The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, June 16. Director of State and Federal Programs Melissa Marbut led discussion regarding the district’s application for the 2025-26 Every Student Succeeds Act Consolidated Federal Grant.
Whitney elementary and intermediate schools qualify for Title 1A grants under the program for the improvement of basic programs.
The reward amount is scheduled to be $403,457, and Marbut explained that the funds would be used primarily for instructional supplies and materials, professional or contracted services and staff salaries.
WISD is slated to receive $64,853 under Title 2A, to be used for professional development.
Under Title 4A, the district should receive $30,856, which would be redirected to the Title 1A funds.
The district is expected to submit its application for the funds Thursday, June 26.
Three bids were accepted for properties in White Bluff. A budget calendar for the 2025-26 school year was also approved, along with accelerated testing dates and an appraisal calendar.
The board voted to approve changing the 2025-26 school year board meeting dates for the months of February, May, October and November, due to conflicts with the newly implemented four-day school week. The regularly scheduled meetings would have been held on the second Monday of the month.
A level III grievance against a district employee filed Tuesday, May 6, was denied.
Enrollment stood at 1,413 as of the end of the 2024-25 school year. Resigning or retiring are: John Krchmar, Ron Luedke, Ashley Strickland, Amber Gassaway, Shannon Painter, Amanda Kettler and Misty Brown.
New hires are: Kathryn Ferriere, Meredith Knight, Heather McCollum, Tia Reed, Dustin Rhodes, Calin Poore, Frank Morris, Erica Morris, Angelina Wilson, Beth Holiman, Vicky Whelchel and Dianna Orozco.
The Lakelander 