The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in a special session Tuesday, July 22, and heard a preliminary budget report for the coming fiscal year.
Superintendent Todd Southard gave an overview of the preliminary budget for the 2025-26 year. One of the main goals of this year’s budget is to resolve issues and inconsistencies with pay and pay scaling. Southard said that many positions at WISD are paid below regional averages.
Under the preliminary budget, staff would see the following proposed average increases: registered nurses, $10,000; regular aides, $3,000; high needs aides, $3,900; technology, $4,734.50; campus office personnel, $4,500; district clerical, $5,587.20; bus drivers, $2,500; mechanics, $3,344.12; tax office, $3,000; and security guards, $1,200.
New pay scales were also proposed for teachers and counselors based on years of service.
A full copy of the preliminary budget is publicly available at whitneyisd.org under the meeting agenda documents.
Action was taken to approve the elective Student Leadership Innovative Course for 2025-26, as well as the district’s extracurricular participation in the Hill County 4H Club and the routine memorandum of understanding for the district’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program.
The board approved the 2025-26 Student Code of Conduct Handbook, as well as an update to board policy regarding electronic communications devices such as cell phones, which will prohibit students’ use of the devices during school hours, requiring them to be turned in during the day.
Also approved was a 25-cent increase in meal prices for the 2025-26 year, encompassing all breakfast and lunch plates.
A presentation was provided by McKinstry Energy Management, a firm which helps maximize energy efficiency and has partnered with multiple other districts in the area.
The firm performed a business case analysis for the district in October. Several needs were identified and ranked; if a partnership were formed between the firm and WISD, the primary purpose will be to improve district facilities and costs long term. The matter will be considered further.
A public comment was given by Amy Teal, in which she advocated for a reduction in taxes.
Resigning or retiring are: Ron Luedke, Rudy Hikel, Mark Anthony Page, Kim Camp, Anne Kanyongo and Heather Milam. New hires are as follows: Josh Baskin, Paulo González, Teresa Kelton, Jennifer Odell, Ryan Fox, Allie Baker, Travis Bates, Kyler Hill, Sarah Thompson, Millie Hannah, Stephanie Adams and Melissa Parton.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held Monday, August 11, at 6 p.m. in the WISD Administration Board Room at 305 South San Jacinto Street.
The Lakelander 