OISD’s Superintendent sticks around

6th grader Jessica Rantala is the Oakwood Elementary student of the month. Photo by Melissa Missildine OISD had a short but powerful session last night. It started out business as usual. The financial statements, minutes from the previous month, Update 86, calendar, etc. were all approved without incident. It wasn't until the board went into closed session that the really big news came. Superintendent Richard Scoggin's contract has been extended for another year. Oakwood has seen several superintendents come and go over the last six years. None have brought such marked improvement across the board as Scoggin has.

Also on the agenda was the students of the month. The high school honoree is senior Ava Walker. She was unable to attend the meeting. She is currently recovering from knee surgery. Walker is a straight A student who has also been an excellent athlete. She attends dual credit college courses at TVCC. The elementary student of the month is Jessica Rantala. Rantala is a straight A 6th grader who enjoys sports. She can't wait to play Jr. High volleyball next year. She loves animals, hanging out with her friends, and wants to be a vet when she grows up.

Beginning Friday, January 29, Oakwood will begin its second year of "Taks Blitz Fridays". This year's theme is "Attack the Taks". Scoggin said he felt sure this "camo theme would go over real well here." The board got a good chuckle as they agreed with him. The elementary students needing assistance in any Taks areas will get extra tutoring during this time.

At this meeting, the members of the school board were given special recognition for their hard work and dedication to the school, the community, the teachers and staff, and the students. Scoggin presented them each with a Panther crested blue and white polo style shirt. Scoggin had also arranged for dinner to be catered by Shep's BBQ.

An item that was tabled deals with a strip of land beside the baseball field that isn’t fit for use at this moment. Brent Bing has asked to purchase this strip of land.