At Monday’s school board meeting, Alba-Golden ISD Superintendent Macy Thompson advised the school board of a visit she received from a community representative who voiced the community’s interest in starting an educational foundation. 

The gentleman who addressed the issue, Rustin Haas, explained that the initiative has wide support in the community and that a steering committee had already been formed. 

The steering committee met recently with members of the newly-formed Rains ISD educational foundation as well as members of the company Foundation Innovation, a consulting firm which sets up foundations.

“I am very excited at this possibility,” Thompson stated, “it is an investment in our future – a legacy.” Thompson explained some of the mechanics behind establishing an independent foundation and offered examples of how other East Texas communities have successfully partnered to facilitate such a foundation.

The verbal report was provided as an informational briefing to the board; no action was taken on the subject  Monday. 

Board President Jason Stovall commented, “It is very meaningful that the community approached us.” It is anticipated that some type of action expressing support for establishment of an education foundation will be forthcoming at a future board meeting.

The balance of the discussion Monday was about the district and campus improvement plans. These plans document the way forward in improving the level of education at Alba-Golden Schools.

After significant discussion the plans were unanimously approved. 

Trustee Dwayne Ellis offered that in order to improve the level of education, “We must have an enjoyable and supportive school for both students and teachers.”

In response to board member Matt Haisten’s question regarding teacher pay and incentives, Thompson remarked that recommendations on incentives will be forthcoming to the board.  

Resident Debbie Perry spoke during the public forum. She expressed her thanks to Thompson for meeting with her and quickly moving to re-establish some customary aspects of school routine at Alba-Golden which had fallen by the wayside. Those conventions were parental volunteers at school, the ability to take lunch on campus with one’s children and an avenue to celebrate birthdays. 

Thompson’s informational report to the board disclosed that the school was one of the very first to have a state-conducted Intruder Audit of exterior and interior doors. Alba-Golden had zero discrepancies. She also noted that an Emergency Operations Plan had been finalized and submitted to the state. School staff, last week, held the second session of safety and security training.

Relatedly, the board approved the district’s Guardian Program. Other approvals included intent to lease a 26.25-acre school-owned pasture, membership of the School Health Advisory Committee and scheduling of the public audit review to be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 14. All decisions taken by the board were unanimous.

The board recognized students Matt Castloo and Victorio Gregor as the monthly elementary and secondary students of the month. 

Castloo, whose favorite past-times are sports, fishing and hunting, remarked that his goal in life is to be able to buy a house and come back to make Alba-Golden an even better place. Gregor, who only recently joined the school when his family relocated to the area, has already made a big impact among the teaching staff. They lauded him for his respectful and kind nature. He was described as “simply a quality young person.” 

Six board members were present. Trustee Randall Cole was absent.