For the 20th consecutive year, Alba-Golden ISD achieved the highest possible rating on the annual Financial Integrity Rating for the State of Texas (FIRST).

Director of Finance Kaitlynn Hawley briefed the results during a public hearing at Monday’s School Board meeting. 

Hawley noted that the district maintains 232 days of operating funds on hand – the state requires 75 days of operating funds.

The FIRST audit investigates all aspects of financial accountability, from debt payment timeliness to the accurate and proper disclosure of financial information.  

A wide-ranging report from Superintendent Shelby Davidson detailed the recent receipt of a $292,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency targeted for campus safety improvements.

The grant will allow continuing the perimeter physical security improvements recently undertaken. 

Davidson also disclosed the results of a third-party staff survey which was the first formal feedback attained regarding the four-day school week.

Feedback received from the 54 staff respondents indicated overwhelming support for the effect of the change on the work environment, attendance and morale of teachers and students. 

The open Thanksgiving meal has been reinstated and will be offered to students and parents.

Davidson noted that a similar open feast will be conducted prior to the Christmas break. 

The superintendent also expressed confidence that commencing next year, the district will be able to offer free lunches to all students. This is as a result of meeting the requirements under the Community Eligibility Program. 

Also on the horizon next year is the move to a semi-monthly payroll system, the superintendent announced.

The most consequential action of the board was the approval of the District and Campus Improvement Plans.

The district plan spelled out seven measurable goals. Each campus then customized these goals.

The elementary school prioritized safety as the number one goal, while the high school listed exemplary instruction as their top priority.

High school principal Brittany Hall stated, “We will be focused on acceleration and intervention, and increased rigor in the classroom.”

Other action taken by the board included approval of local incentive pay, a waiver of the summer feeding program and approval of property insurance contract at $226,000. 

The structure of the incentive program was not discussed in session. The district is in partnership with Mineola ISD to allow Alba-Golden students access to meals over the summer.

The property insurance contract – which increased by 25% – includes a new cyber-liability protection.       

Deborah Perry briefed that the Education Foundation will be dispensing monetary awards this week to teachers at both campuses.

The $15,000 of grants will be the first handed out by the foundation.  A discussion of options for establishing a day-care center at the school were also addressed by Perry. 

Students of the month publicly recognized by the board were Aiden Aguinaga (elementary), Coplen Tunnell (junior high) and Kayden Massie (high school). The three young men have their sights set on careers as an astronaut, a zoologist and an engineer, respectively.