Bonham, Texas -- A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held on December 9, 2024, at the Bonham ISD Administration Center. All board members were present.
Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Myles Galyon led the invocation.
Pledges to the US and Texas flags was led by third graders from Finley Oates students: Manuel Montoya, Jannah Muhhamed, Kailey Donaho, Thea Alcox, Lillian Carr, Reynaldo "Michael" Cruz, Bailey Donaho, Korbyn Srader, Violet Anderson, Maddison Dona, Riggs Heigman, Elijah Cruz, Noah Hoback, Katherine Nichols, Santiago Govea Delgado, Misael Perez, Leah Zuniga, Audrey Foster, Alejandra Hernandez, Emanuel Hernandez, Karstyn Maddox, Ezekiel Deas, Gabrielle Evans, Taylor Osborne, Germayony Vallecillo, Jeremiah Foster, Eason Waspi, Serenity Wilburn, Avonah Aubrey, Adrian Garcia, Rebeca Vazquez Hernandez, Nahomy Martin and Acelyn (Pistol) McCain.
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Warrior Talk
Sean Floyd voiced congratulations to the football boys who earned district honors. He also noted that the girls basketball started out with a bang. Myles Galyon said ditto about the football honors and praised all high school and junior high basketball teams for positive starts to their seasons. He also thanked the principals for their written reports, especially the photos. Jason Fox praised the band and Bailey Inglish for representing the district in the Christmas parade. Chance Roberts added that the drill team was also in the parade. Roberts praised the junior high and high school basketball teams and the recent choir concerts.
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Employee and Student Recognition
Robert White was named employee of the month. He works in the Maintenance Department. His supervisor said that White is everywhere and arrives at 5:00 a.m. each day to get things done. He is retiring at the end of the month after 20 years of service to the district.
Jailenee Padron was named Finley-Oates Student of the Month. She has attended BISD for 5 years. She enjoys learning and being at school with friends. Padron was described as thoughtful, kind, good friend and helper who has a positive attitude and is a joy to be around.
Kashley Fox was honored as the IW Evans Student of the Month from November, as she was unable to attend the meeting last month. Her principal said “to know her is to love her.” Fox loves seeing her teachers, giving hugs every morning and helping however she can. Math is her favorite subject. Fox was described as kind and a great all around student. Fox wants to be an RN when she grows up.
Gavin Owens was named I.W. Evans Student of the Month for December. He loves learning and science is his favorite subject. Owens wants to be a welder when he grows up.
Baze Haggard was honored as the L.H. Rather Student of the Month. He was not in attendance at the meeting because he was at a basketball game. Haggard is a 7th grader who dreams of going to Duke one day.
RaDawn Bracco-Cain and Cy Parker were honored as the BHS Seniors of the Month.
RaDawn Bracco-Cain has attended BISD since kindergarten. Future plans include going to Stephen F Austin University to study forestry and traveling to see the world. When asked what it means to be Bonham Warrior, she said that it is being part of family and community.
Cy Parker has been at Bonham since sixth grade. His fondest memories mainly revolve around athletics and he described the family and community in sports program. His future plans include playing college baseball and getting a degree in accounting to become a financial advisor. Parker said that being a Bonham Purple Warrior means that we are a family and community. Parker liked the push to put academics first over the last few years and was praised for helping others.
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Public Comment
Karen Gibbons spoke in support of Dr. Wilson.
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Reports to the Board – board accepted written reports from Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Boys Athletic Director, Girls Athletic Director, Bailey Inglish Principal, Finley-Oates Principal, I.W. Evans Principal, L.H. Rather Principal and Bonham High School Principal.
ADA Report - At the end of November 2024, the enrollment count was 2027. I.W. Evans Intermediate School had the best attendance in November with 94.88%.
Acting Superintendent Jason Busby noted that the open positions were listed in the board report and that in his opinion, the largest concerns were for the openings for custodians, bus drivers and aides. He stated that the openings are listed on the district website and encouraged anyone interested to apply. He said that there are also a couple teacher positions at BHS, which he anticipates will be filled before the start of the second semester.
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Consent Agenda – board approved the items on the consent agenda, including approving the meeting minutes and financial statements and bills payable for November.
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Swearing in of officer Larry Reid by BISD Chief of Police Hunter Templeton. Reid comes from Sherman ISD Police Department and has additional law enforcement experience at other departments.
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Information Items - BISD Assessment Data and House Bill 3 Board Goals Update - 2024 Early Childhood Literacy and Math and CCMR Summative Report
Alisha Chenevert, principal at Finley Oates, reviewed literacy and math goals and early results. She also reviewed what strategies and efforts are being worked on this year.
James Branam, former Bonham High School Principal who was recently promoted to Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the College, Career and Military Report (CCMR). Bonham ISD went from 91% to 96% from last year to current year. Branam stated that the teachers have worked extremely hard. He reviewed the Industry Based Certifications from the last year, which included 9 ServSafe students, 5 Cosmetology, 14 AWS Welding and 18 Floral.
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Board discussed and approved additional payment to all BISD employees to include a one- time payment of $2500 to each staff member.
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Board approved Wellness Policy/Plan.
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Board approved the Fannin County Head Start Community Assessment.
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Board approved the Fannin County Head Start Organizational Chart.
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Board approved the Fannin County Head Start Service Plan 2024-2025.
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Board approved the Region 10 Interlocal Agreement.
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Board went into Executive Session at 7:09 p.m.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, board discussion of personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff.
1. New Hires: Tanya Gardner ~ Substitute;
2. Reassignments: Karen Humphrey ~ Transportation; Crissy Templeton ~ BI; Jeri Flanery ~ L.H. Rather; Nancy Daley ~ BHS;
3. Resignations: Glen Ashley ~ Transportation; Cynthia Gorden ~ L.H. Rather; Amanda Norman ~ BHS;
Employment Recommendation: Superintendent's recommendation to reassign Eric Hicks to the Bonham Independent School District High School Principal.
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Board returned to open session at 7:52 p.m.
Board voted unanimously to reassign Eric Hicks to the Bonham Independent School District High School Principal.
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Board went back into Executive Session at 7:54 p.m.
Pursuant to Section 551.071, Texas Government Code, board consultation with the District’s attorney concerning legal and procedural issues related to the Superintendent’s employment and appointment of Acting, or Interim Superintendent.
Pursuant to Section 551.074, Texas Government Code, board deliberations regarding employment of Superintendent, including proposed termination.
Pursuant to Section 551.074, Texas Government Code, board deliberations regarding employment and duties and responsibilities of a public officer or employee, including Acting, or Interim Superintendent
Pursuant to Government Code § 551.083, board discuss and possibly conduct Board Self-Evaluation.
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Board returned to open session at 9:57 p.m.
Board voted unanimously to authorize the board president to work with legal counsel regarding a voluntary separation agreement with the superintendent Dr. Joy Wilson.
Board voted unanimously to appoint Keith Boles as Interim Superintendent effective Jan 6, 2025 and for Jason Busby to continue as Acting Superintendent until Jan 6, 2025.
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Board meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
