TISD board hears about new programs, UIL concerns

The Thorndale Independent School District honored its board members during a meeting on Jan. 14. A dinner was held in the cafeteria. Students from the Thorndale FCCLA group prepared and served a meal and other students prepared posters, poems and other projects to honor the school board. The board then held its regular meeting. First up on the agenda were administrative reports. High School Principal Lee Hafley informed the board about the new Big Event program the high school has started. He said the middle school has been using this incentive program for some time but that this will be a first for the high school. He said there were more students then expected that qualified. There were questions from board members about building UIL practice time into the school day for elementary students similar to how the middle school schedule is built. Elementary Principal Michael Young said that he was certainly interested in exploring ways to grow the UIL program at the elementary school and that he would explore options. Hafley said high school participation in UIL has fallen off somewhat due to the number of activities that students participate in but that he is working on a plan to change the focus of the UIL program. Superintendent Adam Ivy said the district UIL meet is almost always on the same day as the county fair and that many students can’t attend both events. Ivy informed the board that the high school bell and public address system had finally stopped working. He reported that the system is 20 years old and is beyond repair at this point. Ivy said the new system is the same as the system at the middle school and they should be able to be connected. The board approved the purchase for $19,500. Ivy shared information with the board about current budget numbers for student meals during travel. He also shared information gathered from neighboring districts about the procedures. He told the board this was a matter that will be addressed in the budget process and in the district financial manual. The board voted 7-0 to approve the superintendent’s contract with a one-year extension and pay increase. They also approved new contracts and accepted the resignation of Valerie Page.