Pleasanton ISD swears in board, maintains current offices





The regular meeting of the Pleasanton School Board highlighted the accomplishments of the students from various campuses. Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Clinesmith and members of the board gave the Students of the Month their awards. James Sandoval, the first student to win the UIL golf competition and Heather Elizondo who won in powerlifting, lifting 920 pounds.

Region 20 showcased 12 PISD students for the month of March. One student, Kailin Carr, won a medal at state competition.

Clinesmith announced that the district year-end celebration will be held on June 1, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Joel Atkins was introduced as the new Technology Executive Director who will officially join during the summer.

Trustees from District 1, 3 and 6, Clinton Henson, Blasa Chapa and Frank Tudyk, Jr., were administered the oath of office. Afterwards, the board was to be reorganized, but all officer positions were renewed as they now stand. Tudyk is the President, Henson is the Vice-President and Jamie Downs, who was not present, is continuing as Secretary. Gerald Guerra was also not present at the meeting. Ami Powell was in attendance.

The minutes of the previous meeting was approved unanimously, as was the retainer renewal for Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green and Trevino, P.C., Attorneys at Law. There are no changes in the amount or conditions of the retainer.

The Board also approved continuing the depository contract with Prosperity Bank for another two years. They are currently charging no fees. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Pleasanton ISD Education Foundation and the district was approved unanimously.

Six companies bid on the job of the annual audit service for the district. Armstrong, Vaughn & Associates were chosen for the upcoming year. The estimate for their services is $32,000. If the district is not happy at the end of the year, they can terminate the contract with no penalties. Clinesmith was quick to point out that there is nothing wrong with the current company that does the audit; this is another move toward transparency.

Pleasanton ISD partners with Poteet, Jourdanton, Charlotte and McMullen County on Special Programs. There are 30 employees in the Co-op office and 30 who work on campuses, who are paid with federal funds. These support services are for those with learning disabilities and all other visual, audible, speech, orthopedic and other disabilities. Last year, there were 81 students referred for special education from the co-op, 15 of those from Pleasanton. Of the 600 students total, 286 are from PISD. Resources are offered to parents, including workshops and newsletters, all free of charge. PISD is the fiscal office for the program. Since there is no room at the Pleasanton schools, they are asking other districts to take some of the kids.

At 8:11 p.m., the trustees recessed into closed session to discuss personnel. Upon returning at 8:22, they unanimously approved the employment of Atkins on a probationary term. Alyssa Martinez and Casey Soward were awarded contracts; term contracts and probationary contracts were approved as recommended by the campus principals and the superintendent. Clinesmith warned that there may be challenges with staffing and the operational budget may have to be tapped for relief. Henson spoke for the board by saying that they work as a team and support Clinesmith in every way they can.

Meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.



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