State proposals to use public funds to pay for tuition for students in private schools gained some push back from the Mineola ISD School Board Monday.

A resolution opposing educational savings accounts and school vouchers passed unanimously, following an appeal from Superintendent Cody Mize.

With inflation, there is a need for more funding for public education, he said.

There is no testing, no accountability for funds sent to private schools as there is for public schools.

Mize called the rhetoric political, opposing the so-called “woke” agenda alleged to be taught in public schools.

“I absolutely 100% guarantee that is not the case in Mineola ISD,” he said, as well as in many districts across the state, especially rural ones.

He said this is disheartening for those who have dedicated their lives to public education.

Those state tests were the focus of a presentation by Elementary Principal Brittany Thompson, Assistant Principal Angela Shine and math specialist Kara Ellerbee.

Students will be taking those tests in the coming weeks.

A lot is changing in the way the tests are administered, Thompson explained, going online.

The tests are not inherently evil, she said. Assessment of students is important for educators to know how they are doing.

She outlined the various changes through the years since the first state accountability tests came along in 1982.

Ellerbee explained how the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills outlines what students are supposed to learn and how the tests measure that.

“The state has put a lot on our teachers,” Thompson said. “They are knocking it out of the park.”

Mize invited members of the community to attend a safety summit planned Tuesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at the middle school cafeteria.

He also announced a fundraising golf tournament for the Tyler Junior College Promise Scholarship fund on Friday, May 5.

Among hires approved by the board was 2000 Mineola High School graduate Adam McMahon who will serve as the assistant high school principal. He has been filling that role at Tyler Legacy High School.

In the monthly attendance report, Business Manager William Bjork noted that the attendance rate had dropped from 96% in February to 94% in March.

Principals noted that a threat made against one of the campuses had resulted in more than 100 students staying home that day from each campus.

Bjork noted overall enrollment is up by nine students.

Property tax collections are running 1.24% behind last year but have improved slightly from last month.