The Quitman ISD board voted on Monday night to approve an engineering grant invoice for $42,000. The money goes to cover the cost of writing grants, which helped to ensure that the school received a greater funding grant in the amount of more than $368,000. The overall grant will cover the cost of advanced technology, work stations and much more.

“(This grant) will impact our school tremendously with their new program of study,” said Melissa Coats, director of federal and special programs, who presented the discussion on the grant invoice.

The Top Dog Award was given to Liberty Methodist Church for its efforts to support students and the school at large. The church, through an in-house group called “Crafty Christians,” organized an annual fall bazaar; their entire proceeds went to support QISD.

“Today we are proud to hand over a check for over $5,000, to assist Quitman students in need, and at risk, (who) attend a school district that is committed to providing a positive education experience for every student, every chance, every day,” said church member Anita Nance.

Student Brayson Gregg shared a story he had written with the board via oral presentation. Student leader Isabelle Colson also came in to discuss her experience on the student leadership council. Pledges were given by senior students Katie De Gorostiza and Jayden Markham.

The board passed a motion to present a letter to the SHAC committee regarding a summer feeding waiver. According to presenter Shannon Almand, only 15 meals were claimed during the entire month of June last year – a trend that Almand said kept up through the entire summer. Due to low interest, then, the school voted instead to defer potential clients to other summer food giveaway options such as Mineola ISD or First United Methodist Church of Quitman.

Mason noted that there are “not a lot of facilities stuff going on right now.” However, he noted that “we are fighting some mice at our elementary (school)” using “fancy technology.”

While it was not an action item, the board discussed beefing up compliance regulations for Senate Bill 1893, which outlines what can be accessed and allowed on school networks. Mason noted that TikTok had been banned under the 2023 bill.

The board also approved several interlocal agreements and a pay resolution to cover pay for hourly/non-exempt foodservice employees who were affected by the Quitman water line break/boil water notice., which closed schools Oct. 28-29.