News
New School Board Officers
On May 21, Ellis County Judge Carol Bush administered the oath of office to Matt Sanders and Jim Mentzel who were sworn in as members of the Midlothian ISD Board of Trustees. The Board also voted in their new officers for 2013-14 school year: Wayne Shuffield (president), Cindy Williams (vice president) and Todd Hemphill (secretary). In recognition for outgoing Board member Phil Seay, a reception was held to honor his 12 yrs. of service.
School Board Recognizes Student Success
Posted: May 7, 2013
The Midlothian ISD School Board recognized the accomplishments of its students in academic, extracurricular and spring athletic achievements on May 13 at the Midlothian High School auditorium. Parents, administrators, and Board members Todd Hemphill, Keith Hitt, Jim Mentzel, Duke Burge (president), and Phil Seay (secretary) were present to shake all of the students and athletes hands after their achievements were announced. View the recognition presentation [PDF]
About
The Board of Trustees acts as the school district's policy-making body and is the official representative of the people for all public education in Midlothian ISD. The Board functions according to the state and federal laws, the rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, and the will of the people as expressed in district elections.
The seven member board, while composed of individuals, acts officially only as a group. No member or group of members acts in the name of the Board unless authorized by the Board. A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Individual trustees, serving without pay, are elected for three-year terms on a rotating basis. Elections are conducted on the second Saturday in May. While candidates run for specific positions on the ballot, they represent the entire district as Board members.
The Board of Trustees elects a president, vice-president, and secretary to serve one-year terms. It selects and employs the superintendent and delegates the responsibility and authority for the operation of the school district to that chief executive officer. The superintendent advises Board members on all matters concerning school management.
General Information
The Midlothian ISD’s Board of trustees is the governing body of community members who help provide the leadership and vision to continue the district’s commitment to excellence in education. Trustees are volunteers and receive no compensation. Members of the Board of Trustees are elected for three-year terms.
Download Standard Operating Procedures [PDF]
Board Responsibilities
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent
- Approve the district’s budget
- Establish goals and evaluate outcomes
- Adopt and evaluate policies
- Levy and collect taxes, and issue bonds
- Order elections, canvass returns, declare results, and issue certificates of election as required by law
- Adhere to guidelines and policies mandated by the Texas Education Agency and the U.S. Department of Education
- Communicate with the community, including the public recognition of student and teacher accomplishments.
Board Member Training
Not only are students and teachers engaged in the learning process, board members also have the opportunity to gain knowledge about school business. The Texas Education Agency, as mandated by House Bill 72 passed in 1984, requires School Board members to participate in annual, state-accredited training. In addition to orientation on the basic responsibilities of School Boards, the trainings include details on school finance, curriculum and legislation.
Meeting Types
The regular business meetings of the Board of Trustees are open to the public and are usually scheduled for 6:30 pm every third Monday of the month in the Board Room of the L. A. Mills Administration Building, 100 Walter Stephenson Rd. Occasionally, a regular meeting date is changed, or a special meeting is called; but in all cases notice is given. In crisis situations where immediate action is required, Texas law allows the Board to call an emergency meeting.
In accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Law, the Board has the privilege of meeting privately in a closed meeting to discuss matters related to personnel, student discipline, security, land acquisition or to consult with legal counsel. However, no action may be taken at an executive session.
Addressing the Board
An open forum section is normally designated on the agenda allowing individuals to address the Board. However, those wishing to do so must sign a "Visitor Registration Card” form before the meeting begins. The forms are at the sign-in desk at the entrance to the Board Room. Completed forms are submitted to the president who establishes a time limitation for speakers. The president then calls to the podium those wishing to speak.
Although Board members may interrupt a speaker to ask questions or to make comments for clarification, state prohibits debate, discussion, deliberation, or action on the subject presented unless it's an agenda item.
Goals
Advocates to the community
Through the use of Focus Groups, the Board of Trustees will listen to concerns and communicate issues to the public
(M) Minimum of 18 Focus Groups per year
Increase Board presence at local community events and groups
(M) Monthly log of Board member participation
Board Members actively recruit volunteers to serve campuses through Partners in Education
(M) Monthly log of Board Member participation
Advocates to the state and nation
Increase Board attendance at regional, state, and national Board conferences
(M) Annual log of Board member participation
Visioning
Create board policy relating to Fund Balance maintenance
(M) Evidence of a new board policy
Re-examine long-range facility plan
(M) Documentation of a modified plan
Personal Board Member Development
Team building activities will occur on an annual basis
(M) Documentation of a team building board workshop
Board members will stay abreast of Best Practices in public education
(M) Accounting of board training hours
Participation in a group book study
(M) At least one book study per year
Meeting Schedule
The Midlothian ISD Board of Trustees meet on the third Monday of each month beginning at 6:30pm. The meetings are held at the L.A. Mills Administration Board Room, 100 Walter Stephenson Road. The School Board may change meeting dates at their discretion. Special/Called meetings may be scheduled whenever necessary. An agenda is posted on the front door of the Administration building 72 hours before meetings.
| June 17, 2013 |
Download Detailed Meeting Schedule [PDF]
Board Briefs
Forms are available for download as PDF (Free Reader)
- April 29, 2013
- April 15, 2013
- March 25, 2013
- February 18, 2013
- January 21, 2013
- December 17, 2012
- November 12, 2012
- October 15, 2012
- September 17, 2012
- August 20, 2012
- July 16, 2012
- June 18, 2012
- May 21, 2012





