Bonham, Texas -- A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held May 19, 2025, in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. Board President, Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All board members were present, except Myles Galyon and Kenzie McCraw. The new BISD Superintendent, Dr. Lance Hamlin was also present.
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Warrior Talk
Sean Floyd said he was pleased with all of the banquets and all the awards given in recent weeks. Carlous Gilstrap expressed appreciation for all the teachers and staff and said he hopes all have a safe summer. LaTonia Arris said she echoed these thoughts. She noted that it has been a trying year, particularly with the legislature and she appreciates the teachers, staff and leadership. Jason Fox said he agreed with all that had been said. He also enjoyed the I.W. Evans showcase of learning and praised the six L.H. Rather students who had their original stories published. Fox also expressed congratulations to graduates and the academic all-state qualifiers. Roberts also echoed his fellow board members. Roberts had praise for all of the banquets as well as the teacher appreciation week. He thanked the community organizations that cooked and showed appreciation to the district’s teachers.
Dr. Hamlin said that his first two weeks in the district have been “amazing.” He has judged science fair projects and felt very welcome at every campus. He stated that it has been “absolutely amazing at all levels” and that the students, teachers and community have all been very welcoming to him.
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Employee and Student Recognition:
Avonah Aubrey is the Finley Oates Student of the Month. She is a third grader. Aubrey is clear about her plan for a future; she wants to be a cop like her dad in Bonham. She was described as thoughtful, kind, and plays well with others.
Mirriam Yusuf is the student of the month for I.W. Evans. She is a new student this year to Bonham who came from Nigeria, in Africa. Her principal said she is a sweet girl who has soaked up everything new in this country and has been a great student. Her plan for future is to become a labor and delivery nurse.
Makayla Cowley is the student of the month for L.H. Rather. She is an 8th grade student who has led quietly. Cowley also had perfect attendance throughout junior high. Her future plans include joining the United States Marines band and then going to college. She publicly thanked her mom.
Bonham High School Seniors of the Month are Raquel Moya and Nelson Fugett. Moya has been in band, choir and lots more activities. She has been to state twice. Her favorite thing about school is the teachers because they are supportive and welcoming. Her future plan is to study finance and accounting. She thinks that being Warrior means being resilient, never giving up, and embracing change. She was also named prom queen earlier this year.
Fugett is a die-hard Cowboy fan and has been in Bonham for 11 years. The one year he was not in Bonham, he was in Alaska. Fugett has participated in football, FFA, track, fishing and other activities. His future plans include attending Grayson College for sports management. He has a big interest in becoming a teacher and coach. Teachers described him as a person who lights up a room and is willing to go above and beyond for others.
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No Public Comment.
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Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and financial reports.
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Superintendent's Report. I.W. Evans had the best attendance rate again, with 95.6% attendance. District had 1973 enrolled and ADA of 94.1%.
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Board approved the 2025-2026 Compensation Plan. Proposed changes were reviewed.
Bus drivers were moved to another scale and pay rates were raised a minimum of $2 per hour in an effort to help attract more drivers. The board approved a teacher raise at the last special meeting. The superintendent is working on a plan to compensate for longevity, which will be presented to the board this summer.
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Board approved purchase of two school buses. The 77-passenger buses will be included in the 2025-2026 budget and should arrive by Aug 1.
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Board approved changing the next regular board meeting from June 23 to Monday, June 30, 2025.
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Board went into Executive Session at 6:32 p.m. Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, the board discussed personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff.
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Board returned to open session at 7:22 p.m. No action items. Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
