Articles

Story Highlights

• Board approved $14,500 bid to replace roof on bus barn
• CISD will receive approximately $3.4 million in revenue during the 2012-13 school year
• Students will be offered elective pathways in high school, beginning next year
• New Tri-Caster system technology  demonstrated that will allow students to learn how to produce television commercials, etc.

by Kelli Barnes

Colmesneil ISD met for their monthly meeting Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. Freshman student Megan Cheney addressed the Board. Cheney expressed her appreciation for her history teacher, encouraging her to enter a history contest, ultimately earning her a spot in the state competition. "He makes history interesting...I like it now," said Cheney.

The Board approved the minutes and financial statement after review. Then, they discussed bids received for replacing the roof on the bus barn/mechanic shop. Low bid from Duane Crews for $14,500 was approved. The Board tabled approval of a bid to replace the roof on the Ag building, awaiting another bid for the project. According to superintendent Stacy Ackley, this is all part of an earlier plan to replace all damaged roofs on campus. Some are 35 years old. Already complete is the elementary building, field house and cafeteria. "This summer, the old gym will be replaced when no students are on campus," said Ackley. All six roof repair projects should be completed for approximately $90,000. Also discussed were the "in house" projects going on around the campus. These include: fence for bus area and fence repair around track, gate for campus security behind new gym, American Disabilities Act (ADA) wheelchair ramp at concession stand, along with a few other items of general campus upgrades. All these projects are being completed by CISD employees. Ackley assured the Board no other in house projects would be started until the current projects are complete.

During the Superintendent report, Ackley informed the Board, CISD would receive approximately $3.4 million in revenue during the 2012-13 school year, down from $3.6 million the previous year. Student handbooks were presented to the Board for review. According to Ackley, the Parent Portal on the CISD website will now be updated with a student's current grades, on Tuesday of each week. "Teachers are required to upload by 6 p.m. each Monday and the system updates during the night," said Ackley. Also discussed by Ackley was the idea of a possible purchase of a striper/wax machine for approximately $6800. Currently, the school spends $2300 each year for supplies and pays two people approximately $3300 each for 10 weeks of work to complete all floors in the school. "By the second year, we would start saving money having this machine," said Ackley.

High School counselor Kim Parker reported to the Board about students being offered elective pathways in high school, beginning next year. "Students will have a choice of Business, Nursing, Ag Mechanics, Horticulture or technology/journalism," said Parker. "Each year, the students will build on their knowledge with more advanced classes in their field of study. This will give them a great pathway to career choices after graduating."

Yvette Carlton, elementary principal, addressed the Board, reporting the 5th graders earned a total of $450 for their classroom in the Tyler County Booster design an ad contest. "All ads were printed in the newspaper and the students were proud to have earned money for their school," said Carlton. In addition, Charlton announced the following upcoming dates: Kindergarten graduation Tuesday, May 29; elementary awards day May 30; and Hooked on Fishing at Lake Tejas has been moved to Saturday, June 9. "Parents will receive a reminder flyer in the final report card sent home with students," said Carlton. "The Athletic Booster Club will also have their fundraiser pancake breakfast that morning."

Junior High/High School principal Walter McAlpin addressed the Board, reporting three students advanced in landscaping for FFA. According to McAlpin, CISD came in third overall in UIL, competing with 12 schools. One Act Play won district and advanced to Area this year. "I am proud to announce one student made a 34 out of 36 on the ACT test, one student received a full ride scholarship to University of Texas and one student received a full ride scholarship to Sam Houston State University. Upcoming High School events include: Junior High awards May 17, High School awards May 24, Baccalaureate at Katy Baptist Church at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, Jr. High graduation May 31 at 7 p.m. and High School graduation June 2. McAlpin also mentioned the possibility of cancelling project graduation in the future, replacing it with "an educational and memorable senior trip for the students," said McAlpin. The junior class is planning a meeting to discuss this possibility. Also mentioned was high school employee satisfaction survey, on overall satisfaction, parental involvement, campus communication, trust/care of teachers and cleanliness. Scores ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 on a 5 point scale. "A lot of staffing changes have contributed to these scores, but we plan to do some real team building in the coming year," said McAlpin.

Technology teacher Kathy Gobert presented a 60 second commercial produced by high school students on campus about why CISD was a great place to go to school. Also presented, by the district technology coordinator Mark Simmons, was a "newscast" video, staring high school junior D.J. Whitley, presenting the new Tri-Caster system technology that will allow students to learn how to produce television commercials, etc. in their technology classes. It will also allow the school to live stream sporting events and other school events for family and friends to watch them on the CISD website.

After executive session, the Board came back and unanimously approved the following: resignation of Allan Keys, Kristi Keys and Sandy Davis; hiring of new composite science teacher/assistant girls coach Samantha Dickens; and hiring of special education/softball coach Jerry Cummins. Another unanimous vote approved the adoption of the Technology Investment Initiative for a total of $290,000. According to Ackley, several grants have been applied for to help defer this cost. The initiative includes: updated CISD infrastructure to support 40 megs, allowing students to utilize video technology; new laptops for every teacher; and new interactive boards including projectors for every classroom.

The next Board meeting will be Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. in the high school library.