NO ACTION TAKEN AFTER LONG EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR BURTON SCHOOL BOARD
Members of the Burton School Board took no action on the superintendent’s contract or district safety and security at Monday night’s meeting.
Despite a lengthy executive session in which these items were discussed, no action was taken after regular session reopened.
The board held off on potentially extending the contract of Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy. Meanwhile, the board has considered additional safety options for the district, such as new lighting and fencing, for months.
Board members did, however, receive a glowing audit report for the 2017-18 school year. The report was given by an independent internal audit contractor, Alan Younts, who said the school district’s audit was “really good”.
Younts stated the school brought in revenues of over $5.1 million to about $4.7 million in expenses. He said as a result, the school has a healthy fund balance of about $414,000. In addition, he mentioned the school district was never cited for any budget variances, or written up for going over budget. Dr. Kennedy said this audit puts the district “in a good position financially”.
During Principal Matthew Wamble’s report, he introduced new economics and world geography teacher Jonathan Weatherstone. Weatherstone comes to Burton ISD with three years teaching experience, previously teaching at Spring Branch High School. Athletic Director Jason Hodde said Weatherstone will also coach golf. The board moved to hire Weatherstone to a one-year probationary contract.
During Dr. Kennedy’s report, she mentioned that January was School Board Recognition Month. Staff and students baked cookies for board members, decorated the board room, and gave them flowers. She thanked the school board for its efforts, saying it is “the foundation” for everything done in the district.
Dr. Kennedy also commended her administrative team of Principal Melinda Fuchs, Wamble, and Hodde, saying it “has only strengthened itself in the past few months”.
The board also set up May’s elections. The positions up for election this spring are for board president, currently held by Demetrius Colvin, and the seat held by Jeff Harmel.
The board also called a special election for the unexpired term of the position formerly held by Linda Hasten. Hasten resigned in December from both the board and her secretary position. Ande Bostain currently holds Hasten’s board position, and will fill it through May’s election. Misty Lucherk holds her secretary position.
In addition, the board appointed election officials to serve in May’s election, as well as the early voting ballot board. These officials include Election Judge Gail Stanley, Alternate Election Judge and Clerk Jewell McDuffie, Clerk Bertha Upshaw, Early Voting Clerk Tracie Kramer, and Deputy Early Voting Clerk Sheila Ripple.