Student Success Highlights Wednesday's School Board Meeting
    by Donald Bard, Staff Writer ~~ Monahans News ~May 21, 2009

Trustees recognized the accomplishments of students and athletes progressing past district during Wednesday's regularly scheduled MWP-ISD School Board Meeting.

Team members and coaches from boys and girls track, powerlifting and golf were recognized and congratulated for representing Monahans High School so well.

While most school sports have ended their season, track was delayed three weeks due to swine flu fears.  They will compete in regional competition this weekend in Lubbock.

Phillip Green and Lyssa Springer competed at state with their art projects.  Green brought home a state medal.  The two were unavailable for recognition at the meeting.

In other business, Bo Rose and Kay Rankin from Districts 6 and 7, respectively, were sworn in following their recent unopposed re-elections.  Following the swearing-in, the board nominated, seconded and unanimously voted to retain the current members.

MWP-ISD Superintendent Keith Richardson reported enrollment reached 1,957.  This number is down eight form last month's figures, but up 16 from last year.  according to Richardson, with the price of oil back up to the neighborhood of $60 per barrel, it is likely that enrollment figures will stay in this range.

As the current Legislative Session nears an end, there are a few bills that will impact the district and even these are not finalized.  Richardson noted while the daily state payment will rise $100 per adjusted student daily attendance, at least 50 percent is mandated to be used for teacher raises.  The other major changes will involve accountability and the end of TAKS testing, as we know it, during the 2011 school year.  At this time, the requirements appear to be end of course tests and passing at least two thirds of the courses, with English III and Algebra I being the only ones currently being noted as mandatory.  An amendment in the House funding bill would designate MWP as a midsized school with a funding adjustment that would result in about a $1 million dollar payment to the district.  Again, Richardson noted the bill was not finalized yet.

Richardson reported on the current construction projections.  In the high school, the entire electrical switchover has been accomplished.  On a positive note, asbestos abatement bids for the junior high and auditorium came in under budget.  In a related matter, the board voted to "undesignated" $1.2 million in funds previously "designated" for construction, allowing these funds to be used for classroom improvements.

The board agreed to sell one property at 211 E "A" to Jose L. Figueroa for $150 and a second property at 704 E. Sealy to Lanny G. Ice for $1000.  Both bids have previously been approved by Ward County Commissioners.

The board approved relatively minor adjustments to local policies involving school-owned vehicle use and student record access.  The District's right to require medical examinations was briefly discussed.  Richardson offered an explanatory example of a teacher showing symptoms of swine flu but refusing to go to the doctor.  In that case, the school could require the examination for the safety of students and other employees.  One new policy (with specific rules to follow) sparked a brief discussion.  With the increasing abuse and danger of social networking and chat rooms, schools will be obligated to educate students on the potential threat and impact of these resources.

Personnel changes for the school district included: Chris McWilliams resigned to accept a head coach position.  A teacher and coach at Monahans High School for the last five years, McWilliams's noted, "The friendships that my family has formed with everyone here will last a lifetime."  McWilliams' wife, Dana, resigned her position at Cullender Kindergarten.  John Gambino of Walker Junior High also tendered his resignation.  On the flip side, Richardson reported the employment of Cynthia Mae Valdez, who has a Master's Degree and three years experience.  She is expected to teach at Sudderth, joining other new hires, Cynthia Diane Hunt, who has her Bachelor's Degree and three year's experience; Laura Brandenburg, who has a Bachelor's Degree and two year's experience; and Cristal Gonzalez, also with a Bachelor's Degree.  This is Gonzalez's first year to teach.

The board entered closed session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with the rules of the Open Meetings Act.