FISD trustees discuss campus goals
The Friona Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, November 14 at the FISD Board Meeting Room of the FISD Administration building at 909 E. 11th Street in Friona. All members of the board were in attendance. The agenda included 19 items.
The board heard campus goals and progress reports from principals from the Primary, Elementary, Junior High and High School as well as the Athletic Director.
Elementary school principal Travis Victory assured the board that all was going well on his campus before praising his students that participated in UIL activities. His goals included improving STAAR scores, parent/school relations and organizing parent, teacher and child friendly activities.
“Everything is going very well,” said Victory. “We appreciate all the support from the board.”
Ashley Smith, Primary principal, announced to the board that she and her husband are expecting child number three. Her goals for the Elementary were to have attendance reach 94%, increasing parent involvement and continuing to keep the children safe.
Friona Junior High principal Mark Sundre declared they have had a great start and the time is going extremely fast. His goal for his campus was to set realistic goals for math, reading, writing, science and social studies. He informed the board that they now have I-pads in every grade level and that safety is an important issue that they are working to improve.
Erika Montana, High School principal, stated, “Anything that could be thrown at us has been done” concerning a recent lockdown, fire drills, and a TEA audit. The TEA audit was the first in 10 years and the FHS passed. She stated that they have kept the same goals as last year but are making improvements. The Friona Literacy Project is going well. She explained changes they have made when dealing with students in crisis as well as using social media to contact parents.
Athletic Director Jimmy Arias informed the board of the 7th grade through Varsity football team records and what is being done to expand athletics into the 5th grade to aid the athletes in their learning of skills in all sports. He expressed praise for the Volleyball program and their successes.
The board approved the items on the consent agenda and payment of October bills before moving on to reviewing and approving appraisal forms for the Business Manager, Special Education Director, Technology Director, School Nutrition Manager, Technical Staff, Bus Foreman, Custodian, Maintenance, and Cafeteria.
Special Program Director Karen Barnes spoke to the board concerning the district plan for migrant programs and the goals set for the program. The goals were that 100 percent of students will meet TEA standards, 97 percent attendance rate, provide a healthy, safe, drug free classroom and work on teacher recruitment and retention.
They also approved an application for early graduation.
The board discussed the Specialized Public Finance Report concerning the upcoming windfarm assets. It was agreed that the board will need to educate the public and the formation of a steering committee to determine the best use of the funds.
Friona InterBank has offered a donation to the Friona Primary of two girl bicycles and two boy bicycles each semester to promote outstanding attendance.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with Plainview Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program for two students.
Barnes addressed the board about an upcoming audit by Guardian Security Solution, LC of Lubbock on Monday, November 21. This is in accordance with a three-year audit for security. She has spoke with WT Services concerning phone systems.
Representatives of Guardian Security Solutions will be on hand for the next board meeting.
The board retired into a closed session after reviewing the Superintendents goals.
All school board meetings are open to the public. The next board meeting will be Monday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the FISD Administration Building in the Board Meeting Room.
