By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
The Athens ISD Board of Trustees met Thursday night and quickly took action on several items of business.
Board members approved a resolution for the school district to move from the Region 7 Education Support Center (ESC) based in Kilgore to the Region 10 ESC based in Richardson. AISD already contracts with Region 10 for a variety of services. The move puts Athens ISD in a cohort group more similar in terms of size and demographics. Other districts in Region 10 include Mabank, Terrell, Canton and Kaufman.
The board, in a routine annual action, granted the superintendent and assistant superintendent final authority for selecting personnel from April 1, 2016, to Sept. 1, 2016. Dr. Janie Sims, who is assistant superintendent and human resources director, will attend recruiting events at area colleges and universities during that period.
The board approved the expenditure of approximately $93,000 to purchase a new school bus to replace an older one.
The board approved a request for out-of-state travel for the Athens High School Future Business Leaders of America team. The National Individual Tournament of Excellence will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, in June, and two students have qualified.
The board approved payment of an estimated architect fee to Claycomb Associates of just over $4 million related to the additions and/or renovations at Athens High School, the Bruce Field complex, and Central Athens, South Athens and Bel Air elementaries. The work will be funded by the recently approved bond.
The board approved the “Instructional Materials Allotment” and TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) certification form for the 2016-17 school year. With the implementation of the Instructional Materials Allotment, Athens ISD is required each year to submit a form of certification assuring the Texas Education Agency the district will provide the necessary instructional materials for its students, teach the grade levels indicated on the certification form, and offer curriculum in the subject areas indicated on the certification form.