“I hear the atmosphere is just great!” exclaimed Yantis School Board President Joni Moreland at the opening of the Sept. 10 regular board meeting.

“People are coming to work smiling and laughing,” she continued.

School Superintendent Tracey Hilfferich thanked the school board for hiring a School Security Officer. In addition to making the campus more secure, she commented, “we can focus now on our teaching.” The Yantis School Board recently hired Justin Bowring as the full time school security officer. This is an integral step in creating the school’s own police force.

Also augmenting school security, the Texas Department of Public Safety has created a small substation in Yantis school. Since the beginning of the semester the school has been visited a number of times by state troopers and once by a Texas Ranger.

In another personnel decision, the board hired Stephanie Fortune on a ten month probationary contract. Fortune will be teaching middle school social studies.

With the school year now well underway, high school and middle school principal Buddy Winstead and elementary school principal Hilfferich both commented that the initial student progress reports were being issued. High school and middle school reports went out on September 10th while elementary school progress reports were issued on the 11th.

Resolving a long-standing legal issue, the board authorized superintendent Hilfferich to sign a settlement absolving Yantis school of a $5969 debt from fraudulent use of an American Express card. The card had been stolen by an individual not associated with the school. He has since been apprehended. Financial Manager Brenda Brown expended countless hours to bring this issue to a successful conclusion for the district.

In a customary resolution the board agreed to issue extracurricular status to students participating in Wood County 4 – H programs. The board also acted to allow youth sports programs use of the school’s little gymnasium.

Superintendent Hilfferich briefed the board on the school’s compliance with internet safety and policy regulations. In addition to having a robust content filter, the school has an alert system in place to notify administration of attempted unauthorized internet use. Also, all teachers have received cyber security training.

The board approved the teacher appraisal schedule as well as the appointment of the principals as designated teacher appraisers. Teacher appraisals commence this month and conclude in early May.

Lastly, school photo day was announced as Wednesday October 3rd , while the Big Kahuna fundraiser will conclude on Sept. 18.