The Italy ISD School Board met on Thursday afternoon with a quorom and made a big decision. Superintendent Barry Bassett introduced the proposal to co-op with the Red Oak ISD and their food program. In fact, Red Oak is interested in partnering with other ISDs as well.

Mr. Bassett explained Italy ISD brought in a food consultant and an internal audit was completed looking at all programs, including custodial, athletic costs and food. After this was completed, the Board discussed how the school could improve the food service and save money and the Red Oak co-op was a logical choice. The proposal was looked over by Italy ISD’s lawyer and Red Oak ISD’s lawyer and all was taken under consideration with both lawyers agreeing with the contract.

“The Co-op is not interested in making revenue just breaking even,” Bassett said. With the suggestion there is “power in numbers,” there would be overall improvement with reduced overhead costs. The suggested time frame in the contract would be January 2012 through July 2013, with a recommendation that time frame could be changed with a 30 day notice by either party.

Red Oak would be responsible for repair and equipment costs up to the first $1000 and Italy ISD would be responsible for any invoices incurred after that amount. The food service employees would actually be working for Red Oak ISD. After lengthy discussion from the Board, Mark Stiles made the motion to a approve the food service agreement with Red Oak ISD and Cheryl Owen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. New cafeteria tables have already been ordered by Italy ISD and should be arriving soon, which will also change the scenery of the lunchroom. The co-op contract will begin immediately and in full force by January. The Board can expect to see changes in all areas of food service by then.

The Board commented positively on a new program that Lee Joffre developed, which includes incentives for certain high school students. A recommendation of amending the budget was put into motion to include this program by Paul Cockerham, seconded by Mark Stiles. The Board carried the motion. IPads for this program earlier in the year were donated by Mark Stiles.

Larry Eubank, School Board President, recognized Stafford Elementary for hosting the first UIL event, which was deemed successful. Mr. Bassett complimented staff and students from both schools for a well run event, especially with an extra 200 children in the building.

The Board voted and unanimously approved the financial statement, check register and administrative reports as of the end of November.

Eubank also announced the required service credit hours accumulated by each board member with 8 hours being the minimum, including Paul Cockerham with 23 1/4 hours, John Mathers 22 hours, Mark Stiles 23.25 hours, Cheryl Owens 15.25 hours, Curtis Riddle 9 hours, Marty Haight 12 hours and Larry Eubank 21 hours. “Everyone is over the minimum amount and shows commitment—a job well done by the Board.” The Board also presented gifts to all members. A book by Stephen Covy, The Speed of Trust.

New business included voting on Update 91, which includes local policy recommendations. After discussion John Mathers made a motion to approve Update 91 as presented and Paul Cockerham seconded with a unanimous vote to approve.

Eubank announced the high school will be hosting a Christmas Concert by the Italy High School Gladiator Regiment Band on Dec 15th at 6:30pm in the dome and all are invited.

The Board went into Executive Session and dismissed immediately afterwards.