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Bob Reim’s January 2022 “School Insurance Newsletter” is the focus of my commentary today. Everyone needs to read and forward it to your districts’ Risk Management professionals. js - webmaster@texasisd.com
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Congratulations to the following New Supers
Dr. Amy Ellis, Chief Curriculum & Instructional Officer. Rockwall ISD, has been named New Super of Bridgeport ISD.
Jarrod Bitter, Assistant Superintendent, Tyler ISD, has been named New Super of Carthage ISD.
Emily Lorenz, Assistant Superintendent, Calallen ISD, has been named New Super of Calallen ISD.
Brad Burnett, Assistant Superintendent, Jacksboro ISD, has been named New Super of Jacksboro ISD.
Eric Cederstrom, Deputy Superintendent, Pine Tree ISD, has been named New Super of Stephenville ISD.
John C. Ozo, Superintendent, Waelder ISD, has been named New Super of Charlotte ISD.
Dr. Kristi Mickelson, Superintendent, Mullin ISD, has been named New Super of Paint Rock ISD.
Jance Morris, Principal, Sunray ISD, has been named New Super of Savoy ISD.
Dr. Cliff Lightfoot, Assistant Superintendent, Gladewater, has been named New Super of Lexington ISD.
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Superintendent Vacancies
Click to expand 
| Vacant | Simms ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Krum ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Mullin ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.C. (search suspended)INFO | Vacant | Region One ESC Executive Director; Search by: Region One ESC Board of DirectorsINFO | Vacant |
Executive Director UTSA Dual Language Community Lab Schools Partnership; Search by: UTSA College of Education & Human DevelopmentINFO |
Vacant | Boling ISD; Search by: Boling ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Burkeville ISD; Dr. Darrell Myers & Burkeville ISD Board of TrustessINFO | Vacant | Mathis ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Westbrook ISD; Search by: Westbrook ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Lewisville ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., Mr. Gary Patterson & Dr. Karen RueINFO | Vacant | Northwest ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO | Vacant | Roscoe Collegiate ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | Vacant | Forsan ISD; Search by: Region 18 ESC, Dr. Dewitt Smith, Exec. DirectorINFO | Vacant | Muenster ISD; Search by: Meunster ISD Board of Trustees & Supt. Steven SelfINFO | Vacant | Whitharral ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESCINFO | Vacant | Wimberley ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO | Vacant | Sinton ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Kirbyville CISD; Search by: Sara Leon & Associates, PLLCINFO | Vacant | Tuloso-Midway ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Post ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESCINFO | Vacant | La Grange ISD; Search by: Dr. Curtis Cullwell & Dr. Rich Elsasser, Exec. Dir. Region 13 ESCINFO | Vacant | Newcastle ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO | Vacant | Itasca ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., Dr. Jeanette Winn MoczygembaINFO | Vacant | Hempstead ISD; Search by: KARCZEWSKI BRADSHAW SPALDINGINFO | Vacant | San Perlita ISD; Search by: San Perlita ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Sweeny ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Sweet Home ISD - Dr. Jennifer “Renee” Fairchild, Administrator,Gonzales ISD; Search by Region 3 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Donna ISD - Angela Dominguez, Deputy Superintendent,Colorado Springs School District 11; Search by: Law Office of Flores & Torres, LLP, Dr. Ruben D. OlivarezINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Colorado ISD - Dr. Larry Polk Jr. , Assistant Superintendent,Terrell ISD; Search By: Colorado ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Levelland ISD - Rebecca (Becky) McCutchen, Superintendent,Alpine ISD; Search by: Levelland ISD Board of Trustees, Assisted by Region 17 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Cushing ISD; Search by: KARCZEWSKI BRADSHAW SPALDINGINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Savoy ISD - Jance Morris, Principal,Sunray ISD; Search by: Brian Neal & Savoy ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Channelview ISD - Dr. Tory C. Hill, Superintendent,Sweeny ISD; Search by: KARCZEWSKI BRADSHAW SPALDINGINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rio Vista ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.C.INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Jacksboro ISD - Brad Burnett, Assistant Superintendent,Jacksboro ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super | Charlotte ISD - Mr. Jon C. Orozco, Superintendent,Waelder ISD; Search by: Walsh Gallegos Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C. & Mr. Gary PattersonINFO |
| New Super | Bridgeport ISD - CCR - Dr. Amy L. Ellis, Chief Curriculum & Instruction Officer,Rockwall ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO |
