Top Quitman grads too close to call

Posted 5/18/23

The tradition of having the top two Quitman High School graduates lead the pledges of allegiance at the May board meeting for Quitman ISD had a twist last week.

The race is too close to call, …

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Top Quitman grads too close to call

Posted

The tradition of having the top two Quitman High School graduates lead the pledges of allegiance at the May board meeting for Quitman ISD had a twist last week.

The race is too close to call, with three students vying for the top two spots, and grades from courses at Tyler Junior College due on May 17 will determine the outcome.

So High School Principal Jeff Tittle introduced, in alphabetical order, Helena Bautista-Mathias, Joisalyn Tarno and Bonnie Vander Schaaf.

Other student recognitions at the May 8 board meeting were Molly Jackson’s fourth grade students demonstrating the use of smart TVs and Key Club sponsor Angela Brown introducing high school students who attended the leadership conference and earned scholarships. 

The district has 16-17 smart TVs and is replacing digital projectors with them as they age out.

Jackson said they are seeing more student engagement with the devices.

Plans were also to honor outgoing trustee Jane Herring, who served for more than 20 years.

In her absence, several spoke, including Sally Attaway, who said Herring always put the students first and always listened to the people of the community, even those with whom she disagreed.

Board President Jeremy Smith said Herring was like having a loving grandmother for QISD.

Incoming board member James Hicks, who returned to the board and was sworn in to fill Herring’s seat, said Quitman needs her knowledge, wisdom and history.

“She still has a lot to offer,” she said.

Trustee Vanessa Simpkins said that you can’t teach experience, and all can learn from Herring’s experience.

Justice of the Peace Tony Gilbreath, who administered the oath to Simpkins and Hicks, said, “If (Herring) had a battle, you’d better come prepared, because she was.”

Board members reelected Smith as the president, with Raymond Peek as vice president and Royce Patterson as secretary.

In the facilities report, Superintendent Chris Mason said staff is moving into offices in the new transportation facility, and the final change orders are being completed for the ag barn and information technology facilities.

He said the district is getting back about $190,000 on the projects.

The board acknowledged a $1,000 donation to the student activity fund from Joel Tannebaum. 

Following a closed session, the board authorized Mason to negotiate for the purchase of property.