Mineola School Trustee Robby Ballard resigned Monday.

Ballard announced that his family is moving to a new home that is 300 yards outside the district and is thus ineligible to serve.

He was elected in 2021, and his term ends in May 2024.

Ballard said his children will continue to attend Mineola schools.

Superintendent Cody Mize briefed the school board on construction progress at the new primary campus on NE Loop 564.

A tour of the facility was held earlier in the day. Mize noted that the completion time has been moved up to June 26, 2024, which will give teachers and staff more time to get the campus ready to open in the fall.

The annual financial audit showed the district’s fund balance grew by $388,000 to $8,341,202.

The audit had no findings, and auditor Lanny Walker gave high praise to retiring business manager William Bjork as being among the best at his job.

Bjork presented the recommendations for the Meredith Foundation grant requests, which will be finalized in January.

The proposals include $50,000 for scholarships, $73,560 for a wrap and interior improvements to the band trailer, $100,000 for playground equipment at the new school and $126,440 for new lighting for the parking lots at the middle and primary campuses and adjacent ball fields for a total of $350,000.

Trustees heard a presentation on labor market information from Gary Allen with the East Texas Workforce Commission concerning occupations in demand in the growing East Texas economy to help target career and technical education programs.

It showed the importance for students learning how to learn and take advantage of training.