| New Super | Paint Rock ISD - Dr. Kristi Mickelson, Superintendent,Mullin ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo in conjunction with Dr. Daniel King and Dr. Abelardo SaavedraINFO |
| New Super | Harrold ISD - Cody Patton, Director of Operations,Tioga ISD; Search By: Region 9 ESCINFO |
| New Super | Windthorst ISD - William Paul, Principal,Breckenridge ISD; Search By: Region 9 ESCINFO |
| New Super | Northside ISD - Benny Barnett, Principal,Northside ISD; Rearch by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis & Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super | Carthage ISD - Jarrod Bitter, Assistant Superintendent,Tyler ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Chester ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Principal,Livingston ISD; Search by: Chester ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?COVID-19 pushing KISD to the brink, now the district is asking parents to serve as substitutes
Parents who wish to substitute teach will be paid. KILLEEN, Texas — COVID-19 is still having a major impact on local school districts across our area. Killeen Independent School District Superintendent Dr. John Craft is asking parents to serve as paid substitutes and asking those who are sick to stay home. District leaders say their biggest concern is not only the number of teachers out sick with COVID-19, but the number of absences being caused by the number of cases.
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Board approves 1-year extension for Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD Superintendent
LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees, on a vote of 5 – 0, approved a one-year extension of superintendent Kathy Rollo’s contract. The board authorized the chair to negotiate the extension with Rollo. The current compensation is $247,200 per year. Rollo also currently gets $300 per month for a cell phone and $500 per month for discretionary expenses. Rollo also gets health insurance and LISD pays for her monthly TRS contribution (Teacher Retirement System). The current contract also includes “pay-for-performance goals.” (21)
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Round Rock ISD considers appointing an interim superintendent in executive session
Following board action to place Round Rock ISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez on administrative leave pending the outcome of an external investigation, the district's board of trustees will consider whether to appoint an interim superintendent as the investigation continues.
During executive session of its Jan. 20 meeting, the board will consider two agenda items related to the superintendent. These agenda items include L1, to consult with legal counsel and the district's investigator regarding the status of the investigation, and L2, to discuss candidates and possibly name an interim superintendent. On Jan. 6, the board approved a recommendation from Texas Education Agency monitor David Faltys to put Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez on administrative leave. Azaiez will remain on leave pending the outcome of an investigation of underlying conduct described in a protective order the Travis County District Court issued in July. (21)
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Ben Bolt Pailto Blanco ISD superintendent announces retirement
Ben Bolt - Palito Blanco (BBPB) Independent School District's Superintendent Michael Barrera publicly announced his retirement on Monday, Jan. 17. After four years of service at the district, Barrera is saying farewell. Barrera released a statement of accomplishments he contributed to the district. His retirement comes three months after turbulence with the school board. Board members were split with Barrera's performance; the majority of board members praised his contributions and a select few pushed to end his contract. (21)
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Beaumont ISD board hears opposing views before voting to rename Memorial Stadium
On Wednesday, some board members decided to place it back on the agenda. And in a 4-2 vote on Thursday, a majority of the trustees approved changing the name. But to what, we don't know. That will be decided at a future date. The issue has always caused controversy. (21)
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Texas pipeline company walks back threat to cut off gas to power plants
The new development ends the immediate threat that up to 400,000 customers could lose power, but the underlying financial dispute between two energy giants stemming from last February's winter storm remains unresolved.
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South San Antonio: Information for Friday, January 21st
South San Antonio ISD will resume a normal schedule on Friday, January 21, 2022. All schools and buildings will operate on regular scheduled hours. If there is a change, and winter weather conditions occur, the South San Antonio ISD Website will be updated as quickly as possible, an email alert will be sent to parents subscribed to the district list, and an alert will be sent through South San ISD's social media network. Please remember that if there is no announcement from South San ISD, then classes will be held on a normal schedule.
