Dear Tiger Community,
At the Special-Called Meeting on 6/29/2020
The West Sabine ISD School Board acted on several key issues.
With regard to Personnel, WSISD voted unanimously to hire Mr. Tommy Jenkins to be the RN at WSHS. Tommy comes to WSISD with 20+ years of experience in the medical field. He has worked in ER, Pediatrics, Orthopedic, Telemetry, Intensive Care, and Surgery. He is a Registered Nurse and holds certification in CPR, BLS, PALS, ACLS, and has a CDL (soon to be endorsed as a bus driver!) He is a West Sabine graduate and resident of Pineland.
Mr. Hunter Jacks was hired to fill a long-time vacancy with Maintenance/Custodial. Hunter is a recent graduate (2020) of WSHS and is a resident of Pineland. Hunter has been working hard for WSISD all summer doing everything from weed eating to installing fencing around our Elementary. Hunter has already proven he is a hard worker and West Sabine is excited to offer him an opportunity to work and live here while pursuing his degree in criminal justice.
Mrs. Mindy Sonnier, is being welcomed back as a part-time Math Teacher at WSHS. She recently retired, but loves math and our students so much that she didn't go far! So glad she loves our TIGERS!! Just one of the many reasons she was voted as a teacher who made a difference in the lives of our Tigers!
Mrs. Meghan Kayla Powell was approved to teach junior high reading/ELAR (she lives in Bronson) and the following transfers have occurred: Jodi Stone to 6th grade Math; Holly Sepulvado to 1st grade ELAR; Jennifer Grounds to HS Math; and Bonnie Maines to 4th grade.
Also, WSISD hired Mrs. Samantha Burrow as an interventionist at WSES. This position includes small group instruction for at-risk students in both academics and behavior. Samantha brings support to WSES with her strong background in teaching math AND her counseling certification/experience. She is a resident of Bronson.
Contracts were renewed for Mrs. Shelby White and Mr. Daniel Havard. Additionally, Mrs. Mary Harris' contract was converted from 197-207 days so that she can better serve students per requirements in House Bill 3 (College, Career, and Military Readiness).
Collectively, the Board reviewed the budget and its overall impact with all hiring decisions and pay raises. As a result, the Board approved a 1% pay raise for administrators. They also approved a 2.5% pay raise for all teachers on a 187+contract days pay (which is equivalent to the 187 day teacher pay raise given to all teachers on a standard contract). The Board did not, however, approve increases to stipends nor did they approve paying TRS surcharges for retire/rehire staff.
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Technology
The Board voted to upgrade WSISD Infrastructure. They also amended the budget to purchase the technology devices needed by teachers and students for the general classroom, as well as to prepare us Hybrid and/or at-home learning.
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Safety and Security
The Board approved the three policies related to the Guardian Plan to allow gun carry by authorized, trained staff. Staff must have a current CHL or LTC to be considered and will complete extensive training, including psychological evaluations before being approved. STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY RULES FOLLOW THIS PLAN AND ALL INVOLVED...
Additionally, a new intercom will be installed at WSES! No more static, unintelligible announcements, phone or text relays of messages. The WSISD Board sent a clear message that safety is a top priority!
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Construction
The WSISD Board of Trustees, in looking at the Budget and prioritizing the district's needs tabled the hiring of an architect for roofing at the Elementary and the Whitton Gym. Currently, the WSES roof is not leaking and the Whitton Gym issues are stabilized. Structurally, both are sound. The Board will revisit both of these issues after further review of the tax-base, revenue streams from TEA, and the overall need.
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Taking care of KIDS!
Yes! WSISD approved the CEP program for all Tigers, including a "2nd Chance Breakfast" for the students in Middle and High School. This is a great program and will ensure that the 23% of students who answered the survey "if I don't get breakfast at school, I don't get to eat" will have a chance for breakfast AND will be able to participate in morning activities. ==========================================================
Board Training
The Board also completed Training as required by law on goal setting, Team of 8 and Roles and Responsibilities.
Members in attendance: Carla Randle, Cody McBride, Sharon Byely, Jesse Anderson, and Halei Fleming. Members not in attendance: Doug Welch and Tommy Mason.