Retiring teachers and safety officers were honored Monday evening, May 12, with a reception during the school board meeting. In welcoming the retirees and their families, Board President Mike Guest told them that they had about 20 minutes to rescind their letters of retirement, but after that, it was too late. Hugs and laughter filled the boardroom as the gathering melted into the business side of the evening.
Celebrated teachers included Lorie Bratcher, Rex Boyse, Niki Comstock, Terry Ferguson, Paula Turnbow, Lisa Durant, Tabitha Hodges, Holly Loran, June Ahrens, and Leta Ratliff. School Resource Officers John Welborn and Dennis Whitford were also recognized for their years of service.
“We stand on the shoulders of some great educators,” Superintendent Dr. Beau Rees said, “You all have set the bar very high.”
“I never questioned that our kids weren’t safer than any other kids in Texas when I see these two here protecting them,” Guest said of Welborn and Whitford.
Board members who won their elections were sworn in by Lana Worthington. They are Adam Feriend, Place 3; Dan Woods, Place 4; Wally Wallace, Place 5; and Kindra Lucia, Place 6.
Curtis Elementary School Principal Lorie Bratcher introduced several of her staff members as she reported on her campus’ status for the last time. She reported that their focus areas were high quality instruction, meets and masters, and growth for teachers and students.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be on your campus,” board member Kindra Lucia said, “We are a big district, but you had that small town feeling when I arrived.”
Bratcher received a standing ovation when she finished her presentation.
Dr. Jessica Duenez, principal at the Ninth Grade Center, explained that their focus included professional learning, a campus cellphone policy, and increasing student attendance through an engaging learning environment.
“Thank you for your leadership. It’s not easy, combining two schools smoothly, and knowing everyone is safe,” board member Adam Fereind said.
The ROOted in Excellence series addressed instructional coaching and defined the practice as a coach coming alongside a teacher to focus on one important aspect of the teacher’s proficiency, creating a partnership to improve one skill at a time.
“Improving student outcomes is what we purpose, and as our teachers grow, so will our students,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marie Hernandez said. The coaching is a valuable tool for both new and veteran teachers, but not available at the high school level at this time.
“We’re getting better everyday,” Guest thanked the coaches for their mentorship.
Michael J. Jones, Director of Safety and Security, announced that — for the second year in a row — the district had a 100% success rate on each campus from the Texas Educa tion Association in regards to their spot checks on doors and equipment.
In new business, the board voted unanimously to apply for the Optional Flexible School Day Program 2025-2026 in order to give high school students more choices for attending classes.
The repairs to the high school gym elevator were approved at the cost of $88,455.
They chose to participate in the Connect Investment Trust (Texas Connect LGIP) and approved the Education Service Center Region II Contract Summary Report 2025-2026.
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