At their regular monthly meeting on Nov. 11, the Whitesboro Independent School District (WISD) Board of Trustees announced the winner of this year’s Christmas Card design contest.
Each year, students are encouraged to submit artwork to be considered for the school district’s Christmas cards.
At the Monday meeting, board members first recognized the 7th annual Christmas Card competition finalists, who were Maddison Slater, Leylany Labrada, James Auldridge, Kennadi Fuller, Karli Sluder and Emerson Knabenshue. The finalists were given a Christmas stocking prize and a set of the Christmas cards.
Auldridge was revealed as the cover winner of the 2024 WISD Christmas Card, with the other finalists’ artwork being displayed on the back of the card.
Other recognitions at this meeting included campus Teacher and Staff of the Month for October. The employees were commended for their achievements, and each received a certificate of recognition from board members.
Employees receiving recognition were Rheanna Fagan, Sharon Bryan, Crystal Cox, Ashley Flanary, Megan Bennett, Amy Pirtle, Tanya Peterson and Elise McKinzie-Greenfield.
Board members also recognized the Girl’s Cross Country Team for participating at the UIL state meet and the Team Tennis fall program for being Area Champions.
In other business, the board met in closed executive session to discuss personnel, real property, consultation with attorney and a matter of complaint regarding the disciplinary action of a student. Upon returning to open session, no action was taken.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes of the previous meeting, monthly bills, district investment report, approve waiver in lieu of summer meal program and the approval of a supplemental stipend. The motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Aaron Park and seconded by Austin Miles to adopt a resolution to cast 176 Whitesboro ISD votes to Charlie Williams for Grayson Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. The motion carried unanimously.
Regarding the ongoing bond construction planning, Superintendent Ryan Harper stated that WRA would be giving a presentation with drawings at the Dec. 9 board meeting.
Joshua Lincoln with Lincoln Consulting and Engineering gave a presentation on the site plan and discussed drainage, utilities and presented plans for upcoming bond improvements. A motion was made by Kevin Hartless and seconded by Miles to approve a contract proposal with Lincoln Consulting and Engineering. The motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Hartless and seconded by Michael Parish to approve a teacher contract for Jennifer Trammell. Motion carried unanimously.
The board recessed back into closed session to consult with their attorney regarding a Level III Grievance regarding the discipline of a student. After conducting a Level III appeal hearing and deliberation concerning the same, a motion was made by Hartless and seconded by Shannon Blake to deny the appeal. The motion passed with a 5-2 vote, with Jeff Patterson and Parish voting in support of the appeal.