Omar Garcia with BOK Financial Securities has started a new series of the template that is now available for download
Current Release: Release Date: ROUND 2 - 01/17/2022 Release 2 is now available for download. This release makes the Additional State Aid for Homestead Exemption that begins with the 22-23 school year an offset against the Formula Transition Grant, if applicable - other minor changes were made as well (See Notes tab). Link: https://esc13.net/resources/state-aid-budget-template To download the SOF template from the ESC 13 website, Click On “Round 2 – 01/17/2022” or the “Download the template” Button. (20)
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Bob Reim: SCHOOL INSURANCE NEWSLETTER
Do not expect Property premiums to decrease in 2022. In fact, we expect the cost of Property insurance to continue to rise. Risk pools and insurance companies only insure a small portion of the total risk; it may not be more than 1%. The remainder of insurance is placed with reinsurers, who look at exposures locally and globally. (20)
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Charlotte: CISD welcomes Orozco as new superintendent, Sotelo retires
Charlotte ISD welcomes Jon Orozco as their new superintendent as the spring semester begins. Orozco comes to Charlotte from Waelder ISD in what is his 30th year as a school administrator. He first started his administrative career down the road in Pearsall where he served as an assistant principal under outgoing CISD Superintendent, Mario Sotelo. “It’s pretty neat coming back full circle, because I get to replace somebody who was influential in my career early on,” said Orozco of Sotelo. Since Jan. 6, Orozco has been working with Sotelo and visiting with the students, staff and teachers at the three campuses. He stated that Sotelo has done an incredible job in his time at Charlotte, and he doesn’t plan on changing everything, but rather build on it
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Atlanta: HARRIS IS NEW SUPERINTENDENT
The Atlanta ISD Board of Trustees has named Jason Harris as Lone Finalist for the position of superintendent following a special meeting Monday, January 3, 2022.“Our Board is elated over our unanimous selection of Jason Harris as the Lone Finalist for Superintendent to lead our district into our future. We ...
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Muenster ISD looking for new super; Self ready to retire
Steven Self is ready to retire, just as soon as the Muenster Independent School District board finds his replacement as superintendent. “I've been doing this for a long time and it's just kinda time to do something else and just kinda relax, for a few months anyway,” said Self, who announced his plans in November. “Over 45 years I've been in education and that's a long career, and I'm just ready to rest for a while.” Self has done it all in education over these last four decades. (19)
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Preventive Law: “Time-Out!” The Legislature Did Not Exercise Restraint When Passing HB 785
During the 87th Legislative Session, the Legislature made several revisions to the discipline of students receiving special education services under House Bill 785. It is imperative that districts are aware of, and comply with, these new requirements, which became effective on September 1, 2021. A summary is as follows:
Rotan ISD approves superintendent contract and salary increase
During last week’s Rotan ISD Board meeting, trustees spent roughly three hours in executive session, reviewing its superintendent evaluations, whereupon returning to regular session, agreed to a contract extension and salary increase. Despite the district’s waning finances going into 2022, last week’s vote marked the first time a a full seven-member board has returned a unanimous decision since…
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Sara Leon & Associates, PLLC
RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Time and Date: January 26th, 2022
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$175 per Attendee / Training Materials Included
Join attorney John Janssen for this interactive webinar to review the rights and responsibilities of public school employees regarding social media and other forms of electronic communication. Participants will learn to distinguish between professional and private communication and the extent to which employers can regulate the social media of their employees. Even private use of social media can have implications for public employment, especially public education. This session will address recommended policies and procedures and include a discussion of several hypothetical scenarios. This training is recommended for any employee or administrator responsible for communicating or enforcing employee standards of conduct.
Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Gov. Abbott unveils ‘Parental Bill of Rights’ plan during North Texas campaign stop
LEWISVILLE, Texas — During another one of his 2022 gubernatorial campaign stops, Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled a plan that would claim to give parents more power in decisions surrounding their children's education. Abbott was in North Texas on Thursday when he announced his "Parental Bill of Rights" plan at the Founders Classical Academy, a charter school run by ResponsiveEd, in Lewisville. Abbott is currently seeking a third term for governor of Texas. "Under the Parental Bill of Rights, we will amend the Texas Constitution to make clear that parents are the primary decision-makers in all manners involving their children," Abbott said during the event.
