Sophomore Sarahi Martinez briefed the Yantis School Board on the reconstitution of the Yantis High School Beta Club at the Oct. 8 regular board meeting.

A member of the Beta Club, Martinez reported how the club had been formed many years ago at Yantis Schools but had lapsed. She described the national organization as an honor and service club, which uses grades and character as the membership criteria.

Faculty sponsor and high school science teacher Christie Quinn reported 13 students had been inducted in the newly reconstituted club. The club is working a canned food drive through Nov. 14. Donations may be delivered to the First Baptist Church. On Nov. 10, an alumni volleyball match is being sponsored to raise money for attendance at the statewide annual convention Feb. 1-2 in Grapevine.

Superintendent Tracey Hilfferich provided a public accountability report regarding actions undertaken after the initial state grades were received this summer. Having attended required training mandated by the state, Hilfferich reported how Yantis Schools will use the Improvement Committee to progress in areas requiring action.

Additionally, she stated administrative checks and balances have already been put in place to ensure accuracy of data measured by the state, and in addition to reiterating classroom goals the administration will be now focusing on individual classroom screening.

School Board President Joni Moreland offered public support of the school, administration and faculty in her opening statement of the evening. She stated “I am so pleased with how it is all going this year,” and amplified that statement by acknowledging how the school is focused far beyond the initial grades received under the new state system.

High School Principal Buddy Winstead briefed a 96.23% attendance record over the last month for the 181 middle school and high school students. Hilfferich reported 96 elementary school students on the rolls.

The board discussed transportation at length. Both the need for a new school bus and the excessive number of vehicles passing stopped school buses with lights flashing were discussed. The superintendent recommended waiting until the state school stipend was received before acting on the purchase of a new school bus.

With respect to the passing of school buses, the school will soon install forward-looking cameras on their buses which should be able to record license plate numbers of vehicles passing buses. Additionally, the Texas Highway Patrol will be closely monitoring Yantis buses in the immediate future.

Board President Moreland was joined by board members April Johnson, Tyra Kenemore, Melissa Stephens and Stacey Wetzel. Board members Michael Burnett and Jennifer McKeever were absent.

Agenda items for the next board meeting will include: Improvement Plans, transportation, and safety.