Clifton school board members sworn-in

The Clifton Independent School District’s new school board members were sworn in, and new officers were elected at the regular board meeting held on Tuesday, May 20, 2024.

The meeting, presided over by the existing board, began with the roll call, confirming that all board members were present.

A heartfelt recognition was given to Courtney Mayfield for her dedicated six years of service to the Clifton ISD Board of Trustees. Mayfield had served one term, took a brief hiatus, and then returned to contribute further to the board.

Following the recognition, certificates of election were issued to newly elected board member Nick Brown and reelected board member Matthew Domal. Brown, stepping into his new role, took the oath of office alongside Domal.

The oath was administered by CISD business manager Lisa Prescher, with both Brown and Domal solemnly swearing to execute their duties faithfully and to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States and Texas.

Officers elected

After the swearing-in ceremony, the board proceeded to the reorganization of its officers. The meeting entered an executive session, reconvening shortly thereafter. The board then conducted elections for its new officers.

Julie New was nominated and unanimously elected as the president of the Board of Trustees. Following her election, nominations were opened for the position of vice president. Josh Ritzman and Alex Montes were both nominated, with Schwartzman eventually being elected to the position by majority vote.

The position of secretary saw Heather Willmann nominated and elected without opposition.

In conclusion of the ceremony and election, the student council from the fifth-grade class presented the Pledge of Allegiance, guided by Clifton Elementary School Principal Dr. Wes Brown.

Following the pledge, each campus principal recognized student achievement in academics, athletics, art, agriculture, and other extra-curricular activities.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda and action on other business.

Temporary hiring authority

The board granted CISD Superintendent Andy Ball the authority to hire personnel until August 19, 2024.

This measure, which had been enacted the previous year, allows for streamlined hiring processes, particularly during the summer months when board meetings may be difficult to schedule, Ball said.

Board Vice President Ritzman moved to approve the temporary hiring authority for Superintendent Ball, with Willmann seconding. The board approved the motion unanimously.

Board meeting date rescheduled

The board also discussed and approved a proposal to move the July 15 board meeting to July 22.

This adjustment accommodates the schedules of key administrators who would be unavailable during the original date.

Dr. Zuehlke moved to reschedule the meeting, seconded by Domal. The motion carried without opposition.

School calendar adjustments Adjustments to the 2024-2025 school calendar were considered next. Notably, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was corrected to January 20, and potential early release days were added for Fridays in May.

These updates were approved following a motion by Willmann and a second by Ritzman, with the board unanimously supporting the changes.

Training session scheduling The board discussed scheduling a required training session for reevaluating and improving student outcomes, mandated by the state.

Various dates in June were considered, but due to conflicting schedules, the board decided to revisit this topic after further coordination with the training facilitator.

Members were encouraged to remain flexible and responsive to email communications for finalizing the date.

Engagement Letter for Audit Services An engagement letter from the district’s auditors was presented for approval.

Following a review and with no questions raised, the motion to approve the letter was made by Mr. Montes and seconded by Dr. Zuehlke.

The motion passed unanimously, confirming the auditor's continued services for the upcoming year.

Purchase of Chromebooks The board discussed the purchase of new Chromebooks using ESSER funds. The recommendation was to proceed with the purchase. The motion to approve this purchase was made by Willmann, seconded by Ritzman, and passed with unanimous support.

Teacher contracts

After an hour-long executive session, the board approved offering six teaching contracts: three to candidates at the elementary school and three at the high school level.

The motion to offer the contracts was made by Montes and seconded by Ritzman. Motion carried.