The Italy School Board heard preliminary TAKS results from Tanya Parker, high school principal, at its monthly meeting held Monday evening.
 
The preliminary summary for all elementary grades is 90.2 in reading and 85 in math. The overall score for the junior high/high school is 94.4 in reading, 84 in math, 78.6 in science and 94.6 in social studies.
 
The principal said these early results showed significant growth on both campuses. She said, “I am incredibly proud of our students and faculty.”
 
Parker told the board that several factors contributed to the increase scores at the high school. They included the flex days, TKO, a structured TAKS plan, benchmarks, use of an A+ (software program) lab, prescriptive instruction and relationship building.
 
She plans to continue the same criteria in 2010-2011 with an increased focus on math and science, an increase in benchmark data and the addition of A+ in all classrooms.
 
Jimmie Malone, superintendent, reported that the district received a preliminary financial integrity report for 2010. The district earned 75 of 80 possible points.
 
Malone said the district would receive a final report in July. “This is a very favorable report,” he added.
 
Peyton Day addressed the board concerning an employee no longer with the district.
 
Malone explained that the public may not single out a district employee in open session.
 
Day praised the employee saying the employee only improved the district while employed with the ISD.
 
Malone gave the final enrollment and average daily attendance for the school year – 640 total students with 348 students at Stafford Elementary and 292 students at the junior high/high school. The refined ADA is 592.5.
 
Malone said he received two bids for a 1994 International school bus. They accepted a bid from Flip N Out Academy of Pearland for $2,000. Curtis Riddle voted against the acceptance.
 
Malone said the bus has 140,000 miles, has transmission issues, problems with the front-end suspension, needs new tires, brakes and has no air conditioner.
 
He said they are additionally trying to get rid of steel lockers, two exhaust fans, an 850 tractor/mower and custodial equipment. The district received no bids for the items.
 
During financial reports, Monica Boyd, business manager, said the district has received 77.48 % of projected revenues and spent 78.52% of estimated expenses.
 
As of May 31, the district reflected a cash position of $2,725,688 with $1,505,653 in general operating, $140,234 in interest and sinking, $5,296 in payroll clearing fund, $51,863 in student activity funds, $517,807 in a money market account and $504,835 in a certificate of deposit.
 
The board also approved board-meeting dates for 2010-2011, minutes of the previous two meetings and accepted the resignation of Brandy Hamilton. They also approved the Ellis County Appraisal District proposed operating budget for 2011 and approved Region 10 services at a cost of $5,906.47.
 
The board adjourned into executive session but took no action.
 
A special called meeting is set for Thursday, June 24, to hire an elementary principal and high school counselor.