Bonham, Texas - A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held September 15, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. All board members were present, except Chance Roberts and Carlous Gilstrap. Pledges were led by sixth graders from IW Evans.
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Warrior Talk
Myles Galyon commended the junior high volleyball teams and the FFA. He also said that Homecoming activities were wonderful and he was sad that the football game got rained out, but glad that Homecoming court presentations were able to be moved indoors. LaTonia Arris also praised all the homecoming activities and the social media presence of the district. Jason Fox reiterated all that was already said and added that he enjoyed reading all of the reports from the schools and seeing all the photos included too.
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Employee and Student Recognition
BHS principal Eric Hicks presented the employees of the month awards. Jeri Flanery is the paraprofessional of the month. Hicks said that she makes awesome deserts and is a true asset to the district. Flanery is a life skills assistant and she has a positive attitude, builds meaningful relationships with students and is calm under pressure.
The Professional of the month is Justin Tollison. Hicks notes that it is his first year at BHS. Tollison’s classes are engaged, up and moving around. He is building relationships and connecting with students.
BHS Seniors of the Month are Avery Lee and Conner Haggard. Lee has attened Bonham schools since fifth grade. She participates in many sports, the athletic training program, is the senior class president and Student Council President. She serves on the Hope Squad and is the FCA President. Her future plans include becoming a doctor and she is not sure what college she plans to attend. Her favorite thing about BHS is the community, which she sees as very welcoming to new students. Teacher describe her as hard working, dependable, trustworthy and having a positive attitude.
Haggard has gone to Bonham schools since fourth grade. He participates in cross country, track, robotics, and plays the snare drum in band. Future plans include studying computer science, robotics or engineering at Texas Tech, Texas A&M Commerce or another college. Haggard loves how tight knit the community is in Bonham. Teachers say he leads by example and has incredible attention to detail.
Mia Martinez was named the LH Rather Junior High Student of the Month. She is an eight grader who plays volleyball. She was described as soft spoken with big personality. She is a leader who is uplifting to her teammates and classmates. When she grows up, she wants to be a neurosurgeon.
Harley Boatright is a sixth grader who was named the IW Evans Student of the Month. She has gone to school in Bonham since the third grade. She has lots of animals and is trying softball for the first time this year. Teachers say that she shows incredible kindness and dedication, is a positive role model and leader.
Mark Williams III was named the Student of the Month for Finley Oates. This third grade student was described as a fabulous kid who is a greeter and spokesperson for the campus. Williams knows everyone, is looked up to by other students, sets good example, listens, is engaged, and helps friends when needed.
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Public Comment
Jennifer Yoch spoke about Senate Bill 13. She said she is the music teacher at Finley-Oates. Yoch said that she found six books offensive at the high school library. She said she submitted this list of books she is challenging to Mr. Hicks last year. She said it was put on hold for various reasons and she now feels the school needs to move forward with these challenges. She identified several things the district needs to do in order to be in compliance with the new law and she gave each board member a copy of what she has filed in her challenge of the six books.
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Board approved the consent agenda which included previous meeting minutes and financial reports.
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Dr. Lance Hamlin reported that the district enrollment is 1930 and that Finley Oates won the attendance award with 96.4% attendance rate. Overall, the district daily attendance is at 95.46%. In district news, Hamlin reported that students are working hard in the classroom and teachers are matching that energy. Hamlin praised Chris Dickson and Jenny Haggard for starting a program for new teachers, He heard lots of great questions and good support at this first meeting. Hamlin praised the Friday pep rallies and said they are absolutely amazing. He was impressed with the energy and attendance at pep rallies and football games and is glad to be a part of this district. The board accepted written Administrative Reports. Arris noted that the reports are wonderful.
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Board accepted three information items: Fannin County Head Start Program Goals 2025-2026, Campus Improvement Plans, and 2025 STAAR/EOC Performance Report.
Traci Foster reported that this is Year 2 of grant cycle and goals for Head Start. She reviewed the goals and current progress. She said the attendance goal is 93% and the safety goal was completed when the new doors were installed. She noted a set back in teaching and learning goals due to new staff needing to complete training. She said the family support goals on track and a dental van will visit campus next week.
Arris said she appreciates the work that goes into all these reports, but thinks it’s ridiculous that the staff must spend so much time to complete these reports.
Hamlin spoke about the new curriculum and said that the district leadership is tackling the new curriculum with teachers.
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Board approved students charging a la carte items up to $15.00 and Adult staff to charge meals and/or a la carte items until the 20th of each month until April 20.
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Board approved the EIC(Local) Policy Revision.
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Board approved the District of Innovation Plan HB 6 mandated revision.
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Board approved a resolution for Fannin County 4-H Extension Services organization to receive extra-curricular status.
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Board approved Fannin County Extension Service Adjunct Faculty Request.
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Board approved the 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan.
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Board approved accepting a donation from Bonham Athletic Booster Club.
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Board approved a Resolution to Approve Designee for Calculating and Reporting the Tax Rate.
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Board held a Public Hearing: Tax Rate Adoption. The proposed rate will stay the same as last year. While there will be no change in rate, there will be a 1.05% increase due to the increase in property values. The board has indicated that they will use any excess in collections to be used to pay off debts early.
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Board approved adoption of Tax Rate. The total rate will be $1.0088, which is the same as the previous year.
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Board approved Certified Tax Roll.
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Board approved Depository Contract for Bonham ISD with Community National Bank and Trust.
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Board approved the final payment for Restroom/Concession Stand Project. Arris asked how much under budget was this project. The answer was approximately $115,000.
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Board approved purchases over $50,000 for district painting and athletic fencing. Storm damage to the tennis and softball fencing has not yet been repaired. This approval will allow the district to repair these fences and the district expects insurance to cover parts of the repairs. The painting across district includes mainly the vo-tech building at BHS and the school board room.
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Board approved Amended Budget.
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Board approved Fannin County Head Start By-Laws 2025-2026, Fannin County Head start Mediation Procedures 2025-2026 and Fannin County Head Start Volunteer Handbook 2025-2026.
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Board heard a construction update. Gallagher representative reviewed list of what work has been completed, what is in progress, and what is coming soon. The plan is to move into the new section in December. Third and sixth grades will move next summer.
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The next regular Board Meeting will be Monday, October 20 at 6 pm.
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Board went into Executive Session at 7:19 pm. Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, board discussion included personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff. The board was going to discuss Personnel and Team of Eight Training. Assistant Superintendent James Branam advised all of the school administrators they could go home when the school board went into Executive Session, as they did not anticipate any actions by the board when they returned from the closed session.