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Beaumont school board approves then rescinds stadium name change, opting to possibly sell naming rights instead
Big changes are on the way for Beaumont ISD'S Memorial Stadium. It appears the stadium will get a new name following a series of votes from the school board. The school board met Thursday night to consider changing the name of the Beaumont Independent School District’s Memorial Stadium again. The motion passed to change the name, but school officials didn’t specify if it would be back to Carrol “Butch” Thomas.
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Texas teachers are quitting more often, report finds
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — New teachers in Texas are leaving after their first year at increasingly higher rates, an issue education advocates say is contributing to workforce and staffing issues. In 2010, there was a 100% retention rate for first-year teachers, according to a 2021 teacher workforce report from the University of Houston and the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation. Since then, that number has steadily decreased — with 49.8% of teachers leaving after their first year. The National Education Association and National Parent Teachers Association called attention to this issue in a press conference Thursday, highlighting the need for more resources and support of educators. “This was a challenge even before the pandemic when experts projected yearly shortfalls of over 100,000 teachers — the result of low pay, high stress, crumbling schools and challenging working conditions,” said Becky Pringle, president of the NEA.
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Hoffman to remain at Mart ISD after announcing retirement
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Mart head football coach and athletic director Kevin Hoffman announced he would be retiring ten days ago. On Thursday, Hoffman confirmed his decision to remain with the school district.
Kevin Hoffman led the Panthers to three state championships in seven seasons as the head coach.
The Panthers fell short of winning state championships the last two seasons and Hoffman admits there is unfinished business at Mart.
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Round Rock ISD students concerned with how district is handling COVID-19
The students spoke at the meeting Thursday night after staging a walkout during the day, saying the school wasn't doing enough to protect them against the virus. "We really do value our education. We value being safe. Like I'm taking a total of seven AP classes this year. I can't afford to miss 10 days of school because I catch COVID," Smith said.
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Virtual learning option to be offered to some Dallas ISD students next school year
DALLAS - Virtual learning will be offered to some Dallas ISD students full-time starting next fall. iLearn Virtual School will be the district's first ever virtual campus being offered to students for the next school year. Right now, it's only being offered to students in 3rd through 9th grades. Dallas ISD said the goal is to ultimately include all grades. The iLearn Virtual School will be led by Monica Morris, a 17-year veteran Dallas ISD educator. (21)
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Pearland ISD names new finance director
Pearland ISD in a Jan. 13 news release announced Monio Mark II will be its new finance director. In the role, he will oversee the district’s payroll, treasury, debt management and handling of cash and will also aid with the annual budget by preparing different salary and benefit scenarios, according to PISD’s job description. “My vision for my staff is to strive to put them in a position to succeed regarding reaching their full potential in their career,” Mark said in the release. “If my staff and I are reaching our potential, it will in return benefit Pearland ISD as we all work to continue to be a world-class district.”
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‘No growth today’: Rolling Pines fire in Bastrop County 70% contained, evacuees allowed home
Bastrop County neighbors forced to flee the Rolling Pines Fire began to return to their homes by Thursday as firefighters established a tightening grip on the blaze. The Texas A&M Forest Service announced that after more accurate mapping, the area burned by the Rolling Pines Fire was revised upward from 783 acres to 813 acres. But the blaze that consumed trees north of Bastrop State Park was 70% contained, county and fire officials reported Thursday. About 200 firefighters and first responders were on site throughout the previous night fighting to keep the wildfire under control, which had burned areas north of the Bastrop State Park since Tuesday morning. (21)
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New Mexico asks National Guard to teach as COVID shuts schools
TAOS, N.M., Jan 19 (Reuters) - New Mexico on Wednesday asked National Guard members and state employees to volunteer as substitute teachers to keep schools and daycare centers open during a surge in COVID-19 infections. State employees and Guard members who take up the call to teach will get their usual pay and be considered on administrative leave or active duty, respectively, according to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. National Guard members have mobilized across the United States to help hospitals and clinics slammed by staff shortages but New Mexico appeared to be the first state to ask them to become classroom teachers.
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Navasota State of NISD
Navasota Independent School District is continuing its mission of offering large school opportunities with a hometown atmosphere and examples of that mission were shared at the annual State of the City address Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Navasota Center.
Navasota ISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Ronnie Gonzalez presented the NISD portion of the program for Superintendent Dr. Stu Musick who was out with a death in the family.
