Oakwood ISD considers bond election

Brian Grubbs (center), of Southwest Financial, pitches his bond election proposal to the O.I.S.D. school board. Board members Larry Lipsey and Winnie Hodges are seen taking not es. photo by Melissa Missildine The Oakwood School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Monday. Board members Nathan Smith, Chris Agapiou, Kim Hardin, Larry Lipsey, Winnie Hodges, and President, Mack Botard were all present. Also in attendance was O.I.S.D. superintendent Richard Scoggin and Debbie Stanford, O.I.S.D. business manager, and husband Larry.

Brian Grubbs of Southwest Finance presented the board with bond election projections for the upcoming election dates. According to Mr. Grubbs, the board must make a decision before Sept. 2 on whether or not it will take the idea of a bond election to the voters. If the board agrees to present the voters with the bond election, early voting will be Oct. 17- 30 before voting day on Nov. 3. If the board chooses not to go forward with the bond election at that time, there will not be another chance until May of next year. Mr. Grubbs suggested that the board assemble a committee consisting of teachers, school employees, parents, and voters before making a final decision. Mr. Scoggin relayed that a committee had already been chosen. The superintendent's report included the preliminary report of Taks testing scores. According to this report, Oakwood Elementary received "Recognized" scores in Science and Math and "Exemplary" scores in Reading and Writing. According to Mr. Scoggin, the 2 lower scores will be used to rate the school. Official scores will not be in until this Friday but, Mr. Scoggin expressed his ex- excitement over the move from almost having the school shut down due to poor test scores, to now being recognized by the state. He encouraged the board members to tell all the teachers and students they come in contact with how proud they are of all of their hard work and their incredible progress. He also spoke of how proud he was of the Jr. High and High school student test scores as well. Over all, the scores were up across the board at every grade level.

Also in the superintendent report was the summer projects progress report. So far, the interior of the Jr./Sr. High building, the cafeteria, restrooms, and the auditorium have all been painted. Mr. Scoggin reported that O.I.S.D. Director of Technology, Chris Gouras is in the process of installing a new elementary computer lab. With special funds obtained through Region 6 disbursement of state funds for attendance, the school was able to purchase 30 new computers and monitors, new laptops and notebooks for the teachers and staff, 3 additional Smart Boards, and 20 new projectors for the classrooms.

Mr. Scoggin brought up the end of the year budget for discussion. He and Mr. Botard commented on how glad they were that it looked much better this year than last. The board passed a resolution to finance the 3 new buses recently purchased. Mr. Scoggin also brought up a proposal to address the need for new vehicles for school use. Under new state regulations, schools may not use large passenger vans, such as the school's 15 passenger van, to transport any students to or from any event. This, coupled with the growing cost of vehicle mileage reimbursement to teachers and staff for training, workshops, etc., the board made a decision to seek out additional information on vehicles that would cover all of these needs.

Mr. Scoggin also brought up a proposal on behalf of Brent Bing. Mr. Bing owns property along the backside of the school's baseball field. The two properties are separated by a very small wooded area. This area is overgrown and not currently used. Mr. Bing is requesting permission to clear a small section of that area closest to his property line (not seen from the baseball field) to put up a fence to insure that his cattle do not wander onto the school's property. The board tabled this proposal as well until additional information could be obtained.

Other items on the agenda were the tax collection report, which was above projection, and the new salary schedule. The long awaited federal stimulus has finally come to fruition. This will mean a much needed raise for teachers. The board nominated and voted to keep Fred Magouirk for the Appraisal District. The teacher in-service day schedule was adjusted to allow for a special training day in October. The in-service day will now be Oct. 19 rather than Oct. 5. Also discussed was the need for another school board member. This item was tabled until nominations could be made.

In closed session, the board discussed a recommendation for the open Social Studies position.