In recognition for the sea-change of improvements by the Panther Band over the past two years, and specifically over the current scholastic year, the Alba-Golden School Board unanimously approved $24,700 for new uniforms and $120,000 to be designated from the fund balance for new musical instruments. The actions were taken at Monday’s board meeting. 

In addition to improvements within the music department, the board was also briefed on a host of other successes at the school this spring. Three marksmen from the Shooting Club will be headed to state, while three two-man fishing teams will be competing this weekend at the regional tournament at Lake Palestine. The One-Act Play reached regional competition again this year. 

In UIL academics, Jose Villeda will be competing at state in persuasive speaking. Thirty-five FFA members garnered a number of awards at the recent Wood County Livestock Show. The baseball and softball teams are in the playoffs, and Alba-Golden will be well-represented at the regional track meet this week. 

The board recognized Stella George, future veterinarian and present shortstop, as the elementary school student of the month. Sixth-grader Logan Melton who hopes “to be an electrician just like my dad,” and future nurse freshman Hannah Daniels were introduced as the secondary school students of the month.  

Math teacher Cara Gibson and art teacher Stephanie White garnered recognition as the employees of the month for the elementary and secondary schools, respectively. 

Resident Brandi Varner spoke at the public forum commenting on safety challenges in the district. She also directed the board’s attention to the Texas School Marshal Program and requested that the district investigate grants available through the program.

Alba-Golden graduation ceremony has been set Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Tyler Junior College’s Wagstaff Gymnasium. 

Other actions taken by the board included approval of a teacher contract for Teri Bedford who had been administratively left off the previous group approval. Resignations for Hannah Ellis, David Hale, Daniel Osborn, Gary Parrish, Mary Walker and Troy Wallace were approved. 

The board approved Wanda Gaby as an election judge and Annette Chaney, Jennifer Wigington and Marci Wood as early voting workers. Casey Bohannan, Phyllis Harding-Nichols and Pam Hass were approved as election workers May 2. 

Monday May 11 at 7 a.m. was set as a special board meeting for the purpose of canvassing the May election votes. 

The board approved Rutherford Taylor and Company of Greenville as the financial auditors for the 2025-26 school year.

The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, May 21. 

Trustees Brad Lennon and Mike Ragsdale were absent.