There were many recognitions at Monday’s Alba-Golden School Board meeting, however, the most important report of the evening was likely  the recent Texas Education Agency Safety and Security Vulnerability Assessment. Superintendent Shelby Davidson reported that the senior inspector stated, “Alba-Golden was as secure a district as any he has ever seen.”

The superintendent noted that there were no major findings and only a handful of recommendations. Davidson remarked, “And we want those recommendations. We never want to be satisfied with safety and security posture.”   

The superintendent also disclosed the results of the parent and teacher survey regarding the first year of the four-day school week. To date, the district has received 195 responses. 

The anonymous survey consisted of five questions. The four-day school week met with overwhelmingly-positive feedback. Over 82% of parents responded that the schedule had made a positive impact on their children’s education, while over 90% of teachers viewed the schedule as helping to reach academic goals. The survey remains open.

Secondary assistant principal Shelby Keller reported changes in the Tyler Junior College (TJC) Dual Credit Program for the upcoming year. Specifically, the cost for dual-credit classes will be reduced from $275 per class to $170 per 3-hour course and $227 per 4-hour course. Alba-Golden had 50 students take dual credit courses this school year and over 100 students are anticipated to take dual-credit classes this upcoming year. The school offers 18 dual-credit classes. 

Davidson added that he and  a small team were traveling to Tyler later this week to meet with TJC officials regarding joining into the TJC Promise Scholarship Program.

A host of recognitions opened the regularly-scheduled meeting. Valedictorian Drake Duplechain and Salutatorian Hudson Wright were introduced to the board. Duplechain will be attending Texas A&M in their Honors Program and studying architectural design. Wright will also be an Aggie and he will be studying mechanical engineering as a Terry Foundation Scholar. 

Secondary school principal Brittany Hall also introduced senior Easton Campbell who will secure a senatorial appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Campbell will report to King’s Point, N.Y. in early July.

The district also recognized the end of year distinguished teachers and staff members. Those honorees were elementary school teacher of the year Shelley Backer, elementary school staff member of the year Kathy Roach, secondary school teacher of the year Michaela Coffman, District Rookie Teacher of the year Joanna Bowden, Employee of the year Kathleen Gibson and Mrs. Dorris as the substitute teacher of the year. 

A parade of students came before the board and were lauded by school staff. They included the one-act play participants, the fishing team and the champion fifth grade robotics squad.

Emma Bohannon, Ellington Osborn and Ava Nivison were recognized as the elementary, junior high and secondary students of the month, respectively.

Additional business before the board included employment of Toni Wiley and Megan Roberts for the school year upcoming, as well as the resignations of LeeAnn Cockrum and Lisa Gaines. Superintendent Davidson’s contract was also unanimously approved. 

The board also unanimously approved a dual-credit Memorandum of Understanding with TJC and the purchase of a new walk-in freezer.