Bonham, Texas - A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held April 28, 2025, in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and gave the invocation. All board members were present. Pledges to the US and Texas flags were led by students from Bailey Inglish Elementary. The students also recited the positive affirmations that they say daily, that started with “I am kind” and ended with “I am a Warrior!”
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Warrior Talk
Sean Floyd said he was excited for soccer program and the fact that they had six students make all-district. He also thanked BHS for a great memorial service for Mr. Barbee. Myles Galyon praised softball, baseball, track and soccer for their accomplishments. He also wished all the students and teachers a good week of testing. Carlous Gilstrap said he agreed with all that was said, plus added praise for the band. Kenzie McCraw noted that track did well, especially considering that they moved up to 4A. LaTonia Arris agreed with the other comments and added that she enjoyed seeing photos of the I.W. Evans Glow party and she was proud of the UIL computer science team which won for the fifth or sixth year in a row. Arris also said that she saw a wonderful story about Coach Parker being recognized for being a great representation of Bonham. Arris also praised the Special Olympics participants. Roberts echoed all the other comments and praised FFA and drill team and stated that all academics and extra-curricular activities are doing well in the district. Roberts also praised Mr. Boles for his work as the interim superintendent for the last 4.5 months. Boles was presented with a rocking chair to thank him for helping the district through a challenging time.
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Employee and Student Recognition
Bailey Inglish Teacher of the Month is Amanda McAdams. This is her third year at Bonham ISD. She teaches four-year-olds in Head Start. McAdams was described as a blessing to all and one who is patient, kind and sweet. She engages students, shares ideas and creativity, and goes out of her way to make learning fun.
Ron Moore is the Paraprofessional of the month. He is the custodian at Bailey Inglish who has worked for the district for 14 years in all. He was described as an all-around employee who is a great asset to the school. Moore makes sure it is clean and interacts with students. He is kind, patient, and shows compassion for all.
Finley Oates Student of the Month is Thea Alcox. She is a third grader who was described as a good friend to all, great at sharing and compassionate. When she grows up, Alcox wants to be a veterinarian. Her favorite subjects are math and reading.
I.W. Evans Student of the Month is Kimberly De La Rosa. She is a sixth grader who has attended Bonham since kindergarten. Math is her favorite subject. When she grows up, she wants to be a doctor or teacher. Teachers describe her as a shining example of kindness who has a good work ethic. She is encouraging to others, has a positive attitude, and exemplifies quiet leadership.
L.H. Rather Student of the Month is Thatcher Morrow. He is a seventh grader, who has attended Bonham since kindergarten. He is well on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. Morrow was praised for his community involvement. When he grows up, he wants to be an aerospace engineer and he plans to go to MIT.
BHS Seniors of the Month are Izzie Knowlton and JK Wilson. Knowlton has attended BISD since since sixth grade. She has been involved in numerous activities in high school including advanced culinary, choir, theater and literary criticism. She praised the flexibility of staff at BHS. She plans to attend Texas Women’s University in Denton and study to become a Nurse Practitioner. When asked what being a Bonham Purple Warrior means to her, Knowlton said “resilience in the face of adversity.” Her teachers described her as respectful with a good work ethic and great sense of humor and music.
Wilson praised BHS for the chances and resources it provides students and the encouragement to not give up. He has been a multi-sport athlete who has plans to attend trade school to study welding. Being a Warrior means to him being dedicated and determined and having respect for the community. Teachers described Wilson as a student with a great attitude who is composed and always gives his best effort.
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Public Comment
Charlsie Vaught spoke out about one of the agenda items. She expressed disapproval of the Bluebonnet curriculum. She noted that every single thing must be printed, as there is no book and no electronic version provided. She said that this curriculum will be more expensive than the $60 per student the state will pay if the district adopts the Bluebonnet curriculum. Vaught described the curriculum as age-inappropriate and not effective. She reported that there is religious content throughout that even religious people object to. In summary, she does not believe the Bluebonnet curriculum is a good idea for the students of Bonham ISD.
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Board approved the consent agenda, which included approving meeting minutes and financial reports.
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Superintendent Report. Boles reported that the enrollment at the end of March was 1986 students and ADA was 1764, which is above where the district budgeted for the year. Attendance award goes to IW Evans again with 95.35%.
Legislative Update. Boles noted that the school voucher bill has passed and will start 2026-2027. This will include funding of $10k per student going to private schools and $2k per students for those homeschooling. Boles reports that another bill is being considered that could provide for increases to teacher pay and special education. This bill is also looking at helping to fund efforts to get uncertified teachers to become certified, as this is an issue across the state.
Written administrative reports were included in the board packet.
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All board members have completed all required annual training.
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Board heard reports on BISD Construction Projects. Gallagher and WRA gave a presentation. They first showed a video of ariel views of LH Rather. The restroom and concession project at the high school had its final inspection from city this morning. There are five items to correct and it will be ready to open. LHR has come a long way since the last report to the board. They had a difficult winter, with 20 days under freezing in January, in which they could not do concrete work. Framing is complete on first floor. All roofing is complete except for one part. Brick installation will start soon. Overall, the LHR project is about 30-40% complete.
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Board approved adding Dr. Lance Hamlin to all Bonham ISD Accounts at CapTex Bank and First United Bank of Texas.
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Board approved an Independent Auditor for the Financial Audit. They renewed with the firm who completed the audit this year.
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Board approved accepting a donation from Be a Friend of Youth Organization. This donation is for $2800 for a volleyball net system and volleyballs for LH Rather.
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Board approved action regarding a Formal Appeal of the District’s 2023 Medicaid Cost Report with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) related to the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program. HHSC asking district to refund $71k and the district is appealing this and will be working with legal help on this appeal.
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Board tabled the 2025-2026 Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials until their next meeting. TEA says that the board must certify instruction materials meet the TEKS. Staff recommended adding Bluebonnet curriculum to the list of curriculums that meet TEKS. Roberts clarified that the vote would be as to whether Bluebonnet meets the TEKS, not that Bluebonnet would be approved curriculum used in the district.
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Board approved Amend Compensation Plan for Special Education Certification Stipend. Boles noted that the district was having challenges in hiring special education teachers. They surveyed stipends from other districts to formulate the recommendations presented to the board. The board approved that the stipend for behavior classes stay at $5k and that the stipend for TRAILS classes be increased from $3500 to $5k. Also, a stipend of $2500 was added for Special education teachers across district who are fully certified and teaching special ed.
Furthermore, this stipend can be pro-rated for those teachers who only teach some special education classes.
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Board approved granting the Superintendent Authority to Hire Professional Personnel from May 1, 2025 to September 1, 2025.
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The next Regular Board Meeting will be May 19 at 6 pm. There will be a special Board Meeting on May 12 at 6 pm to discuss the budget for the coming year, as well as the tabled item from the current meeting.
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Board went into Executive Session at 7:16 pm.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, discussion included personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.076 the board had deliberations regarding security devices or security audits, including hearing a report about the District Vulnerability Assessment.
Board returned to open session at 8:23 p.m.
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Board approved personnel contracts as presented in Executive Session.
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Meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
