Sumner Voted To Fill Vacancy

Reagan Sumner was appointed to fill a vacancy on the school board during Monday night’s regular meeting.

Sumner received the appointment in a 4-1 vote with board member Pat May making the motion which was seconded by Charles Beasley. Board member Terry Patterson voted against the appointment, and board member David Miller was not in attendance.

In other business the board:

-recognized retiring teacher Judy Groom for her 33 years as a child development, and food & nutrition teacher at Canton High School.

"She did a wonderful, wonderful job and has the most caring attitude," CHS Principal Max Callahan said. "We have all benefited from her being at Canton High School, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"I have been so blessed to be a part of Canton ISD," Groom said. "…Thank you for allowing me to teach with some of the best people in the country."

-recognized Cheryl Hughes for her leadership in the American Heart Association’s annual Relay For Life.

Kim Russell with the American Heart Association said that of the 190 schools she is responsible for overseeing in the program, Hughes always ranks number one.

Russell said Canton Elementary School is ranked number five in the nation, number one in East Texas and number three in Texas in fund raising efforts.

"She has absolutely set the gold standard," Russell said, pointing out that to date Hughes has raised $97,650 through Relay for Life.

Russell further noted that in 2007, for the first time ever she raised $20,000 in a single event.

"This volunteerism starts from the top," Russell said, commending the administration, staff and teachers.

"This is an awesome community," Russell added. "It’s so important what you do."

"I just love doing it," Hughes said. "Two years ago it became real personal for me, when at 44-years old my husband had a stint put in."

-heard a level three parent complaint concerning color guard policy.

The parent said in the policy for students trying out for color guard it stated that the routine should not go over two minutes, however one girl was allowed to go over the allotted time.

The parent did say he met with Stewart and Callahan, and now wanted to bring his complaint before the board.

Due to the direction his complaint was taking he chose to request the board go into executive session. No action was taken in open session.

-signed the certificate of election and issued it to trustee Terry Patterson.

-took no action on Canton ISD support of teachers seeking and obtaining masters degree.

Stewart did inform the board the plan is in the budget.

-tabled technology contract.

-approved the consent agenda which included minutes from the May 19 special and regular meetings, and approved the financial reports.

-heard a report on construction from Tom Hays.

He reported the high school roof will be put on the gym this week, and they are finishing up the additional classroom work, however the front entry work is still behind.

At the elementary school the asbestos is abated, and they are currently doing demolition work on the cafeteria, the new classrooms at the cafeteria are roofed and they hope to turn over the school by mid-August.

-approved all campus and athletic student handbooks.

-approved junior high school cheerleader constitution and by-laws.