LARGE CROWDS AT BURTON SCHOOL BOARD OPEN FORUM
Nearly 100 people turned out for last (Monday) night’s Burton trustee meeting at the Burton High School Auditorium.
Six speakers came forward during open forum, echoing similar themes. Several called for trustee Felton Cox to resign, saying he “offended everyone in the community,” and that “Burton is better than this”. Cox was censured by the Burton board last week, after making offensive racial remarks directed at Board President Demetrius Colvin on a cell phone recording.
Others asked to put the situation behind them and “work in unity,” as Burton ISD “has much greater problems than what was addressed at [last week’s] meeting”.
Once public forum concluded, Board President Colvin gave a short statement, saying he was glad to see so many people come out and voice their opinions. He also mentioned if it were him that did something to hurt the community, people wouldn’t have to ask him to resign.
STAAR reports were announced following the end of public forum, and Burton ISD met or exceeded every state testing average aside from social studies. Burton’s passing rate for social studies stood at 44 percent, while the state average is 64 percent.
Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy gave updates over facility renovations, saying the field house has experienced major improvement. She also cited the new greenhouse on campus behind the Ag shop, along with the new Ag program. In addition, she mentioned the Board is still looking at locker and weight room improvements. She also announced the Board is looking to place a new safety and security program before the start of school.
Superintendent Kennedy also stated that enrollment numbers for Burton ISD in the new school year total 444 students.
Principal Melinda Fuchs announced the hiring of three new teachers: Deborah Hermes, Frances Hyles, and Tiffany Beinlich. Notice was given to the Board about a Meet the Teacher event being held August 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Athletic Director Jason Hodde gave updates over summer workouts, and announced official team workouts for volleyball and football would begin August 1 and August 6, respectively.
Measures were approved to purchase attendance credits for the district, which according to the Board, help offset overall costs for the district. The Board says that three new buses have been purchased, and the three old ones are being returned. They expect to receive the new buses by September 1.
The Board also approved a motion that lists Washington County Extension agents as adjunct staff members. This allows kids to attend events like 4-H and FFA without being counted absent from school.
The Board was also presented early budget projections. Region Six costs will be detailed soon.