The Quitman Independent School District sees itself on solid financial footing and is looking to invest in its future.

That future was represented by elementary students Natalie Netherland and Christopher Plata, who led the pledge of allegiance before the regular meeting Monday evening. High school students Diego Osornio-Rios and Christian Adamson were recognized by Principal Justin Coward for their academic excellence.

Brittany Emerson’s health science students gave a presentation on their coursework and training toward certification as pharmacy technicians. Dakota Coleman, Karli Coward, Carley Spears and Meadow King overviewed federal laws, pharmacy calculations and testing they are learning in addition to how a pharmacy runs. They will take a certification exam in April.

Emerson said six of the eight program’s students of the class of 2021 are now employed as pharmacy techs.

She said Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn took an interest in the programs and was encouraged by a recent meeting with Jared Smith, CEO of UT Health Hospital in Quitman, learning of certifications such as patient care technician, which she hopes to add to the program.

The students presented all attendees with chap stick they had made, a practical component of their training, working in a sterile environment.

A clean 2021 financial audit was presented to the board by Robert Lake, representing Rutherford and Taylor.

Lake concurred with Superintendent Rhonda Turner that “the numbers are good.”

No material weaknesses or compliance issues were found in the audit.

Lake described the availability of government funds in the wake of COVID as “not unlimited, but abundant,” but cautioned to be on the lookout for changes from the Texas Education Agency.

The district spent 52% of its budget on instruction. That’s good, since they are “in the education business,” said Lake. QISD’s largest liability is professional development, with 10% of instructors’ salaries earned in August, when much of this occurs.

Board president Jeremy Smith asked, “We’re in good financial shape and have the right people in the right places?”

Lake responded, “No doubt.”

The financial audit was approved unanimously.