Teague ISD school board recognized

The board room was decorated with banners and signs made by TISD students to recognize the Teague ISD school board on Tuesday evening, Jan. 23, for school board appreciation month. Board members also received small gifts of appreciation from campuses for all that they do for the district.

The TISD school board consists of President Jeff Gonzales, Vice-President Debra Lawrence, Secretary Lovie Whyte, Trustee Brian Bowers, Trustee Vicki Dimiceli, Trustee Jason Hullum, and Trustee Justin Lee.

TISD Superintendent Chris Skinner recognized Teresa Olvera as the Teacher of the Month, Calee Payne as the Employee of the Month, and Richard Gunnels as the Administrator of the Month for the month of January for TISD.

A public hearing was held for the Texas Academic Performance Report. According to Skinner, the district stayed the same in areas, but some improvements were seen, while a few areas dipped in STAAR testing scores.

“As a whole, we are moving forward,” Skinner said. “Our faculty and staff do a great job educating our students.”

During the recent freeze, only four small leaks were reported and there were no major damages or issues. Three of the leaks were on top of the high school/junior high while the other leak occurred at the administration building.

The board approved paying the current bills totaling $285,098.09.

The board approved the order of election and the notice of election, which includes polling locations for the May 4, 2024 Board of Trustees election. Positions up for election are Place 5 - Vicki Dimiceli, Place 6 - Jason Hullum, and Place 7 - Justin Lee.

Those interested in being on the ballot for school board must fill out the required paperwork by Friday, Feb. 16. Early voting will take place April 22-30 at Teague City Hall with election day being held on May 4.

The board also approved the joint election agreement with the County of Freestone.

“It is cheaper to do it this way,” Skinner said. “They are also wonderful to work with.”

The board approved the Teachworthy/Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) program including agreements and an incentive program.

“With the continued teacher shortage, we have to think outside the box,” Skinner said. “This is like a backwards design program. Our staff will be able to fill in as instructors in the classroom as they finish their degree. It is a safenet to secure that we have staff for our future.”

There are 18 individuals within Teague ISD that applied for the program and there will be at least two, possibly three cohorts over the next several years.

The program will cost Teague ISD approximately $11,500 for each individual to complete the program. Costs include Teachworthy - $1,000, Capturing Kids Hearts - $500, IWU (30 Hours) - $7,000, Misc. Costs - $3,000.

Skinner noted that it was a very special day at TISD as Major Burrell came back to the district for a visit. Burrell, a graduate of Teague High School, serves in the US Army and came back to visit the campuses.

“It is just a true testament to our district,” Skinner said. “It really reminded me of why we do what we are doing.”

Enrollment at Teague ISD is at 1,237 students.