KERENS–Kerens Independent School District (KISD) trustees voted July 25 to buy a radio frequency identification (RFID) card system that tracks bus routes and gives administrators real-time locations of its transit fleet.
The smart-card system also will be used by students, Superintendent Martin Brumit said. Students will be issued cards that will act as identification and keep up with lunch and library accounts, he said.
The school board approved a budget amendment moving $15,000 to help pay for the card system, which KISD Director of Student Services and Operations Brad Atkeisson said will cost $22,000 for the first year and then $6,500 annually thereafter.
The board also learned from Brumit that the district’s employee handbook no longer will require staff to turn in receipts from attending conferences. Also, the maximum per diem rate for attending such off-campus events increases from $35 to $40 per day. Further, the district’s mileage reimbursement rate increases to equal the Internal Revenue Service rate.
Atkeisson and Brumit also told the board that the district has reviewed its security measures in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting. “I feel as comfortable as I can saying that we can do our very best to keep any intruders out,” Brumit said.
The superintendent also informed trustees that KISD is one of the few Texas school districts to be fully staffed heading into the school year.
In other business, the board:
• Approved $167,075 and $131,750 semi-annual interest-only payments related to 2018, 2018 and 2021 bonds.
• Approved a payment up to $120,000 for the district’s property and casualty insurance policy.
• Approved adding an Advanced Floral Design elective class, an innovative course outside the main curriculum under the district’s career and technical education program.
• Approved the district’s teacher appraisers and appraisal calendar for the 2022-23 school year.
• Approved the 2022-23 Student Code of Conduct, with changes only to the school-year date.
• Approved the district’s contract with Region 12 Education Service Center for $72,539.40.