Bonham, Texas -- A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held March 24, 2025, in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. Board President Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and all board members were present, except Myles Galyon. Jason Fox led the invocation and kindergarteners from Finley Oates Elementary led the pledges to the USA and Texas flags.
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Warrior Talk
Carlous Gilstrap recognized the band. Kenzie McCraw praised the student who represented the district and the county at the spelling bee. LaTonia Arris recognized the band. Jason Fox noted that the junior high track won the team championship at a recent competition. Fox also praised the BHS track team and the student who signed to play baseball in college. Chance Roberts said he echoed all that was mentioned and added that the junior high band concert sounded good. Roberts complimented the students and staff who attended the Houston live stock show. Audrey Fowler made sale and it was a good show overall for BHS, with lots of trophies brought home.
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Employee and Student Recognition:
Bonham High School Seniors of the Month are Katie Luong and Jay Long.
Katie Luong has been at BISD since 2nd grade. She participates in UIL and culinary arts. Her future plans include attending Texas Women’s University to study nursing. Techers describe her as a great asset to the school who is a hard worker, respectful, fantastic cook and funny. Ms. Honeycutt, who has taught for 44 years, said that Katie has amazing knife skills and is the best dicer she has ever taught.
Jay Long has attended BISD since 2015. He participates in cross country, tennis, band and National Honor Society. He is also the drum major in band. His future plans are to become an airline pilot. Teachers describe him as smart, courteous and a joy to have in class.
Finley Oates Student of the Month is Dakota Richardson. This 3rd grader loves football because he can take out his anger on people. He dreams of going to college at Harvard and getting a job on an oil rig like his father because they pay good. Teachers describe him as a leader who helps others, is hard working and a good friend.
IW Evans Student of the Month is Joey Weatherbee. This 6th grader is the oldest child in his family and has five younger siblings. When he grows up, he wants to be a mechanic and work on heavy machinery. Teachers describe him as a shining example of kindness and hard work. He has a strong work ethic at school and home.
LH Rather Student of the Month for March is Jasmine Manzanares-Perez. She is a 7th grader who was described as a phenomenal student, leader in the classroom, on the court and on the field. When she grows up, she wants to be a pediatrician.
Devin Pennington was the February Student of Month for LH Rather who could not attend the board meeting last month. He was recognized as one who takes initiative and goes above and beyond. He often asks what can he can help with.
Teacher of the Month for Finley Oates is Julie Henderson, who was selected by her peers. She is a 1st grade teacher who was described as always having a smile on her face. She was recognized for her kindness, respect, willingness to work with others and positive attitude. She is helpful with all students. Henderson started as a student at Finley Oates the second year it was open and graduated from BHS in 2011. She said both of her parents and brothers are also BHS graduates.
Paraprofessional of the Month is Shambreca Preston. She was selected by her peers for her positive attitude. She does the daily announcements, including a riddle every day. She was described as bringing her personality to her work and positively impacting the lives of all students. Other staff says she is a wonderful support, who is willing to do whatever needed and lights up every room she is in.
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There was no Public Comment.
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Board approved the consent agenda, including approving meeting minutes and financial reports.
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Superintendent Report. The enrollment was 1987 at end of February. The attendance award went back to IW Evans. The ADA Report was 93.23% and 1764.
Legislative Update
There is a lot going on in the legislature and many bills about education. School vouchers passed the Senate and is still being considered in House. Another bill being considered would make school libraries required to get board approval before ordering any books. Another bill under consideration would make changes for school discipline.
Board received written administrative reports.
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Board approved a budget amendment. There was one change that would increase the budget for nutrition, due to increased cost of food.
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Board approved the Texas Smartbuy Membership Application and Resolution.
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Board approved an Order Authorizing the Defeasance and Redemption of Outstanding Bonds of the Bonham Independent School District. This action will pay down bonds early and save the district about $2.5 million.
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Board approved three purchases over $50,000: for the Vero Fiber Contract 2025-2030, an Ag Truck and a Bailey Inglish Door Replacement.
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After much debate and consideration, the board approved Furniture Design Services Proposal for L.H. Rather Junior High.
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Board approved Region 11 Benefits Cooperative Interlocal Agreement Resolution.
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Board approved TASB Policy Update 124. First reading was at last meeting.
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Board confirmed that the next regular board meeting will be Monday, April 28 at 6:00 pm in the BISD Administration Center.
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Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, board went into Executive Session at 6:58 pm for discussion of personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff. The stated agenda included discussing personnel, Superintendent search and consider employment contract renewals for professional personnel.
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Board came back into open session at 8:38 pm. Board approved contracts as presented in closed session.
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Meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
