The Alba-Golden School Board unanimously approved Dr. Cole McClendon as the lone finalist to become the superintendent of Alba-Golden ISD Monday. 

After the state-mandated 21-day waiting period, the board will be clear to officially hire McClendon, presently the superintendent at Sam Rayburn ISD. The hiring is expected at the July board meeting.    

Following the vote, Board President Jason Stovall extended the board’s gratitude to the community for their participation in the selection process. Stovall noted that over 120 surveys were completed by local residents to help define the search.

“We reviewed 54 applicants,” stated Stovall, “and we are confident we have selected the right person.”

Board member Chad Dailey listed the attributes of character, discipline and Christian goals as having governed their search. “McClendon fits those requirements very well,” said Dailey.

Fellow board members Dwayne Thompson and Mike Ragsdale noted that the board vote was 7-0 for McClendon, as he clearly stood out as the right candidate. Ragsdale added that despite the recent turmoil surrounding the superintendent position, “we all hope you welcome him, line up behind him and give him our full support.” 

Taking advantage of the offer to address the board and the 30 residents in attendance, McClendon noted Alba-Golden was a “tight, well-knit, family community of perfect size.” He expressed his immediate impression that this was where he needed to be. 

McClendon described his leadership style as very positive and very involved. He stated “We are going to build on the excellent foundation that exists here. Be ready, we are going to do some great things in Alba-Golden.” 

McClendon has served as Sam Rayburn superintendent for four years and previously was superintendent at Community ISD.

McClendon began his education career as an agriscience teacher in 1992.

His first administrative position was in 1998 with Princeton ISD. In 2000 he moved into an administrative position with Wylie ISD.

In 2004, McClendon was named assistant superintendent for Community ISD where he served until he became Wylie ISD assistant superintendent for human resources and student services in 2006. He was named Community ISD superintendent in 2011.

In other business before the board, Food Service Director Laura Reid reported the school delivered 14,011 meals between March 17 and May 27. Having registered to make a public comment, Reid thanked all the employees who made the meal service such a success and called out a number of them for individual praise.

She noted no one took exception to the unique challenges they faced. “There was never a complaint,” she explained, “they just asked me what needed to be done.”    

The board approved a number of bureaucratic requirements including the District of Innovation plan, the wellness plan, the renewal of student insurance and the 2020-21 school calendar. School will begin Aug. 13.

The resignations of 7th grade science teacher Lisa Duvall and kindergarten teacher Beth Hlavaty were accepted without comment. 

The board postponed action on two issues until July: extra duty stipends and pre-kindergarten registration. 

In the last action of the night, board member Ragsdale requested Business Manager Brenda Kelley provide a brief update on the status of federal Title I funding. Kelley advised that based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students  – 45% of high schoolers and 54% of elementary schoolers – Alba-Golden will receive funding for the whole district. Title I funding will be about $275,000.