Re-elected BISD Trustees reconfirm their oaths

Trustees Jim Scott, Gene Pruitt Jr and Russell Jonas renew their Oaths of Office at Monday night’s school board meeting. Van’Go’photo The Buffalo ISD School Board met at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14th and their first order of business was to canvass the votes of the May 8th election and formally install the newly re-elected board members. Gene Pruitt, Jr., Russell Jonas and Jim Scott all repeated their Oaths of Office, administered by Lisa Hoepken, and began their next term of service to the district. Later in the meeting, the Board elected officers for the coming year, and by unanimous decision voted to have the current officers retain their positions. Jim Scott will continue to serve as Board President, Jennifer Humphries as Secretary, Jack Helmcamp as Vice President, and Ron Goodwyn as Alternate Officer.

The Board heard from representatives of two sports facility specialty firms regarding bids submitted for the proposed new track, football field and stadium: Eric Lutz with Hellas Construction of Cedar Park, Texas and Matt Smith with ATG Sports of Wichita, Kansas. Both firms issued an invitation to visit some of the facilities they have built. Later in the meeting, the Board took no action on an agenda item "to approve track and stadium proposal", in order to follow through with plans to visit several sites this weekend.

The May facilities report focused on the status of the new campus. Construction consultant Jim Hanks and ACI architect Paul Mc- Cullough were present to answer questions. The project is in the "punch list" process, and training is underway on the sound systems, audio system, and the computer program for the energy management system. While the project is described as "nearing substantial completion", Trustee Jennifer Humphries appeared to speak for all Board members when she insisted, "We're not taking that building until it is DONE."

Academic Coordinator Tracy Gleghorn reported on Preliminary TAKS results, but pointed out that additional tests this week will alter those scores. Even so, all were well within the Acceptable range and some in the Recognized level.

Principal Don Elsom presented the State of the Campus report on the high school, detailing campus activities that are planned during the final weeks of school, including: - Perfect attendance students' trip to Six Flags on May 19; - Blood Drive on May 19; - Powder Puff football game on May 20 (6:00 p.m.); - Baccalaureate on May 24th at Stewart Memorial Methodist Church (7:00 p.m.); - Elementary Field Day on May 28 (BHS students helping) - Sports Banquet June 1st at the BHS gym (6:00 p.m.) - Academic Awards Banquet on June 2nd at BHS Gym and scholarship ceremony following - Semester exams June 2nd and 3rd; - Graduation June 4th at 8:00 in the old BHS gym.

The Board also handled routine district business including: - approving a request for the band to attend camp at Southwestern Oklahoma State Universit: - approving the transfer request of approximately 81 students for the 2010-2011 school year; - contracting with The Bottom Line for auditing the district's fixed assets for GASB 34 compiance; - reviewing the district's investment policy;

Finally, the Board went into executive session with legal counsel present at 8:17. The agenda included personnel matters and the consideration of a Level III Employee Compliant. No action was taken during the executive session, and upon returning to open session, the Board voted to uphold the Superintendent's decision in the reassignment of Ron Shaw. The Board also voted to employ two teachers on probationary contract: Jason Bennett at the junior high and Amy Moffett at the elementary school. They also announced the resignation of Leslie St. Pe and Kelly Blakeslee. Both teachers are moving out of the district.