Trustees Take No Action In Filling Vacancy On Board

Editor

Trustees took no action Monday night on a vacancy made following the recent board election.

The board canvassed the election results from the May 10 election and approved them with the following totals: Allen Holl, 38; Terry Patterson, 283; Reagan Sumner, 275; Mike Rogers, 301; and Earl Post Jr., 57.

Patterson, however, was not present to take the oath of office, she will take her oath in June.

The board then declared a vacancy due to the recent death of Rogers.

Board president Dr. Ben Bratcher explained that since the vacancy is for a term longer than a year, the board has 180 days to fill the vacancy by either calling for a special election or making an appointment.

The vacancy will be considered at the June board meeting.

In other business the board:

-approved setting the tuition for all non-exempt students at $500 per student in grades kindergarten through 12

-recognized Canton ISD Teacher of the Year Susie Dorman.

High school principal Max Callahan spoke of Dorman’s leadership and how she inspires the students on campus.

"I want to thank the other administrators for the unanimous selection of Mrs. Dorman to represent our district," Callahan said.

"I don’t think I’ve seen a teacher with such a dynamic impact as Mrs. Dorman," he continued. "…She is the energy and force of our UIL program."

Callahan went on to speak of the accomplishments of the UIL program over the past couple of years and Dorman’s impact on the program.

"Susie is the dynamic force behind that," he added. "This lady loves school and she loves what she does."

The district then recognized UIL 3A state champion in headline writing Jessica Peterson.

Callahan explained that Peterson was the district, regional and now state champion for the school.

"She is the best of the best," he said. "We are thrilled that this young lady has achieved that."

Callahan went on to recognize her coach Susie Dorman, and Peterson’s parents for their encouragement.

"Achievement like that starts at home," Callahan said. "You have made us proud."

Bratcher pointed out that many school districts have never had a state champion and, "Canton ISD produces a state champion every year."

-approved a recommendation from the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to use the "Worth The Wait" program at the junior high starting with the 2008/2009 school year and to contract with guest speakers on the same subject.

The SHAC committee also recommended the district look into contracting with motivational and inspirational guest speakers who talk on the same subjects of abstinence and consequences of premarital sex.

-elected board of trustee officers as follows: president Dr. Ben Bratcher, vice president Charles Beasley, and secretary Pat May.

-approved city/school interlocal agreement known as The Telecommunications Systems Agreement.

This agreement represents $50,000 of bandwidth capacity for the city of Canton and a construction savings to the school district.

-was introduced to new Canton High School Principal Joe Nicks, who comes to the district from Lamesa High School.

"We are thrilled to be coming to Canton," Nicks said. "I’m committed to excellence and every program at Canton High School."

Nicks then thanked Callahan for his direction and for the open arms of the school and community since he has been in the area.

-heard a construction update from Sedalco on the high school and elementary school.

Sedalco representative Tommy Hays reported crews will be pouring slabs for the elementary cafeteria, but that classrooms at both the high school and elementary will be first on their priority list.

Hays also reported that the restrooms will be poured this week at the high school football fields and should be completed by the start of school.

-approved the consent agenda which included minutes, financial reports, extension of property/casualty insurance, and a budget amendment for $4,000 which was a donation from the Canton Athletic Booster Club and Canton Youth Football.

-heard from elementary school principal Kelly Lamar who introduced first grader Mason Arnold and second grader Austin Lomas.

Arnold gave the invocation and Lomas led the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Both are wonderful students and leaders on our campus," Lamar said of Arnold and Lomas.

Following the prayer and pledge Bratcher asked that the community, "Keep the (Mike) Rogers family in their prayers. The district will be fine but we need to remember those children and Lana."