Mineola School Board approved several purchases Monday, relating to summer projects, the new primary school campus and the final expenditures from federal COVID-19 relief funds.

After a lengthy list of student and staff recognitions, the board OK’d $78,415 to purchase 42 flat screen TVs for the new primary from Cynergy Technology using Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief dollars.

The final ESSER money, $29,112, was spent on new Chromebooks for students from SHI.

After approving budget amendments totaling $74,595 to move money into maintenance, the board approved carpeting projects for the middle school and high school totaling $51,675.

High School Principal Chase Thomas said that leaves 3-4 classrooms needing new carpet, which is approaching 30 years old.

The budget amendment allows six classrooms to be addressed instead of the three that were planned.

Carpet in office areas at the middle school will be replaced.

The third and fourth phases of five plumbing projects identified last year were approved for $49,479 and $63,530. Plans are to complete the fifth phase of upgrades next year.

Supt. Cody Mize reported the primary campus remains on schedule with a ribbon cutting planned Aug. 9.

Crews have been installing the deceleration lane along eastbound Loop 564 in front of the campus.

Trustees approved a waiver for attendance on the day of the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8.

Attendance was 75% that day compared to the average for April of more than 96%. The waiver allows the district to discard that day’s attendance in calculating the average, which impacts state funding.

The Texas Education Agency approved steps districts in the eclipse’s path can take to seek the waiver.

The board approved a new facility use policy that takes into account the need and expense of having a custodian and a police officer on duty for large events.

It requires proof of non-profit status to receive a lower rate.

Liability insurance is also required.

Mize said he will be meeting with the regular users of district facilities about the changes.

The board approved the following staff changes:

New Hires

Ty Templeton, Shelby Watkins, Nicole Turner, Cameron Stack, Reanna Trejo, Isabella Meyers, Joshua Rushing, Patrick Horrigan, Jami Slagel, Andrea Nittinger, Cassie White

Resignations

Ginger Lasher, Paula Tapley, Autumn Slavens, Dakota Ross, Mike Tresca, Malia Kinlay, Daniel Davis, Cassie White, Raquel Palma, Alan Rios

Retirements

Sue Holt, Jan Thompson, Sara West.

During financial reports, it was noted that property tax collections are at 87.71% compared to 93.44% at this time last year.

Enrollment of 1,681 for April is near the record set last fall of 1,685, and business manager Keith Sparkman said the district may be at that level by now.