School News
Bonham ISD earns Superior Achievement for Financial Integrity Rating
By Sandy Barber
Oct 22, 2025
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Bonham, Texas - A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held October 20, 2025 in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. Board President Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. All board members were present, except Kenzie McCraw and LaTonia Arris. Fifth graders from IW Evans led the pledges to the US and Texas flags.

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Warrior Talk: Jason Fox said he attended the Finley Oates Fall Festival. There was a good turn out and he had high praise for all who put it on. Myles Galyon talked about the state fair and praised AJ Edwards for winning the Reserve Showmanship Award. Sean Floyd said he read all of reports from the administrators and he especially liked all the photos. He praised the JV volleyball for winning first place. Roberts echoed the comments about the state fair and also noted that Bonham students did great at the County fair too. Junior high football has been successful and the seventh grade team has been undefeated. Roberts also praised the junior high volleyball teams who have been doing well at local tournaments. Roberts praised the high school sports teams and band for doing well. He also noted that the drill team has new routines each week.

Floyd introduced Sam Sellers from the Constantine Masonic Lodge. Sellers said that the lodge has been here for 185 years and has been deeply involved in community and education. In continuing support of Bonham ISD, Sellers was pleased to present $400 for teachers for school supplies at Bailey Inglish, Finley Oates, IW Evans and LH Rather. In the spring, they will be awarding three $1000 scholarships to graduates from Bonham High School.

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Employee and Student Recognition:
Finley Oates Student of the Month is Rebeca Pinto. She is a third grader who recently moved to Bonham from Brazil. Her teachers are amazed at how well she is making the transition and is a joy to have in school.

IW Evans Student of the Month Josiah Brooks

IW Evans Student of the Month is Josiah Brooks. He is a 6th grader who was described as having a great smile and integrity. He enjoys sports and reading. His college dreams include UT Austin. His teachers describe him as funny, reliable, great work ethic.

LHR Student of the Month Omar De La Cruz

LH Rather Student of the Month is Omar De La Cruz. He is an 8th grader who is active with the PALS program. He was described as a leader and mentor who is always willing to serve, holds doors for others, and smiles often. His dream is to grow up to be a barber and plans to do cosmetology when he goes to Bonham High School.

BHS Senior of the Month Addyson Gilstrap

Bonham High School Seniors of the Month are Addyson Gilstrap and Charlie Thompson. Both have attened Bonham ISD their whole lives. Gilstrap participates in track, drill team and UIL. Her future plans include studying nursing at Grayson County College. Pep rallies are one of her favorite parts of school. Teachers describe her as pleasant, caring and cheerful.

BHS Senior of the Month Charlie Thompson

Thompson’s future plans include attending Texas A&M in College Station to study political science and then going to law school. He is involved in band, debate, football, track, powerlifting and UIL. He is the captain of football team and plays a saxophone solo during halftime shows. His teachers said he keeps his grades up and is an AP all star who plays the saxophone and has legendary hair.

Kimberly Moore and Phyllis Kinnaird

Kimberly Moore is the elementary Child Nutrition Employee of the Month. She has worked at both Finley Oates & Bailey Inglish. She was described as a motivator, and strong, hard worker, who brings her smile where ever she goes.

Myrna Malone is the secondary Child Nutrition Employee of Month. She could not attend the meeting and will hopefully be at next month’s meeting.

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No Public Comment.

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Board approved the Consent Agenda, including meeting minutes and financial reports.

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Superintendent Dr. Lance Hamlin shared highlights of District News and board members received written reports from administrators. Enrollment is at 1942, which is a little bit down over last year. There is a friendly competition happening between campuses over attendance rates. Evans won for the most recent month.

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Board received a written report as an information item: Head Start Leadership and Governance Training: Values, Regulations, and Skills.

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Employee Recognition: Principal / Asst. Principal Week, Oct. 20-24 – Hamlin said they started out late last week in feeding them. He said they do an amazing job leading at the campus level and things are going in right direction. Roberts said the board expressed appreciation to all of them too.

Bonham ISD Principals, Assistant Principals & Superintendent

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Board approved a resolution for Texas Education Human Resources Day, Brandy Godbey - HR Coordinator. Hamlin said, “We always appreciate Brandy and she tells me what to do!” Roberts read the proclamation out loud and said that the board appreciates Godbey for all she does.

Brandy Godbey and Dr. Hamlin

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Board approved an Inter-local Agreement for On-Ramps. This has to do with the Dual credit program with UT Austin.

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Board approved a purchase over $50,000 for Consultant Contract - Susan Kelly to help with reading and language arts.

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Board approved an Investment Policy. This is an annual requirement and staff recommended no changes.

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Board held a Public Hearing on the F.I.R.S.T Report. Bonham ISD’s Financial Integrity Rating is Superior Achievement, which is the highest ranking possible. They had a 96 score. Alicia Coonrod, Chief Financial Officer reviewed all indicators and said anyone can contact her for questions.

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Board approved a Longevity Plan. This plan addresses the board goal to recruit and retain highly qualified staff. This will give payment to staff in November, based on years of service consecutively with BISD. Roberts said the board has wanted this for a long time.

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Board scheduled the Next Regular Board Meeting for Nov 17 at 6 pm. Board also moved the January meeting from January 26 to January 12, as many staff will be gone to conference then.

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Board went into Executive Session at 6:34 pm. Pursuant to Texas Government Code section § 551.074, board discussion will include personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, hiring, and additions to the staff. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.076. board discussion also included security devices or security audits. Board discussion included hearing a report on Intruder Detection Audit Findings.

Board returned to Open Session at 7:14 pm.
No further action items.

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Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.