Quitman ISD school board members adopted a new board meeting schedule for the upcoming school year. The schedule moves the board meetings from the second Monday to the third Monday each month.

The board approved an upgrade to the district phone system. Peoples Telephone was approved and the cost will be $28,875.

The bank depository contract was approved to remain with Origin Bank. City National Bank also sought the contract. Financial director Kari Wilson reported that tax collections stood at 95.31%.

The board also approved revisions to the policy for Wellness and Health Services medical treatment. School nurse Stephanie Vance also emphasized the need for more epi-pens on each campus.

In the superintendent’s report Chris Mason spoke about changes being made and recommendations of the facilities committee.

Mason reported the number of students has grown and many of the district’s programs have also seen a surge in participation. 

Mason noted the district now has 302 in the band program and an increase in numbers in the athletic department from 218 to 278 this past year. The engineering department has grown to 103 students and 68 in the health sciences. The agriculture program numbers continue to rise with 234 students.

In an effort to free classrooms in the main building the wood shop classes will be moved to the former transportation building. The transportation department has successfully moved to the new facility on Goode St. which formally housed Dimock. This move will add much-needed classroom space.