7 years ago

The Board of Trustees of the Panhandle Independent School District met in regular session at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2017. Members present were John Smith, Derek Heck, Steve Ford, Nick Kuehler, Jason Davis, Kevin Brinkley and Jason Jeffers. School personnel present were Blair Brown, Sheena Schmucker, Nick Stephenson and Jamie Moore.
Others present included Richard Blankenship of Johnson & Sheldon, the Girls State Qualifying Cross Country Team and members of the “Pride of Panhandle” State Qualifying Marching Band.

Mr. Ford gave the invocation after the board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

During the public comments/audience participation, the Board and Mr. Brown congratulated Coach Schmucker and the Girls State Qualifying Cross Country Team, as well as Mr. Stephenson and members of the “Pride of Panhandle” State Qualifying Marching Band. Both the cross country team and the band had a very successful year.

Mr. Blankenship of Johnson & Sheldon, PLLC, reported on the recently completed 2016-2017 Financial Audit for Panhandle ISD. Mr. Blankenship summarized the audit, with Panhandle ISD receiving an unqualified, clean review. The board approved the 2016-2017 financial audit as presented.

Mr. Brown presented his Superintendent’s Report.
a. As of Dec. 8, 2017, there were 712 total students enrolled in Panhandle’s school system.

• Elementary - 333 students
• Junior High - 165 students
• High School - 214 students (including five in PASS)
b. Future agenda items were identified
c. The November financial reports and check payments were reviewed.
d. The next regular board meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 24.
e. Prior to calling the trustee election for May 5, 2018, trustee training hours are required to be announced. The hours earned during the 2017 calendar year are as follows:
John T. (Bubba) Smith – 8.00;
• Derek J. Heck – 5.00;
• Steve Ford – 12.00;
• Kevin Brinkley – 19.00;
• Nick Kuehler – 13.00;
• Jason Davis – 8.00;
• Jason Jeffers – 14.00

The board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the Nov. 15 meeting, the quarterly investment report, a one-time attendance and performance stipend and a budget amendment. The board also approved a generous donation from Jordan Faris of Houston. The donation included a tract of land covering 1.237 acres on Highway 60.

The Board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel and perform the superintendent’s mid-year evaluation.

There being no further agenda items, the meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m. by order of the president with no voiced objections.