Harmony Public Schools

Minutes

September 27, 2025 HPS Board Meeting

Date and Time

Saturday September 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Location

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Directors Present

H. Koc, H. Sherwood, K. House, L. Gonzalez, M. Argin, O. Celepcikay, S. Koch

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

C. Lambert, E. Cavusoglu, F. Ay, J. Hoffer, Jennifer Sabin, N. Bayhan, U. Alpaslan

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

O. Celepcikay called a meeting of the board of directors of Harmony Public Schools to order on Saturday Sep 27, 2025 at 9:02 AM.

II. Public Comments

A.

Public Comments

None.

III. Consent Agenda

A.

Consider Approval of Previous Board Meeting Minutes of August 23, 2025

K. House made a motion to approve the minutes from August 23, 2025 HPS Board Meeting on 08-23-25.
L. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Consider Approval/Ratification of the Minutes and of the Actions of the Finance Committee Meeting on September 13, 2025

K. House made a motion to approve the Minutes and of the Actions of the Finance Committee Meeting on September 13, 2025.
L. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Consider Approval/Ratification of the Minutes and of the Actions of the Academic Committee Meeting on September 13, 2025

K. House made a motion to approve the Minutes and of the Actions of the Academic Committee Meeting on September 13, 2025.
L. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Consider Approval/Ratification of the Minutes and of the Actions of the Governance Committee Meeting on September 13, 2025

K. House made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Committee Meeting on 09-13-25.
L. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

IV. Consider and take action to address HB121 Resolution to renew good cause exception for security

A.

Consider and take action to address HB121 Resolution to renew good cause exception for security officers

Ms. Jennifer Sabin, Director of Student Safety and Behavioral Counseling presents HB121 Resolution to renew good cause exception for security officers.  She explained that, under House Bill 3 enacted during the 88th Legislative Session, school boards are required to ensure that at least one armed security officer is present on each campus during school hours. The 89th Legislative Session amended this requirement, mandating that any campus operating under a Good Cause Exemption must have that exemption reviewed and approved by the board on an annual basis.  Ms. Sabin reviews the "Gold Standard" and Good Cause Exception which allows us to employ certified armed security officers on our campuses.  Ms. Sabin says due to costs as well as availability we are asking for board members to approve Good Cause exceptions.  Currently we have 71 full-time armed security officers, 1 part-time armed security officer, and 7 full-timed armed law enforcement officers.  Ms. Sabin breaks down the officers by district as well as school safety allotment and spending.  Ms. Sabin concluded her presentation by requesting board approval of the Annual Good Cause Exception for the 2025–2026 school year, allowing the district to continue employing certified armed security officers to fulfill the state’s armed officer requirement. The board discussed the report and asked follow-up questions related to staffing levels, cost implications, and coordination with local police departments before proceeding to consider the approval.

H. Koc made a motion to approve Resolution to renew good cause exception for security officers.
M. Argin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

V. Closed Session Pursuant to Govt. Code

A.

i. The Board will Consider Board Resolution for Compliance with Texas Education Code Section 11.005 (Prohibition on DEI Duties) and Section 28.002 (Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions) (required by SB 12)

Dr. Celepcikay announces that the board members will be going into closed session as permitted by Govt. Code 551.071 (Consultation with Legal Counsel) and 551.074 (Personnel Matters).

 

Closed Session begins 9:10AM.

B.

ii. Consultation with legal counsel regarding non-expansion amendment to revise the HPS Organizational Chart and deliberate regarding related personnel matter.

Dr. Celepcikay announces that the board members will be going into closed session as permitted by Govt. Code 551.071 (Consultation with Legal Counsel) and 551.074 (Personnel Matters).

 

Closed Session begins 9:10AM.

VI. Resume Open Session, act on items discussed in closed session:

A.

i. Consider and take possible action on Board Resolution for Compliance with Texas Education Code Section 11.005 (Prohibition on DEI Duties) and Section 28.0022 (Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions (required by SB 12)

Dr. Celepcikay starts regular session at  10:17AM.  Dr. Celepcikay states in closed session the board discussed the items announced and no action was taken.

L. Gonzalez made a motion to approve Board Resolution for Compliance with Texas Education Code Section 11.005 (Prohibition on DEI Duties) and Section 28.0022 (Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions required by SB 12).
H. Koc seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

ii. Consider and take possible action on Resolution to submit a non-expansion amendment to revise the HPS Organizational Chart.

Dr. Celepcikay starts regular session at  10:17AM.  Dr. Celepcikay states in closed session the board discussed the items announced and no action was taken.

K. House made a motion to approve Organizational Chart and Charter Amendment to create the Superintendent Position.
M. Argin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
K. House made a motion to approve the Superintendents position as created with compensation.
S. Koch seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

L. Gonzalez made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
M. Argin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:19 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
C. Lambert