Returning board members were sworn in when the Whitney Independent School District (WISD) Board of Trustees met in a regular session Monday, May 13.
Board members Jason Sneed, Ray Watson and Charles Buzan took their oaths of office after having been reelected Saturday, May 4.
The board chose not to reorganize, leaving all trustees in their current positions: Charles Buzan, President; Jason Sneed, Vice President; Ray Watson, Secretary; and members Katie Foster, Amy Hoffman, AJ Marino and Nicole Corson.
Superintendent John McCullough read a letter from WISD Director of Operations Russell Gauer in which he nominated maintenance employee Boyd Bailey as staff member of the month. In the letter, Gauer wrote: “His dedication to Whitney ISD is evident.”
The board approved transferring two properties the district obtained within the city limits to the City of Whitney for flood control efforts.
The board also approved an audit engagement letter with Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd & Therrell, P.C. for the district’s annual financial audit.
New science, math and English curriculum materials were approved for kindergarten through eighth grade. All materials meet the Texas Education Agency’s High-Quality Instructional Materials standard and will be implemented next year.
Also approved were roof repairs for the elementary and intermediate schools, which will be covered by the district’s insurance.
McCullough gave a brief superintendent’s report; enrollment stands at 1,428.
After convening in closed session, the board approved the contract for new Superintendent Todd Southard. All district paraprofessionals were approved to be renewed, and the following new hires were approved: Kimberly Camp, Allycea Clark, John Krchmar, Kim Hawhee, Geneva Hoseason, Jackson Howard, Josh Lessman, Amanda Martinez, Erin Mercer and Chrissy Humphrey.
Resigning or retiring were Kelsey Martin, Binky Neal, Michael Wilson, Kristin Emery and Chelsea Fulfer.
The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 10.
The Lakelander 