TISD cancels school board election

The Teague ISD School Board election for May was canceled at the TISD school board meeting on Tuesday evening, Feb. 27, as the current board members were running unopposed. All board members were present except for Brian Bowers and Vicki Dimiceli.

Dimiceli (Place 5), Jason Hullum (Place 6), and Justin Lee (Place 7) will hold their positions for another term.

TISD Superintendent Chris Skinner recognized Laura Sides as the Teacher of the Month and Wayne Williams as the Employee of the Month for the month of February.

An early resignation incentive was approved by the board as well.

Teachers and administrators could earn up to $2,000 and paraprofessionals, secretaries, clerks, and auxiliary services up to $1,000 for the early resignation/ retirement notice.

Requirements for the incentive include:

1.) Employee must provide written notification of retirement or resignation to Human Resources by March 9, 2024.

2.) Employee must complete his/her contracted days for 2023-2024.

3.) Employee must use two or fewer days between March 9, 2024, and June 30, 2024, or the end of their contract.

The board approved paying bills totaling $319,120.04.

A $35,000 retaining wall near the intermediate school was approved.

A LED grant for $99,943 was received for lighting at Teague Elementary School. It will cost the school approximately $500,000 to replace the lighting throughout the rest of the district. This will be done in phases. The LED lights show approximately a 30% savings on electricity bills.

Skinner noted that there are 22 students interested in the cosmetology program, including four boys.

Skinner noted that the board would need to look at the short-term and long-term plans for the district’s air conditioners over the next couple of months. It will cost approximately $3.6 million to replace 42 units within the district.

Enrollment at TISD is at 1,233 students.

After executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Destiny Black effective at the end of the school year. The board also approved Skinner’s evaluation and contract.