The composition of the Alba-Golden school board highlighted the regularly-scheduled meeting conducted Monday night. 

Board President Matt Haisten reported that the two seats which were up for election this spring – his seat and that of Vice President Dwayne Ellis -- were uncontested. Hence, the expected May election was canceled unanimously.

In a second board composition issue, Haisten informed the public that board member Jessica Christian tendered her resignation. Christian had relocated her residence outside the district and therefore could not continue to serve on the board. The board unanimously accepted her resignation letter. Her term expires in May 2026.

In other action, the board approved the adoption of the Bluebonnet mathematics curriculum for kindergarten through grade five. The board also considered adopting the Bluebonnet language arts curriculum, but it was determined that incorporating one new curriculum at a time would be the most prudent action. 

Director of Curriculum Megan Smith recommended the course of action and reported that such action was also endorsed by Region 7 Eaducation Service Center.

The board also approved a small change to the Teacher Incentive Allotment System which removed grades 6-8 gym class from data calculations. This change will go into effect with the 2025-26 school year.

The board approved the resignation of Special Education teacher Terri Chaffin and the hiring of biology teacher Laura Marder.

Comments from the administration provided an excellent status report on the health and well-being of Alba-Golden Schools.

The Math Night at the elementary school drew between 250-300 people and was considered an exceptionally successful event. The Panther Band scored “1’s” in their district UIL concert performance; 40 students will be showing stock at the upcoming Wood County Livestock Show; and 86% of the senior class has achieved career or military readiness. 

Superintendent Shelby Davidson reported that the Education Foundation event in early February at the Mineola Civic Center generated $30,000 in donations for the district. Director of Finance Beau Shelby informed the board that the district was right on track on the expenditure timeline. He noted that the academic and athletic success of the school will require future adjustments to cover the increased travel requirements. 

Three juniors – Isabella Hernandez, Bryce Taylor and Braden Rankin – informed the board of the value of their recently-completed Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Each addressed the board and described the lasting value of the weekend retreat with peers from throughout the state.  

Rankin was also recognized as the secondary school student of the month. He expects to attend Rice University and major in computer science.  

Fifth-grader Everlee Galyean earned the elementary school student of the month. Everlee disclosed that she desires to become a gastro-intestinal nurse and help people – ‘just like my mom does.’

Alba-Golden employees of the month were third-grade team leader Mandy Teel and culinary arts instructor Dana Haisten.