LGISD School Superintendent Gets Raise and An Extension
The La Grange school board held their monthly meeting Monday.
Here are some of the highlights: Administrative Reports Superintendent Andy McHazlett reported that the current enrollment is 1,853. He stated that the 8th grade has the largest class at 160 and kindergarten has the smallest at 108. He also noted that the three smallest classes are kindergarten, first grade and second grade. He told the board that they would be monitoring those numbers to determine staffing placements.
McHazlett told the board members that the Academic recognition banquet is scheduled for April 23.
He reminded everyone that School board election applications are open. The deadline to file is Feb. 14.
McHazlett remarked that the legislature is now in session. He stated that teacher salaries and school vouchers are both going to be priorities this year with the legislature.
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Eilers reported on UIL Activities for the district. High school has started attending practice meets. Elementary and Middle School UIL meet started this week.
Sharon Muzny reported on operations and school safety. She told the board the new bus that was ordered is supposed to be delivered in March. She also reported that the district is in the process of training everyone on the new alert system.
Personnel
The board met in closed session and after came out with a motion to extend a three-year contract to Superintendent Andy McHazlett including a two percent raise on his base salary.
Three resignations were received from professional staff: Leslie Coltrain-high school teacher and head volleyball coach; David Cooperhigh school math teacher; and Lauren Hubbert-elementary physical education teacher and soccer/volleyball coach. Other resignations were received from Tonya Aycoxfood service worker and bus operator; Patricia Ellis-high school education aide; Rebecka Gartman-high school education aide; and MaKayla Gates-Bain-elementary education aide. Paraprofessional hires include: Katie Bryant-food service worker; Omar De Santiago Rios-high school education aide; Sylvia Espinoza- elementary education aide; Sean Green-computer technician; Andrea Polasekadministrative office receptionist; Erika Rangel-food service worker; Nicole Sinclair- athletic/finance secretary; Taylor Zapalac-elementary education aide.
Budget Calendar
The budget calendar for the 2025-26 school year was presented by Diana Fitzpatrick for planning purposes. It was approved by the board.
Annual Performance Report Stacy Eilers presented the annual performance report. She gave an overview of various accountability reports and performance data. One of the things told to the board was the students at LGISD scored at or above the state average in reading. She also said that the students were at or a little below the state average in math. Another point covered in the report was a report of the status of the 2021 graduates of LGISD. In that year there were 155 graduates – 30 of those went to a fouryear institution and 46 went to a 2-year. Of the 30 that attended a 4-year institution, 14 of them received a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The full report is available at the administration office.
Library Materials
The board was presented a list of New materials with a review period until Feb. 26. Since the February meeting will take place before that date, this list will be acted on at the March meeting.
Field House Renovation Discussion Adiscussion took place on the possibility of field house renovations. Mr. McHazlett told the board that $500,000 had been earmarked for use on this in the maintenance tax note, however after talking with the architects at Claycomb, it would take more than twice that to make the necessary renovations. The board discussed potential options and costs for renovations or rebuild. The discussion included consideration of future facilities and possible bond for funding. The board expressed a need for workshop to explore options further before any decisions can be made.
Community Comments Mr. Jeff Parker addressed the board at Monday night’s meeting. He advocated for classical model curriculum with biblical references in education. He also discussed the first amendment and historical context of the Bible in education. He concluded by citing quotes from past U.S. Presidents on the educational value of the Bible. Of note, George Washington, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible,” and Ronald Reagan, “Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring that the Bible.”
Special Recognitions
Superintendent Andy McHazlett announced that January is School Board Recognition Month. He recognized school board members for their contribution to the district. He presented each of them with certificates and a gift.
Audit Report
The audit of the 20232024 school year was presented by Neffendorff & Blocker, PC. Mr. Neffendorff explained how the audit was performed. He discussed liabilities, fund balances, revenues, and expenses. He stated school district is in good financial shape. The Board accepted the 2023-2024 audit as presented.