The Alba-Golden school board approved a $25,000 donation to the AGISD Education Foundation Monday. The contribution will be drawn from the general operating fund balance.

The action followed a report on budgetary matters by Superintendent Shelby Davidson. He reported that several fortuitous changes in revenue have changed the budget forecast for the fiscal year. The district is now looking at the ability to return upwards of $150,000 to the general operating fund.   

Davidson also advised the board that the problematic sewerage system has been functioning fine after the corrective work completed on air valves within the system. He said it appears as though replacement of the lift station will not be required.

Davidson also reported completion of the campus gate installation. While fine-tuning of the gates continues, Davidson advised that this important security system is now in place and functional.

The present physical challenge facing the campus is the failure of the elementary school gymnasium air conditioning system. Davidson advised that an order has been placed for the new system, with installation in 3-4 weeks.

This circumstance has prompted an effort to identify the makes and ages of all air conditioning and heating systems on campus in order to develop a phased replacement plan. 

The board also received updates from Elementary School Principal Tracy Browning, Secondary School Principal Brittany Hall, Athletic Director Drew Webster, Curriculum Director Megan Smith and Education Foundation spokesperson Deborah Perry. 

Diverse items of interest for the community were briefed by the administrators.

The elementary school Literacy Night is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 28 from 5:30-6:30.

High schoolers in the English program have re-established the Panther Press Newsletter under the advisement of English teacher David Curry.

Work between the athletic department and the Alba Youth Foundation has resulted in the founding of a volleyball league which will commence play in October.

Fundraising efforts for a local family struck by a tragic accident continue with approximately $3,200 being raised by staff and students since the accident involving an AGISD student.

The Boles community has been invited to join Alba-Golden football fans at homecoming Friday, Sept. 22 by making the game a white out. An aerial photo will be taken and used as a show of support for the family.

Curriculum Director Smith briefed the board on the Spring 2023 STAAR Assessment Report. She noted mixed results and advised that the final state accountability data will be briefed to the board at October’s meeting. 

Davidson addressed the mixed collection of scores, “We will take the results as our starting point and put plans in action to incrementally improve in each area. It remains our objective to make Alba-Golden known for its educational excellence.”

The board recognized fifth-grader Johnny Ballard and senior Hailey Crutchfield as students of the month. Ballard was described by his teachers as kind and helpful with a great work ethic and strong sense of responsibility. Crutchfield was lauded as an ideal student who earns the respect of teachers and peers alike. She intends on pursuing a career in nursing and attending Stephen F. Austin University next fall. 

A level three grievance, discussed in closed session, was unanimously denied as the final action of the evening.