BURTON SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL APPLICANTS
The Burton School Board gave updates on applicants for the high school principal position at Monday’s meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy said four applications have been given to the school, with five people interested in total.
Two of the applicants are currently principals, one in Brenham and one in Anderson. The third applicant currently teaches at Brenham High School. The fourth, according to Dr. Kennedy, is a previous Burton educator.
Current High School Principal Karen Steenken announced her retirement at last month’s meeting. Her retirement date is set for January 31st.
Dr. Kennedy also said she has talked with Board President Demetrius Colvin about setting up a selection committee, along with the members who would serve on it. She mentioned that each of the applicants, along with the committee, would be discussed in executive session.
Following executive session, Dr. Kennedy said that coach James Little would be offered the position of “Director of Student Services”. She says the position would consist of establishing relationships with students and making sure seniors are prepared for college.
The board also received quotes on additional safety measures for buses. Dr. Kennedy stated a “minimal” amount of radios would cost the district about $12,000 to outfit each of the regular route buses. For bus cameras, costs would run upwards of $16,000 to equip route buses with cameras.
In addition, Dr. Kennedy mentioned that Sheriff Otto Hanak recommended the district gets a radio system that coordinates with all local law agencies, which would cost around $3,800.
Dr. Kennedy noted that some of these expenses have not been budgeted for, but the board is still working on getting quotes.
In the superintendent report, Dr. Kennedy announced that GeoSouthern Energy Corporation had donated $5,000 to the school’s science and math programs. Dr. Kennedy said the funds would go towards purchasing iPads.
During Principal Steenken’s report, she announced Burton FFA’s Senior Skills Team will be advancing to the area tournament being held Saturday at Blinn. The team, whose skill was how to make sausage, placed 3rd in the district leadership contest in Weimar on Monday.
The board also discussed the lack of bids received on a pair of portable buildings currently being used as storage. Dr. Kennedy said the board will address any potential bids at next month’s meeting.