It was a night of celebration and the honoring of students and more changes in administration at last week's Quitman Independent School District (QISD) Board of Trustees meeting.

Adolpho Flores was presented his high school diploma for completing his necessary requirements.

"Aldolpho was faced with adversity, but instead of allowing adversity to define who was going to be, he defined how he was going to handle adversity. He did so by completing the required course work as deemed appropriate by the State of Texas and Board of Trustees of Quitman ISD to receive his diploma," Quitman High School Principal Cody Mize said. "I am very proud of Adolpho and I know he will do something meaningful with his life."

Flore, who's family was on hand for support, plans to attend college this semester.

The board recognized the FFA State Leadership Development and Public Relations team for their advancement in state competition.

January is School Board Appreciation Month across Texas and each campus of QISD came bearing gifts to honor the local board.

"January is School Board Appreciation Month and each campus honored our board members with gift bags, paintings, books, cupcakes and lots of candy," Superintendent

Rhonda Turner said. "We also served a special dinner before the meeting in their honor."

The board approved the hiring of Pam Beall as high school assistant principal. Beall comes from from Copperas Cove ISD where she served as Assistant Principal at the high school. Dana Hamrick was tabbed as Vice-Principal in charge of counseling, student services and Instruction.

The board called for a school board election scheduled for the general election to be held Saturday, May 9. Three board members have expiring terms. They are Ricky Cameron, Michael Hipp and Jeremy Smith.

The first day to file for a place on the ballot will be Wednesday, January 28 and the last day to file will be February 27. The first day to apply for a ballot by mail is March 10 and the last day to apply for ballot by mail is April 30 (received, not postmarked) The last day to register to vote is April 9 and the first day of early voting will be April 27. A person may file for a position on the ballot at the QISD office.

The QISD, the City of Quitman and Wood County Hospital board have a continuous contract to hold a joint election. Quitman city Secretary Brian Andrews is appointed early voting clerk by all the entities.

Superintendent Turner reported another increase in enrollment. The overall enrollment is 1,113 with the high school at 305, junior high 247 and elementary 561.

"We are not exactly where we want to be, but our numbers are going up and that's good," Turner said.

In other action Superintendent Turner's contract was extended for another year.

The board also approved a correction on deed property for Wood County Shared Services. Deed documents have to be approved by all school boards involved in the shared services.

In routine matters, the board approved the financial statement, previous minutes, check payments and budget amendments.