Bonham, Texas -- A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held October 21, 2024, at the Bonham ISD Administration Center. Jason Fox called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All board members were present, except Chance Roberts, who arrived later in the meeting.
Jason Fox led the invocation. The pledges to the US and Texas flags were led by fifth graders from IW Evans, which included Julie Vargas, Makenzie McCarty, Wyatt Dyer, Lisa Lui, Jayla Eugia, Logan Fogelman, Kashley Fox, Tucker Rattan, Tadeo Goveo, August Holderer, Zoe Lee, Maggie Richards, Rorriana Caples, Jayden Dunlap, Adelynn Ransom, Guadalupe Garcia, Diesel Steele, Grayson Patton, Coleson Lawson, Kinsler Logan, Callaway Lee, Aranza Hinijo, Jose Perez Vazquez, Brynli Douglas, Kambri Kelso, Aubrey Pearson, Esmeralda Cruz, Alex Fajardo, Autumn Goode, Tony Vega, Mason Johnston, Josiah Brooks, Wade Dickson, Kurstyn Booher, Azrael Bryant and Tandilyn Pierce
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Warrior Talk
Sean Floyd talked positively about all participation in the county fair. Myles Galyon echoed those comments about the county fair and added that some students participated in the state fair, too. He also praised the efforts of the football and volleyball teams. LaTonia Arris recognized the first and second graders playing football, as well as the junior high and high school volleyball teams. Arris said the county fair was great to see, particularly the culinary class from junior high. Fox commented that the LHR staff did a great job handling the power outage this past week. Fox also read some comments full of praise for the participants in the fair from Board President Chance Roberts, who was late to the meeting due to watching his daughter play in the seventh grade volleyball game.
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Employee and Student Recognition
Charlene Shaw, who works in the cafeteria was named the Employee of the Month. Phyllis Kinnaird praised Shaw for her efforts to teach, train, and support other cafeteria workers at Finley Oates and throughout the district. Shaw has worked for Bonham ISD for 30 years.
Kaysen Simpson was named Student of the Month for Finley-Oates. This third grader loves reading, volleyball, basketball, dance team and cheer.
Zander Stevens was named I.W. Evans Student of the Month. Stevens is a sixth grader who has attended Bonham schools since Kindergarten. Stevens loves to do the announcements and talks on microphone. Camp JOLT was one of his favorite school experiences. There, he made lots of friends and also climbed to top of a large swing. Stevens wants to grow up and be able to help his dad. He loves math and science and also wants to be a teacher and later a principal. He was described as being kind and empathetic to others and one who offers help to others, too.
Kolten Wooten was named Student of the Month for L.H. Rather. Wooten is often seen riding his bike around town or near the basketball court. Wooten was described as one who takes initiative and when he grows up, he wants to be making money.
Emma Walker was named as one of the BHS Seniors of the Month. She has attended Bonham schools since kindergarten. Walker participates in cheer, National Honor Society, Student Council, shows goats and hogs and basketball. Next year she plans to attend Texas A&M where she will study nursing.
Ivan Cerda was named as the other BHS Senior of the Month. Cerda plays football and takes care of a younger sibling. After graduation he plans to join the Marines. Principal Branam described how Cerda is a team leader, positive force and the best cheerleader for his team and school.
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Principal / Asst. Principal Week was Oct. 10-14. Dr. Joy Wilson recognized the principals and assistant principals from each campus. Wilson also had high praise for Brandy Godbey, in honor of Texas Education Human Resources Week.
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Board approved the consent agenda, which included approval of meeting minutes, tax credits, supplements and delinquent tax collection for September and financial statements and bills payable for September.
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Reports to the Board. The 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, Bonham High School Principal and Superintendent.
Dr. Joy Wilson said that for the ADA Report at the end of September 2024, the enrollment count was 2021. I.W. Evans Intermediate School had the best attendance in September with 95.52%.
Wilson reviewed the open positions within the district.
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Board received an information item: Campus Improvement Plans.
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Board received an information item: Head Start Leadership and Governance Training: Values, Regulations, and Skills
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Chance Roberts arrived at 6:32 p.m.
Public Comment
Jason Walker raised questions about what happened to the band fees that were collected recently. He questioned why checks were made out to one name, but deposited into a different account. He also questioned why band students were even required to pay the fees, citing UIL rules. Walker praised the LHR staff for how they handled the first day of the power outage last week. He then expressed disapproval of the decision to cancel school for LHR students the following day, noting that many students depend on the free breakfast and lunch provided at school and that many students were likely left unsupervised that day. Walker also requested an audit of CTE before his time limit for speaking was reached.
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Board approved a resolution for Texas Education Human Resources Day, Brandy Godbey - HR Coordinator.
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Board approved an agreement between Bonham Independent School District and Fannin Youth Initiative (FYI) to lease the old auditorium next to L.H. Rather Junior High. FYI plans to clean up the building and offer after-school care for school-age students.
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Board approved an updated compensation plan. When the plan was originally approved, one stipend for prom was inadvertently left off. The board approval added it back on.
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Board approved the 2024-2025 District Improvement Plan.
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Board went into Executive Session at 6:44 p.m.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, board discussed personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff.
1. New Hires: Bertha Allen ~ Cafeteria Substitute; Karen Humphrey ~ Transportation; Prudence Lanell Harger ~ Substitute; Tami Collins ~ Substitute;
2. Reassignments: Jaysa Sulley ~ Bailey Inglish to Finley-Oates (FCSSA Aide); James Branam ~ Principal to Assistant Superintendent; Jaysa Sulley ~ Finley-Oates (Aide to Teacher); Alondra Barco ~ Bailey Inglish; Amanda Loftice ~ BHS; Robin Holmes ~ Substitute;
3. Resignations: Kristi Bradshaw ~ BHS; Sierra Sowels ~ Finley-Oates; Elizabeth Garcia ~ Transportation; Billy Jones ~ I.W. Evans;
Employment Recommendation: Superintendent's recommendation to hire James Branam for Bonham Independent School District Assistant Superintendent.
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Board returned from Executive Session at 7:44 p.m. Board unanimously approved James Branam to become the Assistant Superintendent of Bonham ISD. Branam is currently the principal of Bonham High School.
The board then went back into Executive Session.
Pursuant to Section 551.071, Texas Government Code, board consultation with legal counsel regarding legal and procedural matters relating to employment, duties and responsibilities of a public officer or employee, including superintendent.
Pursuant to Section 551.074, Texas Government Code, board deliberations regarding employment, duties and responsibilities of a public officer or employee, including superintendent.
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Board came back into open session and 10:07 p.m. They had no action items.
Meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m.