The Italy School Board of Trustees held a lengthy meeting Thursday with a great deal of information and discussion packed into the evening.

In new business, the board extended the superintendent’s contract, approved the 2010/2011 financial audit and accepted the resignation of the athletic director.

Craig Bales, athletic director, turned in his resignation, effective at the end of June 2012.

Greg Shroshire, a representative from Patillo, Brown and Hill gave board members a synopsis regarding the 2010/2011 financial audit.

He said there were no significant internal deficiencies. He pointed out that all bank statements were not reconciled during the audit. He also recommended the board commit a significant portion of the fund balance to a specific project. 

A large, uncommitted fund balance could cause the state to cut a payment to the district. He suggested the uncommitted fund balance be about two-and-a-half to three months. He said the board cannot designate the money but they can commit the money toward a specific project.

Barry Bassett, superintendent, officially took over as superintendent July 1, 2011. His contract was extended through June 30, 2014.

After a great deal of discussion, the board approved the consent agenda – minutes from the Dec. 8 meeting, utility report, check register, monthly investment and cash position report and tax collections.

The district has received 34.21 percent of projected revenue and  expended 36.78 percent of projected expenditures.

During the open forum, Stacey Little of Ennis, a parent with three transfer students in the district, addressed the board about absenteeism. 

She said her kids were being threatened by school officials when they should have been negotiating with her about absenteeism. She said her child was asked to sign a contract saying she will be at school. She said a child cannot sign a legal contract. She said respect is a two-way street and if she and her children are not respected, then she doesn’t respect those in authority. She said her children like this district and felt she was putting the possibility of their return next year in jeopardy for speaking out.

Although not on the agenda, Bassett asked Lee Joffre, high school principal, to give a brief outline regarding the new STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness) tests that will be required for freshmen students and those in lower grades.

Joffre said testing is getting more difficult and the district is trying to get ahead of the curve. He said core teachers have begun training. He said they plan on implementing interventions for students in academic need.

Joffre presented a slide show with various math problems. One particular problem, now taught to third, fourth and fifth graders was required for 10th graders during TEAMS testing back in the 80s. Another math problem, now being taught to fourth, fifth and sixth graders, is required for tenth graders to pass the TAKS tests.

STAAR end of course testing accounts for 15 percent of a students’ grade in that class. Advanced is 100 percent, satisfactory is 90 percent and unsatisfactory is 68 percent and below.

He said the next three years will be a matrix puzzle as they phase out TAKS testing and implement STAAR but said they are doing what needs to be done for the transition. Joffre said teachers, administrators, kids and parents are going to be held accountable.

Cheryl Owen, school board member, said administrators appear to be on top of things despite what little information school districts have received from the state regarding the new testing program.

During the superintendent reports, Michael Chambers, maintenance, presented a brief computer overview of the dome HVAC project. He demonstrated how they can control the HVAC from the computer and get runtime reports on the various units.

He said this program can be extended to all HVAC units throughout both schools.

Current enrollment is 572 with 304 enrolled in Stafford Elementary and 268 enrolled at the high school. Average daily attendance as of January 19th is 96.56 percent.

Jason Miller, Stafford principal, briefly discussed the UIL elementary school contest held in December at Stafford. He said Erica Scott and Richard Harvel did an excellent job organizing the event. He added that six students, two from the fourth grade, two from the fifth grade and two from the sixth grade, will be competing in March at the Ellis County Science Fair in Ferris.

Speed Hamby discussed the need for a bus upgrade of some type. Currently, the district has nine busses – two of which are 17 and 21 years old. 

He said both buses were Carpenters and he said that company has been out of business since 1998 and said it is difficult to find parts. He recommended retiring these two buses.

There was a great deal of discussion between Mark Stiles, board member, and Hamby regarding refurbishing versus purchasing a new bus.

Stiles said he would have to see a report that detailed the cost per year to operate each bus and the cost per mile for each bus.

Hamby said the Ford Excursion has 115,000 miles on it and the ag truck, with 54,000 miles, are the only two vehicles that can pull a trailer. The Crown Victoria has more than 200,000 miles.

Tanya Snook, curriculum director, briefly outlined career and technology classes currently being offered at the district – marketing/business/finance, agriculture and human services.

Stiles said he wanted to see a report from both campuses regarding student-teacher ratio by grades and by subject.

Bassett said the first semester passing rate for the district was 97 percent.

He also indicated he would be attending the mid-winter conference.

Before adjourning, Elmerine Bell, local resident, told the board that Milford ISD is a recognized campus and that all students there spend at least one hour a day on the computer. She said, “Until this district gets up to snuff with technology, we are going to be behind.” She continued by stating that the district needs up-to-date computers because she said books are disappearing.

Although not on the agenda, Stiles questioned whether the district fed players at away games. He pointed out that the band booster club paid for band students who advanced in competition. 

Celeste Carroll, superintendent’s secretary, said the district provides meals for students who advance to play-off games in athletics.

Stiles said something needs to be done for UIL students who advance in competition as well.

The board adjourned into executive session about 9:30 p.m. but took no action following the meeting.