The atmosphere was joyful at Thursday night’s Athens ISD School Board meeting. In honor of School Board Recognition Month, the seven trustees and their families were treated to a special meal and hailed as “superheroes for schools.” Pictured (from left) are board members David Freeman, Alicea Elliott, Bob Spears, Jennie Mahmoud, Rob Risko, Steve McElhany and Eric Smith. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)
Category: Athens
Construction class makes presents for school board members
With January being School Board Recognition Month in Texas, students in Merritt Johnson’s construction class at Athens High School made Texas-shaped paving stones as gifts for the seven trustees. Four outstanding construction students were recognized at Thursday’s board meeting. They are (from left) Samantha Hart, Jordan Ford, Logan Ford and Chandler Earley. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)
AISD January Teachers of the Month
Athens ISD Teachers of the Month for January were recognized at Thursday’s board meeting. Pictured (from left) are: Nicole Cornish, who teaches professional communication, debate, economics and government at Athens High School; Tobie Herrington, who teaches eighth-grade U.S. history at Athens Middle School; Robin Edlin, who teaches first grade at South Athens Elementary; Naomi Slaton, who teaches fourth-grade English language arts and social studies at Central Athens Elementary; and Merritt Johnson, who is the CTE (Career and Technical Education) teacher of the month at AHS, where he teaches construction. Not pictured are Bel Air Elementary first-grade teacher Dawn Andress and Operation Center Employee of the Month Lana Smith. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)
Hornet Nation supports United Way
AISD happy with interest rate on bonds
A group of Athens ISD leaders and support staff gather Thursday to view online the results of a competitive sale of the bonds approved by voters in November. R.W. Baird & Company was the lowest of seven bidders, offering to buy the $59.9 million bond package at an average interest rate of 3.07 percent.
“We’re extremely pleased and excited with this very favorable outcome,” said Chief Financial Officer Randy Jones.
The positive outcome is a combined result of AISD’s “A+” credit rating and a 15-year low in the municipal bond market. The trustees are expected to accept the winning bid at Thursday night’s board meeting. The anticipated closing date, when funds will become available, is Feb. 18.
(Photo by Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)