The Italy School Board of Directors approved a 2010-2011 school calendar at its monthly meeting held Monday evening.
 
Jimmie Malone, superintendent, brought the proposed calendar which had been approved by a district committee.
 
The calendar has school starting for students on Monday, Aug. 23 with mid-terms completed prior to the holiday break in December. Malone said this gives students closure before Christmas.
 
He said the state prohibits school starting before Aug. 23 and there must be 180 instructional days. The final day of school, with the exception of flex days, is Friday, June 3.
 
The superintendent said 14 students are participating in 16 UIL events this weekend at Regional competition in Nacogdoches. He praised the large number of students qualifying that will be representing the district. Sharan Farmer, librarian, is coordinator for the event.
 
The board also approved resignation of staff members – Carolyn Maevers, Matt Coker and Dana Hamby.
 
Malone told Maevers, who was in attendance, that he and the board appreciated her 14 years of service as elementary school principal with the district.
 
“You have made an investment in the lives of many kids and I wish you well,” he said. “Good luck to you.”
 
Maevers, who has been in the teaching profession for the past 36 years, said the past 14 years have been great years. “There were some rough days, but they were great years,” she added.
 
Maevers was at the meeting to support Jeanette Janek who was April’s Employee of the Month.
 
Malone said Janek, mother of four sons, earned her Master’s degree at Texas A&M at Commerce.
 
He said, “You keep students working hard. You insist on excellence. You inspire them. You are a team player.”
 
Maevers said other teachers have said they want to be like Janek. The principal added, “She can reach kids no one else can reach.”
 
In other business, the board approved a $17,419.90 donation from Tina Haight to the school district for white board projectors.
 
Malone said they had originally planned to purchase the projectors for all grade levels at Stafford Elementary. With this donation, Malone explained that every classroom at Stafford and the high school will be equipped with white board projectors.
 
He said an electrician is currently wiring 10 Stafford classrooms for projectors.
 
White board projectors allow a teacher to project onto the wall what is on the computer screen. They will eventually become interactive with students, the superintendent explained.
 
Haight also made a $4,000-plus donation toward a student council trip and a $1,000 donation to FCCLA.
 
Malone said Mark Stiles made a $1,000 to the band program for travel expenses.
 
During financial reports, Monica Boyd, business manager, said the district has realized 68.59% of projected revenues and has expended 62.25% of its expenses.
 
The board approved all financial reports as presented.
 
During his report, Malone said he has worked a deal with Baylor Sports Care that will have a certified athletic trainer on site at all varsity football games held in Italy. The cost is $100 per game. He explained that if a student is injured on Friday night, can be seen by a doctor on Saturday, if needed, at no additional charge.
 
He said this is critical as the school advances into 2A district competition.
 
The board approved to continue student athletic insurance coverage with Texas Kids First Provider Network.
 
Malone said fees remain at the same rate as the 2009-2010 school year.  He added that they pay in a timely manner noting that he received no complaints concerning them thus far.
 
Current student enrollment is at 639 students with refined average daily attendance at 590.
 
In a brief preliminary review from the Ellis County Appraisal District, Malone said most Ellis County properties are decreasing in value. He said values will not be certified by the Appraisal District until July 31.
 
The board also approved minutes of the March meeting, approved a budget amendment and discussed an upcoming Texas Association of School Board training in Fort Worth.
 
The board took no action following a brief executive session.
 
The next school board meeting is set for May 17.