Quitman ISD school board members voted unanimously to award Stanley Tree Removal Service with the task of removing pine trees on the south side of the Quitman Elementary School property. The board picked Stanley out of three vendors who submitted bids. The cost of removing the trees was $23,750.

The board met without Superintendent Rhonda Turner who was in San Antonio to receive the “Outstanding Administrator of the Year” award from the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.

“There are only 12 of these wards given in the state and she was one of those. That’s why she isn’t here tonight. She is an outstanding administrator and we are proud of her,” QISD Board President Dr. Jeremy Smith said.

In another matter, the board approved an elective course at Quitman High School titled “Leadworthy  The Course” for the 2021-22 school year. Quitman High School Principal Justin Cowart presented the opportunity to the board.

“The course is based on ‘Capturing Kids Hearts’ which we started in January of last year. This course will teach students on things about being a leader and a good steward in our community,” Cowart explained. “Shelly Chance will be teaching the course. She has gone to training specifically for teaching this class.” The board also approved the District by Design Agreement with the Capturing Kids Hearts Program at a cost of $34,000.

In other business, the board approved the teacher assessment calendar. The dates are for the periods when teachers are observed by administrators evaluating their effectiveness in the classroom. 

The board approved a resolution designating Carol Taylor and/or Angela Luman as employees of the Wood County Tax Office to calculate the no-new tax rate and the voter approval tax rate in accordance with the Texas Tax Code.

Kari Wilson reported the district had collected 96.09% on school taxes.

The board also approved a budget amendment of an additional $1,000 for the new Daktronics scoreboard at Bud Moody Stadium.