Some of Mineola ISD’s administrative vacancies were filled by school trustees Monday.

Elementary Principal Brittany Thompson was approved to become the new junior high principal, replacing Kendall Gould, who is retiring.

Assistant elementary Principal Angela Shine was named to be principal of that campus.

Thompson surprised Shine when she announced that she had nominated Shine for assistant principal of the year for Region 7, and she had earned that honor unanimously.

Assistant high school Principal Melisia Foster was named the district’s curriculum director.

Other administrators receiving contract extensions were assistant superintendent David Sauer, primary school principal Jole Ray, assistant principals Joshua Snook (junior high) and James Knabenshue (primary), athletic director Luke Blackwell, fine arts director Jim Best and transportation director Bill Self.

The anticipated retirement of business manager William Bjork was accepted by the board “with regret.” He has served the district since 1994.

Superintendent Cody Mize called him the best of the best in his service to the district and the community.

In his report, Bjork reviewed the district scholarship trusts and recommended doubling the number of $1,000 scholarships from two of the trusts.

He noted enrollment is down four students from last month to 1,617, all at the high school, and is down 11 from a year ago.

Mize said the Tyler Junior College scholarship fund would be the focus of two upcoming fundraisers, a golf tournament and a hall of fame banquet.

Bjork also said the district would be making its first bond payment in many years this month at $953,000 and has the money in the bank to do that. The bond fund has generated $436,000 interest since it began in August.

He noted that property tax collections were thrown off because of school closing on the final day for tax payments Jan. 31 followed by mail delays.

Since then they have recovered and reached 89% as of Friday. Normally the district receives 92% of its tax revenue by the end of February.

Board members approved the new vision statement recommended for the district as “Learning today, leading tomorrow.”