Quitman ISD will add a new vehicle to its bus fleet after the school board unanimously approved the purchase at its meeting last week. The district also accepted three donations.
Assistant Superintendent Bryan Hurst presented information on the costs of repairing and replacing the motor in a used bus to return it to daily service. The board determined purchasing a new bus would be more cost-effective in the long run.
The board approved $155,082 for the purchase on a 5-0 vote. Board members Royce Patterson and Todd Williams were absent.
Superintendent Chris Mason announced three donations to the district, including $49,483 from First National Bank of East Texas to pay for a scoreboard at the new baseball facility. Rural Technology donated $1,018 for the elementary STEM program, and G&S Sales donated $310 in supplies used to make senior signs.
Nicole Cornish reviewed the district’s state accountability ratings. Quitman ISD received a B overall, with the junior high and high school each receiving B ratings and the elementary school receiving a C.
Cornish also discussed efforts underway at each campus to address areas needing improvement.
Under the Texas A-F accountability system, a B indicates recognized performance in areas including student achievement, school progress and closing achievement gaps.
“We are proud of what we achieved together and are committed to building on this momentum as we continue to grow and strive for excellence,” Mason said.
Among Wood County school districts, Quitman, Mineola, Winnsboro and Alba-Golden received B ratings, while Yantis and Hawkins received C ratings.
The board also approved funding for new flooring at the elementary school. New tile will be installed throughout the older and newer sections of the campus, with the exception of the library, which is carpeted.
In his superintendent’s report, Mason said district enrollment stood at 1,125 and updated the board on construction projects financed through the district’s bond program.
“The baseball field is looking really good and should be close to being done by November,” Mason said.
The new baseball facility is located behind the school and south of the softball field. The press box is in place, the framework for the outfield fence has been installed, and work is continuing on the batting cages and dugouts.
Mason also reported that teacher certification is nearing completion for two teachers.
Representatives of the Quitman ISD custodial team received the district’s Top Dog Award for September. Mason recognized the team for its work throughout the year.
Students from Quitman Junior High School and Quitman Elementary School also participated in the meeting. Junior high students led the pledges at the beginning of the meeting, while elementary students presented their work in the PAWS program.