Bel Air Elementary third-graders sang “It’s a Musical World” during Friday morning’s academic assembly. Pictured (from left) are Imari Cofer, Betsarai Cruz-Ramos, Aaron Clopton, Juan Ramirez and Joshua Kappelman. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)
Category: Education
AISD Board Approves Next Year’s Calendar
By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
At Thursday night’s Athens ISD Board of Trustees meeting, board members voted to approve the 2015-2016 school calendar. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims noted that the 2016 spring break has been set for March 7-11 in order to coincide with that of Trinity Valley Community College. Due to the number of high school students who take dual-credit classes at TVCC, it is necessary to schedule major holidays at the same time as the junior college.
Sims also announced the results of the school district’s Henderson County United Way fundraising drive. AISD employees have pledged $4,763 to the United Way. Of that total, South Athens Elementary has the distinction of being the campus with the highest amount pledged: $1,150.
The meeting kicked off with plenty of recognition for deserving individuals. Athens High School’s band director, Rusty Lay, and choir director, Bridgett Scott, introduced four students to the board who distinguished themselves at the recent UIL Area Music Competition. In band, sophomore Kolemann Dooley was named first-chair euphonium, and sophomore Russell Ingram was named first-chair trumpet. In choir, freshman Jacob Moore was selected as first-chair bass, and sophomore Logan Dooley as second-chair bass. Continue reading “AISD Board Approves Next Year’s Calendar”
Kiwanis Club Helps Bel Air BUGs
The Athens Kiwanis Club has partnered with Bel Air Elementary to establish the BUGs (Bringing Up Grades) incentive program for third-graders there. Students who bring up their grades from one six weeks to the next in reading and/or math are recognized for their achievements. During Friday morning’s assembly, 89 students were recognized for gains in reading and/or math. Sixty-nine were recognized for improving in both subjects. All students are given certificates, and those who improve in both subjects are treated to a pizza party. Standing at far left (from left) are Kiwanis members Bobbie Hawkins, Matt Tyler and Colin Barrett, and Bel Air Principal Rosalie Dennis. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)
January Teachers of the Month
The January Teachers of the Month were recognized at Thursday night’s Athens ISD Board of Trustees meeting. They are (from left) Mandee Evans of South Athens Elementary, Audrey Thurston of Athens Intermediate School, Melody Brantley of Athens Middle School, Brad Adair of Athens High School, and Ward Wilbanks, a career and technology education (CTE) teacher at AHS. Not pictured are Fonda Splawn of Bel Air Elementary and Operations Center Employee of the Month Steve Flowers. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)
AISD Board Gives Stiles Contract Extension
The Athens ISD Board of Trustees gave a vote of confidence to Superintendent Blake Stiles last week, giving him a raise and a one-year contract extension which will keep Stiles with the district through the 2017-2018 school year.
The unanimous vote came during the Jan. 12 board meeting.
“We continue to be pleased with his superior management of school district funds, continued positive growth in the area of academics, and his positive presence in the community,” said Board Vice President Steve McElhany.
The board gave Stiles a $5,000 pay increase to $138,900 annually.
According to the Texas Association of School Boards’ 2014-2015 Superintendent Survey, Stiles’ salary falls in the bottom quarter for school districts with enrollment between 3,000 and 4,999. In the survey, the average salary for those school districts is $155,305.
AISD’s enrollment is 3,300.
Stiles started at AISD in 2011 as the assistant superintendent under Dr. Robert Steeber. He was promoted to superintendent in October 2012.