The Italy School Board of Trustees unanimously approved a one-time pay incentive for teachers and employees at its monthly meeting held Monday evening.

The board included a pay increase in the 2012/2013 fiscal year budget and adopted, at the meeting, a one-time lump sum pay increase to be paid in accordance with a pay plan as recommended by Barry Bassett, superintendent.

The purpose for this increase is meant to demonstrate the board’s support for the employees as well as enhancing employee morale and supporting the retention of employees.

The board also approved an instructional materials allotment and TEKS certification.

During the open forum, Dustie Jones complained about several items at both campuses. She labeled the high school website as “crap.” She said she was frustrated because her daughter missed the registration date for SAT testing. She said there is a major lack of communication, especially to the seniors. She also complained that all students did not pay the $15 fee to drive to school. She said she drove through the parking lot and knows there are several vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers.

Jones also complained about the tardy and absentee policy at Stafford Elementary. She said it does not concur with the TEA and the Attorney General’s opinion. She also has an issue with school starting before 8 a.m.

During the administrative report, Leatha Mullins with TexServe updated the trustees about school technology.

She explained about updates that have been made as well as technological advances they are making on both campuses, including revamping the school website. She also discussed the possibility of purchasing Android tablets for students in lieu of I-Pads. Mullins also mentioned several areas that are being corrected in technology noting that some things were improperly installed.

Bassett praised TexServe and their staff noting the professionalism they bring to the IT department.

Bassett also gave board members a transportation report prepared by Speed Hamby, maintenance director.

Mark Stiles complained about the report saying that it doesn’t have the year or the mileage and volunteered to show Hamby how to prepare the report. He said this report was not a helpful tool.

During the attendance report, Bassett said the principals are trying to do exit interviews so the district can figure out why students are leaving.

Stiles asked why this was not being done consistently.

Lee Joffre, high school principal, said he is not always available when someone checks their child out of school but said he would make an effort to contact the family via telephone should he not be able to talk with them at checkout.

Joffre said he is adding perfect attendance incentives for both the fall and spring semesters for the junior high/high school campus.

Myla Wilson, elementary school principal, said there will be a family picnic for pre-kindergarten through second grade students on Sept. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the school playground. A picnic for the third through sixth graders is scheduled Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Stiles asked Wilson about supplies for the teachers and whether teachers are required to purchase their own copy paper and a particular book. He said teachers were afraid to complain to the board for fear of retaliation. He said he was confronted by an elementary school teacher at the football concession stand Friday night. The principal denied the claims but it turned into a verbal exchange between the two.

Natasha Blackburn, business manager, said the previous elementary principal had ordered and received 80 cases of copy paper. She said there was no reason for teachers to purchase their own copy paper.

During approval of the consent agenda, Stiles complained because the school had not changed auditing firms. Bassett explained that the firm had already begun working when they discussed changing firms. Blackburn said the district should go out for bids in January for new auditors but the district was unable to change when it was discussed at a recent school board meeting.

Stiles was also unhappy with the electrical comparison chart the district prepared. He said the report indicated a 30% savings in kilowatt hours used but wanted to know the financial savings.

The minutes from the August meeting were approved with a correction and financial reports were approved. Blackburn said the district carried over about $700,000 from the 2011/2012 school year.