L-K board members take oaths,new officers elected

The board recognized an outgoing board member, before swearing in a new member and electing officers for the new year.

Board President Tanya Bond called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. on November 17, followed by an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance to both the United States and Texas flags.

“I would like to recognize any veterans we have present at this time,” Bond said, with Curtis Harrison, Jr., outgoing board vice president taking a stand, to applause from fellow board and audience members.

Four Junior High Student Council members addressed the crowd about their accomplishments and goals, such as the fall festival and the food drive for First Baptist Linden, where their goal is to collect 1,200 canned goods.

The crowd was reminded of the Angel Tree student council members did last year, which consisted of them drawing the names of two families in need and helping them out for Christmas.

The council said they would like to continue working concession at sporting events and said they were able to buy two new microwaves for the school.

“We would like to hold a day for a campus cleanup, too,” one student council member said.

Athletic Director Jarrick Farmer, who started with the district in 2022, gave a laudable update on the athletic program, which seems to have taken root and begun blossoming under his care.

“It’s been a great year, very progressive,” Farmer said. “I’m excited to be here and see the way our kids are progressing, the direction we’re going.”

Farmer talked about the varying sports L-K-CISD offers and how well they were performing, mentioning how football overcame a lot and still made the playoffs this year.

In Cross Country, one young lady finished 27th out of roughly 200 kids, he said.

Bond said she has heard positive feedback from the junior high, regarding athletics under Farmer’s leadership.

“I’ve received reports from the junior high that they are seeing a world of difference,” Bond told the athletic director.

Just before the business aspect of the meeting, administrators from Linden-Kildare’s preschool, elementary, junior high, and high school recognized dozens of students for October and November before the board at Linden Kildare High School Cafeteria. Each grade recognized a student of the month for October, then November, with teachers saying a few words about each student—including why they were chosen as student of the month and what the student’s future goals are.

Bond said it is a blessing as a board member to be able to be a part of these children’s education, before turning to recognize Harrison’s 15 years of service to his community as a board member, most recently serving as vice president.

School Superintendent Keri Winters presented Harrison with a plaque marking and honoring his many years of service to the betterment of the district.

“I appreciate your 15 years of service and enjoyed serving with you these last three years,” Bond said. “I know you bleed blue like the rest of us and it’s been an honor.”

Judge Donald Dowd, Cass County Court of Law was on hand to swear in Robby Johnson, who filled place five on the board. Johnson was sworn in for the first time–along with Bond and board member Toby Fuller’s re-swearing. Dowd explained that the three would be taking two oaths; One oath to the United States Constitution and another to Texas.

Simply, the board members vowed not to receive kickbacks, pay for votes– or anything else that isn’t above board.

New leadership roles were elected, with board member Nicole Fant nominating Bond to serve again as board president, which was seconded. The motion carried, placing Bond as board president, once again.

Lane Roberts was then chosen as vice president, with Nicole Fant as secretary.

Consent agenda then carried, approving minutes from the previous meetings; Accounts of campus activity; Acknowledgment of board reports and district investments; Approval of bills; Budget comparison; Revenue Collections Monthly construction expenses, and excess expenses.

Winters reported that the district was up 19 in enrollment, bringing total enrollment to 661.

Security fencing had begun being installed, likely using back pay from a state safety grant, she said.

Property leased by the school district has oil tanks on the property, according to Winters.

“I’ve been told that’s good news,” she said, adding that any funds received from the investment should not be subject to recapture.

Newly elected Vice President Lane Roberts said he would like to see oil and gas funds from the investment go into a separate account so that they can keep an eye on exactly what the investment is bringing in.

“Personally, I don’t want to see it just going into an (already established) savings account,” Roberts said, explaining that it would be difficult to monitor what the funds brought in if they were to be mixed with other savings. In other words, he would like the funds to go into a separate account.

An academic report was read by the junior high principal, showing where there had been growth in many academic areas. Each student has their own growth goal, she stated.

Fant praised the junior high’s academic growth and she and Roberts spoke positively about surveys that were handed out to students where the kids could speak freely on things they would like to see change.

“I thought the survey was excellent,” Fant said.

One survey showed many students mention that they were having trouble closing some of the bathroom doors or stalls.

“It’s great to have these surveys, I love it,” Roberts said. “I want to get this fixed as quickly as possible to show them that we value their opinion.”

The board then concluded the public session and moved on to an executive session, thanking those who attended the meeting.