The Italy School Board of Trustees held an hour-and-a-half long work session with Rick Cohagan Monday evening in their search for a new superintendent.

Cohagan, an Italy High School graduate, presented board members with an outline to advertise for the position.

He sought their opinion of the district’s strengths and weaknesses.

Some of the strengths they mentioned include having a strong base of devoted teachers, financial stability, extra-curricular activities and adequate facilities.

The TAKS scores topped the board’s list of weaknesses. Other weaknesses noted were lack of discipline, lack of leadership, loss of loyalty, non-performing teachers and not meeting the needs of the students.

A few of the qualities the board members are seeking in a superintendent include strong leadership skills, curriculum/testing scores, honesty, a good communicator and someone with financial training.

Interim superintendent Charles Williams told the board, “You have things in place to have a successful school district. You all want the same things – the best education for the children.”

In other business, the board authorized Jim Brooks of Southwest Securities to investigate the possibility of refinancing the school bonds at a lower interest rate.

The gymnasium, built in 2000, was financed with school bonds at a 5.5 percent interest rate. The payoff date is currently 2025.

Brooks presented members with three scenarios that provided between 3 to 14 percent savings over the remainder of the loan. He said the district had the opportunity to refinance in August of 2010.

During the financial portion of the meeting, Lindsey Faykus from Patillo, Brown and Hill presented a brief auditing report.

She praised the district saying there were “no disagreements with management.” Additionally, the district added half a million dollars into savings.

Williams introduced Marilyn Brair-Siedlitz as Employee of the Month.

He said this teacher received high praise from the principal for dedication to always being there and doing her job with a smile. She received a ceramic apple and a gift card.

In other business, Williams announced the continuing education hours for board members – Paul Cockerham, 12.5 hours; Larry Eubank, 12.5; Marty Haight, 15.5; Jon Mathers, 10 hours; Tommy Morrison, 9.5 hours; Cheryl Owen, 15 hours; and Curtis Riddle, 15 hours.

Owen said new members are required to obtain 13 hours of continuing education and veterans are required to receive eight hours. She said board members have until May to complete their training.

Williams told board members that Mark Stiles donated $2,500 to the band program.

He said the district has gone a long way in getting instruments for the sixth grade.

Current student enrollment, Williams said, is 594, a drop of 45 students since the same time last year. Current average daily attendance is 96.48 percent.

The board also approved financial reports, minutes from the Nov. 30 meeting and three budget amendments.

Prior to adjournment, Owen thanked Monica Boyd, business manager, for her 16 ½ years of service to the district.

Boyd has accepted a position at Region X in Richardson and her last day with the district is Friday.