The Italy School Board of Directors held a special called meeting Monday evening to discuss the school’s overall Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the 2007-2008 district year.

Monica Boyd, business manager, said the Italy ISD scored 80 out of 85 to earn a superior achievement rating. She indicated the failure to have a three-month fund balance, at that time, lowered the rating.

The available rankings were Superior Achievement, 75-85; Above Standard Achievement, 65-74; Standard Achievement 55-64; and Substandard Achievement, below 55.

Jimmie Malone, superintendent, said 907 schools out of 1,100-plus in the State of Texas met the standard achievement or above and 212 received a substandard ranking.

There were no comments from the public.

Following the called meeting, the board immediately adjourned into regular session.

Malone recognized Eric Wilson as Employee of the Month for September. He said Wilson has been with the district for about one year as business education instructor and yearbook sponsor.

Wilson earned his BA from UTA and his MBA in 2003 from Amberton University in Garland. Malone said he met Wilson last year at a Dallas job fair.

“Mr. Wilson is a good role model and has made quite an impact with the kids on the junior high and high school level.” Malone continued, “You are very consistent and persistent with classroom rules. I appreciate your service and am glad you are here with us.”

Wilson, in attendance with his wife and two children, accepted a ceramic apple and Wal-Mart gift card.

The board also acknowledged donations to the district from three different individuals.

Malone said Diego Garcia with Citizens National Bank now has a Gladiator debit card for its customers. Each time the debit card is used, the district receives a rebate. The bank will make its initial donation of $1,500 at the pre-game Friday night.

The second donation of $100 is for the cheerleaders from Gary Wood.

The third donation of $8,000 is from Tina Haight. The totals break down to $3,000 for the junior high/high school cheerleaders, $2,500 for the Stafford book fair and $2,500 for the junior high boys and girls basketball meals and transportation.

Malone also presented the board with the UIL Academic trophy from last spring. He explained that Italy received the overall runner-up ranking of 13 school districts.

During the consent agenda, the board approved minutes of the Aug. 17 meeting and accepted the resignation of Elizabeth Evans, staff member.

Tommy Morrison, board member, said he and others with the district recently attended a North Texas School Board Association meeting regarding stimulus money. The frustration, he indicated, is that nobody knows when to expect it or exactly how much stimulus money to expect.

Regarding financial reports, Boyd indicated the district currently has a cash position of $2.3 million; revenues are at 100.93% and expenditures are at 99.45% per the end of August.

Current student enrollment as of Sept. 16 is 627 students with refined average daily attendance at 591.79.

Malone added that computer labs on both campuses are now connected with Sky Beam, a high-speed internet service. He explained that an intensive training session for A-Plus Software is set for Oct. 12.

The board took no action regarding the 2010-2011 Board of Directors for the Ellis Appraisal District.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19. A workshop for the district goals will begin at 6 p.m.