The Mineola School Board approved a pair of security measures Monday.

Sixty security cameras and 37 controlled access doors for the new primary school campus were approved for $131,201 from KLC of Texarkana. That purchase comes from the bond funds approved by voters in 2022.

Re-keying all the doors in the district and replacing some locks so that they will remain locked was approved from SWORD Company of Tyler for $170,027. That money is part of a state security grant.

It covers 693 doors throughout the district.

The board also approved a bid of $214,583 for Lea Park and Play of Richardson for the playground at the new primary.

Trustees approved a five-year lease with the city of Mineola for space on the new communications tower being erected off FM 49 in east Mineola. It will host the school district’s radio communications along side the city’s.

Superintendent Cody Mize reviewed two policies the board will be asked to consider.

The updated facilities use agreement will be presented in May after Mize has a chance to review it with some of the organizations that most use district facilities.

He said making sure events are covered by law enforcement and custodial staff are among key considerations. Many times the district does not recoup custodial costs.

Mize also received approval to explore matching retirement funds for employees who do not use district-paid health insurance.

This is a $442 monthly benefit those employees do not receive.

Some districts in East Texas already have such a plan, he said. It can assist those employees with additional retirement funds.

That impacted 70 employees this year.

The board gave Mize hiring authority for professional contracts. Mize noted that is a month earlier than normal. He said so far there does not seem to be as much movement among school staffs.

Teachers may resign up to July 1.

Mize announced several upcoming events in the district. The high school one-act play troupe will reprise its performance of “Little Women” for the public on Saturday at 4 and 7 p.m. at the high school multi-purpose facility.

May 3 will be a big day, as the second TJC Promise scholarship golf tournament will be held at 8:30 a.m at Mineola Country Club, and the second May Fiesta is planned at the middle school cafeteria from 6-7:30 p.m.

The Mineola FFA will hold its first benefit auction on May 4 at 5 p.m. at Hickory Village, 1581 Hwy. 69.

The 4th is also election day for one seat on the school board.