BISD BOARD AGREES TO BUY OUT BELL’S CONTRACT

Mary-Janet October 21, 2014

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The Brenham ISD school board met Monday evening to discuss a broad agenda of topics, the main one was the resignation of Superintendent Sam Bell.

The board, after a 45 minute executive session, decided to buy out the rest of Bell’s contract, which, at $155, 424, was less than the contract was worth if he had decided to continue with the district. Bell's resignation would be effective January 31, 2015, The payout amounts to one year's salary and benefits.

Four speakers were approved to speak in front of the board concerning the resignation of Bell.

One of the speakers, former board member Carey Council, expressed his appreciation to Sam Bell for his service to the children of the district, while also chastising the school board for, what Council deemed as “discord on the school board.”

Lance Weatherby, also a former board member, expressed his sincere appreciation for everything that Sam Bell had done for the district, and expressed his disappointment in the school board, and the way he felt they had treated Bell.

Two other speakers, Finney Clay and Malisa Hampton also thanked Bell for his service and wished him well.

Bell has been with the school district since 2009, and his contract runs through July 1, 2016.

In other news, one of the main topics discussed were the new State of Texas TEKS math cirriculum. Many of the math subjects currently taught in the eighth grade are now being moved into the sixth grade level. The teachers in the district were praised for their willingness to take on these new requirements, and it was hoped that this would be what was best for the children of the district.