October Board Meeting Synopsis

The board congratulated and recognized several outstanding groups of students at the October board meeting. The first group recognition was the Mathis Middle School FFA program. Our 8th graders have been traveling and competing with a high level of success! The board then acknowledged the Mathis Middle School cross country 7th grade boys, 7th grade girls, and 8th grade boys teams. All three teams won the district cross country team meet and each team had the number one, first place finsher as well. Finally, we congratualted the Mathis High School cross country program, with the MHS girls team advancing beyond the district meet and one of the MHS boys advancing finished 4h place overall.

In October board business, the approved stipends for MMS FFA/Ag teacher and an Assistant Color guard position. In the Superintendent's report, we highlighted the great work our finance department has done to turn a deficit budget adoption into a positive contribution to the fund balance for furure projects. Other positive news, the marching band scored straight 1's (1-1-1) to advance to the area marching competition, parent and family engagment program is continuing amazing growth, MMS career fair had 26 booth participants to support student careers, and the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) submission shows a large number of teachers qualifying if the state approves the data.

Dr. White also shared a summary of curriculum, as there is some misunderstanding on the selection process. The state mandated schools could only adopt an approved curriculum. When curriculums were available for feedback, teachers, parents, and administrators gave feedback to the curriculum department. One major difference between the curriculum choices was support. While other curriculums lacked additional support, the Blubonnet curriculum came with coaching and PLC support for teachers and administrators (We use E3) and hard copies of content (workbooks and supplemental copies). This was funded by the state for districts using Bluebonnet curriculum via a grant - we get the money, but give it back for the support. The funds do not go into a general account for the school to use, but as a direct cost savings for the E3 training and hard copies of lessons and workbooks. The other curriculum had no support or cost savings for workbooks and content. The curriculum department selected Bluebonnet for K-5 and presented that choice to the board for approval. If you have any additional questions about curriculum process, feel free to reach out to Dr. White.