The Italy School Board of Trustees learned Monday evening that the school’s benchmark TAKS scores taken in November were rather low.

“We didn’t do real well,” Charlie Williams, interim superintendent, told the board.

He said there were scores around the 50 percent mark. He did remind the board that students take tests on things they have not been taught.

Williams did give the board some good news. He said there is a software program entitled Eduphoria, which identifies not only the weaknesses but also what area the teacher should focus on. It also calculates teacher evaluation.

The superintendent said this software was in place in the district but was not working. He contacted Region X and the program was working the next day.

Marty Haight, board member, asked Williams if there could not be additional benchmark tests.

Williams said many of the educators complain that they spend too much time testing and not teaching.

Tommy Morrison, board member, asked if they could move benchmark testing from November to January or February.

Board President Cheryl Owen said the district should focus on the seniors that have not passed all the TAKS. She said the district should make sure these kids walk across the stage at graduation rather than crying with the student and parents in March or April.

Curtis Riddle, board member, said this district must step it up pointing out that “teachers and principals need to be held accountable.”

Owen suggested the district contact other school districts that are recognized or exemplary year after year.

Williams said he has contacted a principal that has been exemplary year after year. That principal has agreed to meet with the elementary principal and discuss the things that make them successful. He said that school’s demographics are similar to those of the Italy district.

Williams said he doesn’t see teachers slacking, noting that when he walks down the halls at Stafford Elementary and the high school, that he sees instruction going on.

Owen said she wants people to know that the board cares.

Haight told Williams that he was not picking on him but said they trusted the teachers and administrators to get the job done last year. He said the board does not need more of the “same ol’, same ol’.” He added that this was one tradition this district needs to change.

Larry Eubanks, board member, said this Eduphoria software should benefit the teachers and the principals to pinpoint students needing extra attention and problem areas.

Haight said he would like to see the principals come back to the school board meetings to answer board questions.

In other business, the superintendent outlined the process for a superintendent search.

He said there are search firms that assist in profiling what the district needs in a superintendent. They will talk to the school board, local educators and residents. Once the school board sets the profile, the firm will publicize the position, accept resumes and narrow the field to the number of applicants the board wants to interview. The firm will also check references.

Estimated cost for these search firms is around $5,000 or $6,000. The board agreed to interview three firms on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

The board also approved a resolution to designate $1 million for expansion and renovation of facilities upon the recommendation from the auditor.

Williams explained that this designation is often passed when budgets are approved.

The state recommends school districts keep a three-month fund balance on hand. The board needs to designate anything over that amount. The board can change this designation at any time.

Additionally, the board also approved the hiring of a Title I math teacher for the remainder of the school year at the elementary school.

Williams said math and science are the most critical areas for students. He indicated math is an important subject to focus on.

The board also approved hiring Lacey Reavis as a long-term substitute.

The district hired Reavis, a certified teacher, to teach kindergarten until the teacher she is replacing recovers from a medical issue. Williams said there is a possibility the teacher might be out for the remainder of the school year.

The superintendent named Laticia Galvan as employee of the month. Galvan, a physical education aide at the elementary school, received a gift certificate and apple.

Williams announced that someone anonymously donated $1,000 to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The board gave Williams authority to dispose of unused surplus equipment.

They approved the financial reports, minutes of the Oct. 19 meeting and the designation of Williams as District 15AA baseball chair. They also discussed upcoming school board training seminars.