The regular meeting of the Blanco ISD School Board of Trustees was held March 3, a week early as to not coincide with Spring Break next week.
The Spotlight on Students was presented by High School Principal Dr. Dustin Barton. “I’m honored to recognized Blanco High School’s Computer Science Team; Mark Kuebal, Michael O’Rear, Colton Barrow and Josh McCaslin. Every Sunday when I check my email… Mrs. Schwarzlose always sends me the results for the Computer Science Team. One week it was first place, and the next week it was first place, and the next, first place and so on.” said Dr. Barton. The Computer Science Team has recently won 1st place against several 5A schools and placed 2nd at the UTCS High School Invitational Computing Contest at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Barton added, “We’re the only Hill Country school that I’m aware of that teaches Computer Science, which is a good hands on skill for these kids to use in their future employment.”
The Middle School PAWS (Positive Action with Students) Team was honored in the Personnel Spotlight. “I’m so impressed with the collaboration, the professionalism and collegiate relationships that they build. They set faculty meetings, award ceremonies; they really are the A-Team of the school.” said Middle School Principal Keitha St. Clair. The PAWS Team are; Veronica Hernandez, Kris Baker, Kay Preiss, Lisa Rogers, Carol Pepper and Stephanie Taylor.
Maintenance Director Tony Petri gave an update on Facilities and Operations. He reported that the portables will begin to be removed and that carpeting in the Administration Building will be completed, both during Spring Break. Petri also took a moment to thank Blanco National Bank for the new Baseball score board. “That was the last one with incandescent lights; everything is LED now. It looks sharp.” he said. He also recognized the custodial and maintenance staff, “We all work behind the scenes, they do a great job, it’s a great crew.” The board members responded with agreements and applause.
Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford reported that the filing period for Place 1 and Place 2 on the School Board had ended. Each place had just one candidate who filed; for Place 1 Tim Nance has filed, and for Place 2 Larry Kuebel has filed. Current Place 2 Board Member, Troy Immel, did not file for re-election. The Board also approved Dixie Hall as Election Judge for the May 10 election, although since both Places are uncontested, the Board may choose to cancel the election in the April meeting.
The Board also approved the 2014-2015 District Calendar during the March meeting. A question arose about the timing of the January 2015 Blanco County Youth Stock Show, and whether the days listed on the District Calendar matched the days set for the show. Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford responded that the Calendar would be “flexible” if the dates for the Stock Show were to change.
After a break for executive session, the School Board approved a resolution agreeing to accept the settlement reached in mediation between the District and the American Legion, in regards to litigation involving the American Legion building. A condition of approval was that the Board of Trustees finds the agreement to be “in the best interest of the Blanco Independent School District, it’s students and the community.” According to the resolution, the monetary settlement will be covered by insurance. See more information in the article, Legion to Receive Lump Sum in Lawsuit.
They also accepted the retirement of AEP Teacher, Kirk Deissler, and the resignation of 4th Grade Teacher, Kevin Engbretson. Retirement and resignation are effective at the close of the school year.
2 photos attached to this article.
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