Bonham, TX -- A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held March 25, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Bonham ISD Administration Center, 1005 Chestnut Street, Bonham, TX 75418.
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Board President Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Myles Galyon gave the invocation. The pledge of allegiance to the US and Texas flags was led by kindergarten students at Finley-Oates Elementary, including: Jace Hubbard, Sawyer Recer, Taylor Anderson, Azlyn Esquivel, Noah (Ezekiel) Brooks, JillanaToledo, Elijah Mathenia, Elizabeth Rosales, Cannyn Parsons, Hailey Brophy, Riley Kowal, Macen Nall, John Cobb, Fernando Cruz, Zoe Meza, Judd Williams, Kylie Shelton, Kayli Clement, Abby Hill, Graeson Sparks, Parker Gilbreath, Noel Harris, Jaxon Odum, Clara Sears, Jayla Linley, Martin Garcia, Ivan Gutierrez, Adan Longoira, Zion Zubia, Embrie Williams, Kenna Atkins, and Josie Johnson.
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Warrior Talk
Sean Floyd praised the choir for doing well and earning a silver medal at their competition in Florida. He also stated that baseball and softball are doing well. Myles Galyon said he echoed the comments about baseball and softball and added that the powerlifters did well this year too. LaTonia Arris praised Coach Dills for his 100th state qualifier in powerlifting. Chance Roberts said he agreed with all of the praise for athletics. Roberts also added that FFA wrapped up their season and that there lots of activities in district. Roberts also read a thank you note the board received.
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Employee and Student Recognition:
Finley-Oates Paraprofessional of the Month is Kelly Royse. Mary Lou Fox remarked that Royse “bleeds purple” and is a good person who is always looking for ways to help the community. Royse is active in Rotary, BEDCO, the Children’s Center and has helped with school bond elections. Fox stated that Royse acts like we are doing her a favor for her to work with us, is a joy to be around and truly loves the kids.
Finley-Oates Professional of the Month is Susan Campbell, Fox described her as one of most positive people she knows who is always looking for best in people. One of Campbell’s co-workers noted that Campbell understands significant relationships are needed with students in order for significant learning to occur. Fox said Campbell is always working to reach her students.
Camden Abbott is the Finley-Oates Student of the Month. Fox said Abbott enjoys cooking with his mom and working in the yard with his dad. His favorite part of school is his teachers and classmates. Abbott is always working hard and helping friends.
Ryllie Sampson is the I.W. Evans Student of the Month. She is the youngest in her family.
Her favorite thing about IW Evans is that the teachers are kind and teach the students to be kind. Sampson is a 6th grader who loves reading. When asked what being a Bonham Purple Warrior means to her, Sampson said “Courageous, kind and follow the Golden Rule.” Evans Principal Karli Fowler described Sampson as reliable, kind and hard working.
Grace McGregor is the L.H. Rather Student of the Month. Rather Principal Meghan Weaver reported that McGregor was so excited to learn she won this honor and then later was very disappointed that she could not attend the meeting to accept her award. Weaver encouraged everyone to watch the video of McGregor, as her excitement was contagious.
Brandon Tejeda is one of the Bonham High School Seniors of the Month. Tejeda’s future plans is to become an electrician and he has already started his apprenticeship. Principal James Branham described Tejeda as caring, compassionate and someone who exudes kindness. Tejeda has attended Bonham schools his whole life and when asked what being a Bonham Purple Warrior means to him, he said in one word: "Pride." Tejeda elaborated and said it is also where you come from and where you are. Tejeda thanked the board and remarked that he was surprised to learn that the board volunteers their time.
Kaitlyn Capehart is the other Bonham High School Seniors of the Month. Capehart plays volleyball and shortstop on the softball team. She was recently named the Player of the Week for her achievements on the softball field. Branham said her smile is contagious and she takes pride in all she does. Her future plans are to become an anesthesiologist. Capehart was unable to attend the meeting and Branham remarked that he was going to try to get her to next month’s meeting to accept her award.
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Public Comment
Mr. and Mrs. Goodson and Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore came to the board with questions regarding lone finalist for the superintendent position, Dr. Joy Wilson.
