By Andy Sevilla
From an award winning student-cooked meal, to a choral performance and special video tribute, Hays CISD School Board members were thanked Monday for their service to the district.
January is School Board Recognition Month and Hays CISD at its Jan. 26 meeting joined other districts across the state in thanking elected officials for their service.
“Even though we are making a special effort in January to show appreciation to our board members, we realized their many contributions reflect a year-round commitment,” Hays Superintendent Mike McKie said.
“They generously give of themselves to ensure that decisions directly affecting our local schools are made by representatives of this community, people who are close to our schools and know our teachers, parents, and students,” McKie continued.
The elected officials also were treated to a meal prepared by Wallace Middle School’s student chef Brandon Scawthorn.
Carpenter Hill Elementary students also thanked the board through song. Teacher Heather Russell’s class sang a song thanking the board for their service and it was broadcasted at the board meeting through YouTube.
Hays school board members are responsible for an annual general operating budget of nearly $131 million, including 2,400 employees at 22 campuses, and various district operations implemented to provide education for 18,000 students.
“As elected officials, they are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of Texas school children,” McKie said.
Robert Limon serves as this year’s Hays CISD board president, Holly Raymond is the board’s vice president, Sandra Bryant serves as secretary, and Teresa Tobias, Willie Tenorio, Merideth Keller and Marty Kanetzky complete the membership.
Most recently, board members have hired high-ranking staff, tackled a months-long salary adjustment for district school counselors, and will deliberate further compensation adjustments for all district faculty and staff.
Under the present board’s leadership, the district reached a record 18,000 students, voters approved a $55 million bond, and construction on a new elementary school is underway.
The school board members are elected officials who serve three-year staggered terms. This year, Limon and Raymond are up for reelection in May. Filing begins Jan. 28.
