Grass, Roof, Hires Discussed At LGISD’s Monthly Meeting
The La Grange ISD School Board met Monday with a full agenda of items to discuss. Here’s some highlights:
Administrative Reports
Superintendent Bill Wagner reminded the board of the upcoming academic banquet to be held on Monday, April 26 at the pavilion at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn. He gave an update on the status of online students due to COVID. There are currently 35 students at the elementary school, 9 at the middle school, and 8 at the high school. The plans are to have all in person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. There have been a total of 109 students and 33 staff members test positive this school year. The current enrollment is 1,835 which is 83 less than the enrollment at this same time last year. Graduation is set for May 27 at Leopard Stadium. Social distancing will be in place. Graduates will be three feet apart and spectators will be spaced out on both sides of the field.
Director of Finance Diana Fitzpatrick told the board of a new technology that will be available at the school soon. This technology will allow for payments to be made online for school fees, fundraisers, etc. The cost to the district will be $29.95 per month and the cost per transaction will be 3.49% charged to the purchaser.
Assistant Superintendant Stacy Eilers reported on the success of the UIL academic contest held in La Grange. Several students advanced to the regional competition and two advanced to state.
She also spoke about the possibility of bringing the Headstart Program back to La Grange. Headstart is sponsored by Cen-Tex Family Services. They would like to get a 3-yearold program and an early head start program for infants to 2-year-old. There will be a report on this at a future meeting as information is gathered.
Director of Operations Sharon Muzny told the board that the recent online auction brought in $14,530. There is another one currently taking place. The grass from the football stadium is being transplanted to the new elementary campus. She also reported on the identification cards that have been issued to students who ride the bus. This has helped with documenting the number of students who are actually riding the school bus each day.
Athletic Program Annual Report
Athletic Director, Matt Kates presented the current status of the athletic program in La Grange. Here are some highlights from his presentation:
There are currently 322 students participating in the athletic program at the high school level which translates to 55% of the total student body. There are 183 students participating at the middle school level which translates to 61% of the total student body. He covered player accountability, requirements for participation in the program, and successes of the program this year.
Bids for Properties Rejected
There were several bid submissions for properties unsold at the Sheriff’s Auction recently. These bids were rejected as they were well below the appraised values of the properties.
Roof Replacement
The roof over the second story weight room has been known to leak after every rain. The district has repaired the roof multiple times over the last 27 years. The decision was made to replace the roof and Coryell Roofing and Construction came in with the lowest bid of $57,236.70.
New Hires and Resignations
The board approved one year probationary contracts for Victoria McGee as the athletic trainer/teacher and Orion Wysocki as assistant band director/teacher. These contracts are for the 2021-2022 school year. Two at-will new hires: Frank Moellenberndt, general maintenance worker and Cynthia Riojas, food service worker.
Resignations were received from the following professional staff members:
Christine Simons - La Grange Elementary physical education teacher (retirement), Lindsey DeRaimo – La Grange Elementary 4th grade teacher, Kelly Cedar - La Grange Elementary early childhood teacher, Marlene Ramirez – La Grange High School Spanish teacher, Kathryn Wyman – director of special education for Colorado River Cooperative (CRC). These resignations will become effective at the end of the contract for the 2020-2021 school year. Carolyn Dahse is retiring from her job as bus driver.
The board approved the early resignation of Christopher Billings, effective April 20, 2021.