Bonham, Texas - A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held February 24, 2025 in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. All board members were present, except Chance Roberts, Sean Floyd and LaTonia Arris.
Jason Fox called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Carlous Gilstrap led the invocation. First graders from Finley Oates led the Pledges to the US and Texas flags.
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Warrior Talk
Myles Galyon commended basketball and soccer teams. Jason Fox praised staff at Bailey Inglish who recently completed an evaluation. He noted that IW Evans students completed at Future City and UIL competitions and LH Rather did well at UIL too. He praised the first year junior high drill team for winning awards at a recent competition and the BHS drill team who also did well at the competition. Fox echoed compliments for the basketball teams. Fox also praised two students who recently signed to play football in college and the maintenance staff who worked hard to fix heating problem at BHS. Fox reported that LH Rather is “going vertical” in construction and the new restrooms are progressing at BHS. Fox also recognized the food service staff and noted that he has heard good things about the food.
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Employee and Student Recognition
Finley Oates Student of the Month is Acelyn “Pistol” McCain. She is a 3rd grader who wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Her favorite parts of school are her friends and teachers. Her teachers describe her as an all-around good student and leader who watches out for others and is thoughtful.
Evans Student of the Month is Camdyn Eastman. He is a 4th grader who’s favorite subject is math. Dodgeball is his favorite thing about school. He wants to be an architect when he grows up. His teachers describe him as a natural leader who leads by example, is calm and respectful.
Evans Teacher of the Month last month was Ms. Benson. She could not attend the board meeting last month, so we recognized now. Benson is the 6th grade team lead who was described as being on top of things and a great role model to peers.
LH Rather Student of the Month for February is Devon Pennington. He is an 8th grader who could not attend the meeting. Dipka was the January Student of Month who missed the last meeting. She was described as always smiling and a good student who wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
Cassie Godbey is a BHS Senior of the Month. She could not attend the meeting to be recognized because she was on the way to the regional power lifting meet.
Heath Brown is the other BHS Senior of the Month. He has attended BISD since 6th grade. His future plans include attending Southern Nazarene to play football and study to become a football coach. Brown was described as a true leader in all he does, both on field and in the classroom and a student who is a joy to teach, who leads by example.
Interim Superintendent Boles recognized all the Central office folks. He said this is the 7th interim gig he has had and he has never been to a district where the transition has been this seamless. He gave high praise to all of the central office staff and expressed appreciation for all they have done for him.
Jason Busby recognized Mike Barkley as an employee of the month. Barkley was described as the guy who is always there, and always able to give tech help. Busby said that he wants to be more like Mike.
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Public Comment
Nicole Rhodes spoke out about the juniors being allowed to graduate early and being included in the senior class rankings. She stated this is unfair for seniors who are getting bumped out of the top 10% and will impact their scholarship money. She also expressed disappointment that this decision was made several months ago, but just recently communicated to students and parents.
Kevin Brown also spoke out about the decision to allow juniors to graduate early and be included in the senior class ranking. He expressed disappointment in the decision itself and the delay in the information getting to students and parents.
Tiffany Timberlake stated she is an employee of BISD but coming to the board as a parent of a BISD student. She said her student was sent messages from a BISD employee and that person was terminated but has now been spotted on property. She said this has been impacting her child and that she knows that the police chief and other staff are doing all they can, but she is also wondering if board can do anything else to protect her child and other students too.
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Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included meeting minutes and financial report.
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Board heard the Superintendent Report. Boles reported that the biggest news is that BHS earned the attendance award for January. The district ended January with 2005 students enrolled and a 92% attendance rate. He noted that bad weather and flu have been impacting attendance rates.
Boles gave a legislative update. He said the big news is voucher plans have passed the Senate and is now going through the House. Senate Bill 26 has passed out of committee last week which could bring increases to teacher pay rates. Boles stated that BISD does not do TIA but they should probably look into it in the future. The legislature is looking at possibly increasing the homestead exemption and increasing school funding. Boles notes that it is still early and there will be more happen before any of these are finalized.
Boles also gave an FCSSA update. He said that special ed population in the co-op has grown in past few years and is looking at overcrowding. They are looking at adding three classrooms next year and they are not sure if they will be at Bonham or other places. He advised the board that they can expect a big bump in co-op payment next year due to this increase size. They are also exploring a different model to possibly change to. They will meet again in March to decide what direction to go.
Board received written administrative reports. No questions from board on these reports.
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Board held a Public Hearing regarding the 2023-2024 BISD Annual Report. James Branam, Asst Superintendent, noted that no incidents of violence have been reported. This report is available at campuses and on the district website, under accountability postings.
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Board heard reports on Cycle 2 Assessment Data. Branam reviewed highlights of report, and what each campus is doing to help students meet educational goals.
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Board conducted a First Reading of TASB Policy Update 124. Boles reviewed this for the board. He said its mostly minor wording changes and 8 local policies will be affected. Next month will be the second reading and adoption.
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Board approved a Low Attendance Waiver. Boles explained that two days fell 10% below last years average due to flu and a very cold day. With passing the waiver, those two days will not count against the district’s ADA and help the district avoid losing about $30k
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Board approved Option B for the 2025-2026 School Calendar. Boles said the site based committee met and two options were presented. Option A was like the current year calendar. Option B included a fall break that corresponded with the Fannin County Fair. When staff voted, 93% chose Option B.
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Board approved the PIA Calendar for 2025.
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Board approved the Amended Compensation Plan, which added Bus Monitors and changed cafeteria substitutes.
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Board approved the FCHS Self-Assessment 2024-2025.
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Board approved the Fannin County Head Start Training & Technical Assistance Plan 25/26.
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Board approved the Fannin County Head Start Cost Allocation Plan 2025-2026.
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Board approved the Fannin County Head Start Grant Application, Justification Narrative, & Budget.
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The next regular Board Meeting will be Monday, March 24 at 6:00 pm.
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At 6:58 pm, the board went into executive session, pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, to discuss personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff. Topics included discuss personnel, discuss Superintendent Search, consider Employment of Professional Personnel, and consider Employment Contracts of BISD Administrators.
Board returned to Open Session at 8:10 p.m.
Board approved administrative contracts as presented in Executive Session. Boles announced the reassignment of Tracy Foster to Bailey Inglish Principal, effective July 1, 2025. She will be replacing the current Bailey Inglish Principal, Suzanne Kennedy who will be retiring at that time.
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Board meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
