The Italy ISD Board of Trustees recognized Coach Kyle Holley as Employee of the Month at its monthly meeting held Tuesday evening.

Jimmie Malone, superintendent, presented Holley with a Wal-Mart gift card and apple.

He said Holley carried the boy’s basketball team to regional playoffs but said that there was much more than that behind this award. He said Holley taught science when needed by the district and is now teaching math.

Holley earned his Bachelor of Science and Education degree from Baylor University. He started teaching in 1991 at Hillsboro and then moved to Mt. Vernon. He coached at Italy from 1995 to 1997 when the boy’s basketball team won the state championship. Following his tenure in Italy, Holley taught at Tatum, Burleson and Kennedale before returning to his hometown to teach and coach again in 2003.

He also praised Holley’s efforts in initiating the Throw Back Night he established several years ago. He also thanked Holley’s wife, Kristi, who attended. He said a successful event, such as the Throw Back Night, has to have had a lot of “behind the scenes work” that was most likely done by his wife.

He again thanked Holley for all his efforts as educator and coach.

The board also accepted a $3,912 donation from Marty and Tina Haight designated for a Teacher Employee Appreciation Dinner. Malone said the catered dinner will be May 5, during the National Teacher Appreciation Week, at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

Following approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, Larry Eubanks, board president, announced five candidates are running for two seats on the board – Elmerine Bell, Marty Haight, Henry Harris, Russ Lewis and Cheryl Owen (incumbent). Ricky Boyd, the other school board member up for election, is not running for re-election.

During the financial discussion, Malone noted the district has realized 62.39% of its projected revenues and expended 53.91% of its expenses.

Speed Hamby, maintenance director, noted that a four-inch water line broke at the elementary school raising the water bill to $4,663.65 for the month. The previous year’s water bill had been $1,837.10.

During the superintendent reports, Malone said the current enrollment is 624 students. Refined average daily attendance is 585.77.

Malone also shared with the board the financial results from the Region 2, 1-A Boys Basketball Tournament. He explained that all four teams shared in the expenses and income. Italy’s share of the money generated totaled $932.49.

The superintendent explained the Texas Department of Health inspected the lunchroom in March and the district received high marks. He said there were no concerns, deficiencies or needed corrections.

Malone also praised Kelly Vernon, special education teacher at the high school. She is one of 17 teachers throughout 73 schools in Region X honored as a Shero.

The Shero Award highlights remarkable women who overcome extraordinary obstacles, Malone said. Vernon and the other 17 recipients will be honored Saturday with a reception at Region X.

The superintendent said the high school sent 40 students to Mexia Monday to compete in UIL competition. Eleven students qualified and advance to regional competition.

Following a lengthy discussion regarding the TRE money, the board instructed Malone to pursue upgrading the lighting, replace 32 HVAC units and repair roofs at both the high school and at Stafford. The goal is to have much of this work completed before the next school year begins.

The board also approved the seal bid sale of a 1971 John Deere 850 tractor and mower. Hamby said the tractor has hydraulic problems. Malone requested a 1991 International bus as surplus property. The board, instead, instructed Malone to see if the Texas Department of Corrections in Palestine could refurbish the bus.

Following a two-hour executive session, the board approved all teacher contracts for 2009-2010 as recommended by the principals on both campuses.

The board’s next meeting is set for Monday, April 20.