Roberts stated that the board could only respond with statements of fact due to Open Meetings Act. He said that the state law requires a 21-day waiting period once the lone finalist is named to allow the community to ask questions. He said it is the board’s role to select new superintendent. He stated that the school will issue a statement to respond to questions. Roberts also said that transformational change leadership is the model that Bonham ISD has been using since Trompler became superintendent about six years ago. He offered to share written materials to anyone who wanted to learn more about it.
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Board approved the consent agenda, which included approval of meeting minutes, approval of tax credits, supplements and delinquent tax collection for February, approval of financial statements and bills payable for February, approval of budget changes and amendments and approval of instructional materials.
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Board accepted written reports to the board from Assistant Superintendent, Chief Operations Officer, Director of Child Nutrition, Boys Athletic Director, Girls Athletic Director, Bailey Inglish Principal, Finley-Oates Principal, I.W. Evans Principal, L.H. Rather Principal, Bonham High School Principal and Superintendent.
Arris said she would like to make a comment, that she while she enjoyed reading all of the reports, she especially enjoyed the reports from the Boys Athletic Director and the BHS Principal.
Superintendent Kelly Trompler reported that at the end of February 2024, the enrollment count was 1961 for the district. I.W. Evans Intermediate School had the best attendance in February with 94.27%. Trompler noted that the list of open positions included many for next year.
FCSSA Classroom Update – Trompler and the board reviewed the current numbers at each campus, including the numbers of students, teachers and paraprofessionals. Trompler stated that another classroom will be added at Blue Ridge next year. This means that around 11-15 kids will leave classrooms at Bonham ISD. Honey Grove is adding a wing of four or five classrooms next year too. Dodd City is ready to take another room when needed. Once Trenton and Leonard open their new elementary schools, they will be able to take on more students in the future. Trompler reported that these changes will make the situation in Bonham manageable and that there are projected to be 464 special education students in Bonham next year.
Trompler recommended to the board to not go on their own for special education services. Currently Bonham ISD contributes about $1.2 million to the shared services for the county. Trompler said her calculations were that Bonham would need $2.5 million (or an additional $1.3 million) to provide special education services on its own. The board asked for numbers of students with dyslexia. Later in the meeting, the board was told that there were 170 students or 9% in 2022-2023 with dyslexia. This is higher that the state average of 5.5%
Trompler notifed the board of upcoming training opportunities include TASB Summer SLI: June 12 - 15 in San Antonio or June 19 - 22 in Ft. Worth and TASA/TASB Convention 2024; September 27 - 29, 2024; San Antonio
Trompler reported that the hot topic among local superintendents is the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Trompler said she looked into other events happening in the area and most will be taking place over weekend leading up to the eclipse. Trompler only found one event happening on the eclipse day and it was a painting party at the Creative Arts Center. In the event that there might be more traffic on that day, the BISD Police Chief is working on a plan to block off roads in front of Evans and Rather and around BHS. Trompler still feels that students would be better off being in school that day, rather than being at home, as many would be left unattended. Trompler said she and Jason Busby would continue to monitor the situation, particularly the weekend leading up to the eclipse day. She stated that if things got very crazy over the weekend, they could make a last-minute decision to cancel school, like a bad weather day. Roberts asked if there are any indications of kids not coming to school that day. None of the principals reported hearing anything about that. All other schools in county are currently planning on having school, except Honey Grove which is usually off on Mondays with their four day school week and Leonard has a staff development day planned.
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Trompler and the board discussed and tabled their 2024-2025 Board Goals. They will discuss again at a special meeting on May 6, which will give the new superintendent time to review and give input.
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Board approved giving the Superintendent hiring authority of teaching positions beginning Tuesday, March 26, 2024, through Friday, September 13, 2024.
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Board went into Executive Session at 7:18 pm. Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, the board would discuss personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff, including 2024-2025 Professional Contract Renewals, New Hires: Shelby Aday ~ Bailey Inglish; Jennifer Leal ~ Substitute; Reassignments: Alejandra Soto ~ I.W. Evans; Amy Mouser ~ Administration; Amy Busbey ~ Administration; and Resignations: Morgan Briann Hilliard ~ BHS; Laura Ballard ~ BHS; Jim Currin ~ Maintenance; Melinda Whitehead ~ I.W. Evans; Thomas Stoddard ~ BHS; William Abbott ~ Security BHS; Trista Aten ~ BHS. Pursuant to Texas Education Code Section 551.076. the board would also deliberate regarding security devices or security audits.
