental rights—which will be posted to the district website—and reminded parents that curriculum can also be reviewed directly through campus teachers.
Board Approvals & Executive Session: The Board approved consent agenda items, including financials, meeting minutes, enrollment reports, a floor cleaning machine for Raven Court, a 4-H resolution, AED/first aid replacement supplies, and Special Education expenditure items (1-on-1 TA and case management stipends). The Board concluded with a review of their self-assessment and a brief closed session for a legal counsel update before adjourning.