Gonzalez said NISD is a town with only one high school, but the district is able to offer students an array of extracurricular activities ranging from KickStart Kids, a karate program endorsed by Chuck Norris, to choir, FFA and everything in-between.
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Greenville: Committee urges $169.4 million for GISD facilities
On Tuesday, Greenville ISD’s Citizens Advisory Committee recommended that the district’s school board call a bond election for $169.4 million in facility improvements. Projects listed under the proposed bond are:
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Students temporarily evacuated following bomb threat at Katy ISD high school
Students at Mayde Creek High School were evacuated about 10 a.m. Thursday following an “unfounded” bomb threat. The children have since returned to class. “The Katy ISD Police Department responded immediately to investigate, and students were temporarily evacuated,” an official letter to parents stated. “Following a thorough investigation of the alleged threat and campus, the police have determined the threat to be unfounded.”
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Marble Falls ISD approves boundary adjustment near Lago Vista district
The Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a minor adjustment to its eastern boundary line, which borders Lago Vista ISD. The adjustment prevents the districts from having to split between them a portion of the Lakeside at Tessera on Lake Travis housing development. Action was taken at the board’s regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 18. “This is not a detachment and annexation, it’s not that much property,” said MFISD Superintendent Chris Allen during the meeting. “This is more about moving a line on a map to accommodate some development taking place between us and one of our neighbors.”
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Lufkin ISD hopes change in CDL test will help fill 23 bus driver vacancies
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced a temporary waiver on part of the testing for a commercial driver license (CDL). To help states and municipalities that are experiencing a severe shortage of school bus drivers and to recruit new hires, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that states may waive the portion of the CDL testing requirement covering knowledge of the “under the hood” engine components.
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Several Lewisville ISD schools to close temporarily
Several Lewisville ISD schools, including some in Flower Mound and Lewisville, will close for three school days because of rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases among staff. Bridlewood Elementary, Lillie Jackson Early Childhood Center, Indian Creek Elementary, Morningside Elementary and Creek Valley Middle schools will all be shut down Thursday, Jan. 20, through Monday, Jan. 24. Students will return to school on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
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Forney ISD delivering the future of education - Opportunity Central
Forney Independent School District Board of Trustees joined with city, county and state officials and leadership from Dallas College and Texas Tech University for the official fanfare and groundbreaking ceremony of The Keith Bell Opportunity Central (The OC).
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Miles ISD to receive grant from TEA for Air Purifiers
MILES, Texas – Miles Independent School District announced on Thursday, January 20, 2022, that the district will receive an $18,000 Health Services grant from TEA for medical-grade “H13 TRUE HEPA” Air Purifiers. In a post to their website addressing parents and families of students, Miles ISD shared, “The money will be utilized to install HEPA air purifiers in every classroom throughout the district. Air purifiers are scientifically proven to filter 99.99% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns.”
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Argyle ISD calls $268M bond election
This week, the Argyle ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call a bond election this May for funding for several new schools and more as the district plans for more growth. Trustees approved the community-led Bond & Growth Planning Committee’s recommendation of a $267,885,000 bond proposal, which will be presented to voters in three separate propositions on the ballot, according to a district news release. If approved, the bond election would include an increase of 1.5 cents to the district’s interest and sinking tax rate.
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Canyon ISD releases statement on COVID-19 situation
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Canyon Independent School District released a statement regarding COVID-19, as cases have increased and other school districts have canceled classes throughout the Texas Panhandle. Former Reagor-Dykes CFO sentenced to 84 months in federal prison According to a post made to the Canyon ISD Facebook page, officials said the following: “We continue to work closely with the local health department for guidance. We have increased cleaning and disinfecting of our campuses. Each day, we monitor the number of cases of students and staff so we are able to make the best decisions for our campuses.”
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Perryton ISD considering arming faculty
PERRYTON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — A local school district could soon be arming their faculty and it is a decision they are not taking lightly. “With the environment in the world today and all the different school shootings. They seem to continue to happen. So I think that it’s better to be prepared than be caught off guard,” said Perryton ISD Superintendent James Mireles. Superintendent Mireles on possibly allowing faculty to have handguns on campus.
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