The Alba-Golden Independent School District installed their full school board Monday. Sworn in to the board were new trustees Randall Cole and Brad Lennon. The two will join Chad Dailey, Mike Ragsdale, Grant Sadler, Jason Stovall and Dwayne Thompson. Sadler was elected to an unexpired term.

The newly constituted board also conducted officer elections. Board president Stovall, vice president Ragsdale and secretary Thompson were reelected to continue serving in those offices.   

Superintendent Cole McClendon advised the board that the first meeting of the Facility Needs Committee will occur Thursday, Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. The group of about 20 members will have a guided tour of district facilities and a walking discussion of present and future school infrastructure needs. 

The superintendent also briefed the board on the recent completion of a Texas Education Administration (TEA) review of all local school policies. He explained that the review was needed to bring local policies up-to-date. It also served as a great learning opportunity for the district administrative staff.

Financial Manager Brenda Kelley reported on the results of Alba-Golden’s financial integrity review. The review was based on 2018-19 data for the school year ending Aug. 31, 2019. The district received a superior rating from the TEA with a perfect score. 

The comprehensive review investigated all facets of monetary concern. Cash-on-hand reserves, administrative cost ratios, lawful compliance of state and federal regulations, fiscal responsibilities and teacher to student ratios were all inspected. 

Kelley completed her briefing by thanking the board. “We work hard to put money back into the fund balance,” she stated, “and I would like to thank the board for always demonstrating fiscal leadership.”

Technology Director Michael Scott updated the board on the use of a recently-received $25,000 TEA grant. The one-time grant was used to update a number of access points with card-reading locks. The exterior accesses of the school, Scott advised, have been significantly strengthened through these upgrades.  

The highlight of the evening was however, student recognition. In addition to the award of plaques to second-grader Matt Castloo and ninth-grader Hailey Crutchfield for their selections as students of the month, groups of students cycled through to be presented to the board for their achievements. 

The bidistrict champion volleyball team was publicly recognized, as were all-district football selectees, a regional qualifier in cross country and competitive winners of the school’s FFA.

Chosen from a multitude of entries, the creation of freshman Riley Osbern was selected as the winner of the Alba-Golden ISD Christmas card competition. Her entry portrayed a red farm truck with a Christmas tree in the bed and has been sent as the official district Christmas card. She received a nicely-framed rendition of her card and the thanks of the board.