Two new school board members — Sal Ramirez and Ida Overton — were sworn in Monday evening at the monthly meeting of the Italy School Board of Trustees. Larry Eubank, incumbent, was also sworn in as trustee.

Curtis Riddle and Jon Mathers bid farewell and were presented gifts as they left their seats on the board. Neither of the men opted to run when their terms expired this time.

Mathers, a three-year trustee, was given a clock. Eubank jokingly said he was late most of the time and was always ready to go before he got there. He was also presented with a glass plaque. Riddle, a six-year trustee, was given food. Eubank said Riddle always complained about chicken being served at all gatherings, so they presented him with two steaks as well as a glass plaque.

The trustees elected new officers for the 2013/2014 school year. Paul Cockerham was unanimously chosen school board president, Cheryl Owen was elected vice-president and Russ Lewis was named secretary.

A new high school counselor and librarian were hired Monday evening by school board.

Erica Miller, band director, was approved unanimously as the new counselor and Cassie Joffre was unanimously hired as school librarian following an executive session that lasted more than an hour.

The trustees also hired Grace Schweitzer as a science teacher.

They group authorized the purchase of a new 71 passenger Blue Bird school bus, a Suburban and a Chevrolet Impala. Natasha Blackburn, business administrator, said this $150,000 transportation package will be taken from the school’s fund balance.

Additionally, they authorized Bassett to purchase science tables for two labs not to exceed $25,000 and the approved the restructuring of a copier contract with Xerox.

Bassett briefly discussed the district’s facilities assessment summary done by TASB earlier in the school year.

Mark Stiles, school board member, said there were several issues that need to be addressed.

Blackburn said the district maintains the facilities throughout the year and said the bulk of the work is done during the summer.

During student recognition, the trustees recognized the female students who recently competed at State UIL Track and Field competition. Coach Hank Hollywood praised Kortnei Johnson who won first place in two races. Despite facing a severe bronchitis attack, he said Johnson broke not only one, but two, state track records – 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash. He also introduced Ryisha Copeland, Kendra Copeland and Halee Turner – members of the 4×100 Relay who also participated and placed in state competition with Johnson.

Current enrollment as of May 17 was 516 – 272 students at Stafford Elementary and 244 students at the junior high/high school. Trustees also approved minutes from the previous meeting, tax collections and financial statements.