Alba-Golden Schools realized a significant expansion with the recent completion of a new arts classroom and a new distance learning classroom. The six-month project, built by Jackson Construction of Quitman, was handed over to the school at the end of May. 

Art teacher Stephanie White could not contain her enthusiasm for the new arts room.

“This is my dream,” she exclaimed, as she walked into the middle of the large classroom. “It has plenty of space, a lot of natural light and attached storage for a multitude of art supplies.”

An attached kiln room, with a large, dedicated ventilation system, will support the pottery instruction. “Everything I asked for came through,” she explained, “I am so grateful.” 

High School Principal Michael Mize offered that White has transformed the art program for the junior high and high school students. The basic arts class offers fine arts credit and touches on many specific talents from drawing and painting to working with textures and sculpting. The advanced arts class is composed of students who have discovered a talent in the basic course.

“I see myself as an arts coach,” stated White. She described how, in addition to learning art techniques, her students must excel at problem-solving. Her goal is to nurture the students through a complete creative process: planning, material preparation, design and execution.

Hailing from Cedar Hill, White has come to Alba-Golden after teaching stints in Whitesboro, Somerville, College Station and Grand Saline. She and her husband Brian, an Alba-Golden native, have made their home in the small community.

Starting her seventh year at the school, White is moving the thriving arts curriculum from what used to be the school’s original weight room (and also served as a locker room at one point) to a brand new showpiece.    

Part of the rejuvenation of the school’s art program has been the participation in the Visual Arts Scholastic Events (VASE). White led the initiative to compete at VASE, and since joining, Alba-Golden students have excelled at the competitions.

Alba-Golden School chose wisely in designation of the two new classrooms. While the new art facility complements the creative talents of the student population, the new distance learning center will allow students to more easily reach beyond the school to pursue dual-credit courses with Tyler Junior College. 

According to Technology Director Michael Scott, the school has had more than adequate connectivity to allow distance learning but required a proper space to accommodate the ever-growing demand.  

The center will elevate the distance learning curriculum by providing a dedicated space with top-of-the-line communications capability. The room will be equipped with two large screen displays and a camera system to allow instantaneous interaction between instructors and students.

“We have made the whole process much more efficient,” Scott summarized.

Mize highlighted the work of resident mathematician Walter Ragsdale, who teaches at Alba-Golden High School and Tyler Junior College, as an excellent example of the leadership in distance learning.  

The incremental improvements represented by the new addition fit hand-in-glove with the main high school. Scott, who acted as the informal project manager for the expansion, described how all alterations to school buildings must meet all present building codes. 

The addition required alterations to the nearest bathroom facilities to bring them into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. This, in turn, required the bathroom space to be brought up to complete present-day building code.

“It’s an all or nothing deal,” he explained.  “Anything that is touched must be brought up to present code.”

The classrooms were added to the east end of the main high school building, which was constructed in 1977. 

Many local residents are aware that the UIL redistricting has taken Alba-Golden High School from Class 3A Division II to Class 2A. Mize advised not to let that communicate the wrong conclusions about the school. 

UIL redistricting is based solely on grades 9-12.  While a decrease in high school numbers resulted in the drop to 2A, the numbers in the elementary school are steadily growing. Mize commented that Alba-Golden is flourishing and remains a community based on solid families.

“We also benefit from a very active ministerial alliance,” he offered. “Enon Baptist Church, Cottonwood Church and others support the school through both prayer and action.” 

Of the noticeably positive environment represented at the school, Mize said without hesitation.  “God,” he said, “We are just really blessed.” He added, “As much as you can be Christ-centered in a public school, we are.”