Education-Henderson County Now

Brownsboro ISD names lone finalist

The Brownsboro Independent School District Board of Trustees named Tommy Hunter as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools Monday. The appointment was made during a special meeting of the trustees at the Brownsboro ISD Administration Building. The trustees will now wait 21 days as required by law before making a final appointment.

“My wife Melinda, and I are excited to get started to meet the people and integrate into the communities,” Hunter said. “One of the big draws of Brownsboro ISD was the community atmosphere and we wanted to be involved in things outside of the school like community organizations, the churches, and the local businesses.”

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New AISD board member sworn in; Freeman honored

Pictured are David Freeman and Renda Garner.

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD

Renda Garner, the distance learning director at TVCC, was sworn in Monday night as an Athens ISD School Board trustee, Place 6. Garner replaces David Freeman, who chose not to seek re-election having served as a board member for 15 years.

“Every issue we’ve ever had as a board, you’ve found some angle to address it we hadn’t thought of,” said Board President Rob Risko. “Your wit and wisdom will be missed.”

“I know the school district is going to go far,” said Freeman. “You’ve got a good leader and a good board.”

Also re-elected to additional three-year terms with no opposition were Eric Smith, Place 5, and Bob Spears, Place 7. Spears has served 15 years as a trustee, and Smith has served seven years non-consecutively.

Athens High School band director honored

Athens High School Band Director Rusty Lay was honored at Monday night’s Athens ISD board meeting in recognition of having led the “Pride of the Hornets Band” to 10 consecutive years of earning the coveted UIL “Sweepstakes Award.”

“He exemplifies everything that is good about public education,” said AISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims.

“I appreciate very much you recognizing the work we’ve put in,” said Lay, “but I can’t accept this alone. It takes a team. … I couldn’t do it without a lot of help.”

Pictured (front, from left) are Superintendent Blake Stiles, Lay and Board President Rob Risko. (Photo by Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

Harris signs with Hill College

Athens High School senior Tyler Harris signs with Hill College Wednesday to be a team roper with their nationally recognized rodeo program. Pictured seated with Harris is Hill College Athletic Director and Rodeo Coach Paul Brown. Family members standing are (from left) Steve Harris (father), Birdie Harris (grandmother), Jodie Babb (grandmother), Trent Harris (brother), Katie Harris (mother), and Larry Babb (grandfather). Harris was a state qualifier in 2015 for the Texas State High School Rodeo Association (Region 4) in team roping. He qualified again this year and will compete in Abilene in June. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

Stewart Cochran honored for support of the arts

Dr. Marylyn Wright, president of the Henderson County Arts Council, presents a plaque honoring former council president Stewart Cochran for his dedicated service to the organization and his support of the arts in Henderson County. The presentation was made at Tuesday’s East Texas Music Festival at the Athens High School auditorium, an event sponsored by the council. Athens, Crossroads, Eustace and Longview elementary students performed at the juried festival. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)