Mineola School Board welcomed a new member Monday, handed out numerous recognitions and began the process of transitioning to summer as the 2024-25 school year winds down.

Kendall Banks joins the board after garnering the third-most votes in the May 3 election. He joins re-elected incumbents Glen Dossett and Jill Quiambao.

He is replacing Janice Etheridge, who did not seek reelection and served as board secretary. Jay McGough becomes the new secretary. Rodney Watkins remains as board president and Quiambao as vice president.

Superintendent Cody Mize announced that the bids for a new auto mechanics shop and remodeling the elementary school as a high school career and technology education center should be coming around the first of June.

The 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian, Olivia Hughes and Sarah Smith, were recognized.

State qualifiers in powerlifting, track and FFA career development were also congratulated.

Powerlifters were Zion Olajide, Julieann Coats, Sarah Smith and Ellie Littlefield.

State qualifiers were Raylie Peebles and Tierany Neighbors, who won the Conference 3A pole vault and set a record of 13’1”.

FFA teams included floriculture, farm business management, ag sales, dairy judging, milk quality products, entomology, nursery landscape and forage judging.

Business manager Keith Sparkman announced the schedule for budget workshops, beginning with June 5.

Mize announced remaining teaching staff openings are for English language arts in 6th and 7th grades and high school auto mechanics.

The school year concludes with graduation Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m. at Meredith Memorial Stadium.

The final enrollment report for the school year showed the district with 1,737 students.