Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign Funds New Critical Care Bed
By Kayla Price, Executive Director, Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is offering a huge thank you to the local community for its support of this year’s Snowflake Campaign! The campaign raised over $7,500 and recognized over 75 individuals with snowflakes.
As a means of saying “thank you,” the Foundation is using funds raised through the Snowflake Campaign as well as a matching gift of $10,000 from the CHRISTUS Foundation and a $7,700 gift from the health care providers to purchase one new state-of-the-art critical care bed to be used by CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs’ ICU department.
“We are so excited to have this new bed in ICU! This bed really helps patients to heal and improves outcomes. Thank you to the Foundation and all the donors who have made this possible,” shared Alyssa Flatt, ICU director of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
This new bed will provide the latest technology for patient care and safety. Not only does it protect the patient by reducing bedsores and fall risks, but it also keeps both patient and hospital associate safe by aiding with turning and repositioning of the patient. In addition, it helps to calm the patient by playing music, and it can speak to the patient in 26 languages.
The Foundation will continue to raise funds for four additional critical care beds. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is also purchasing five new beds so that all ten ICU rooms will feature a new critical care bed.
Foundation Board Chair Maleta Reynolds offered her appreciation to the community for its support. “No matter how great our needs have been the past twenty-five years, the citizens of Hopkins County have provided funds and encouragement. Thank you to those who donated to the Snowflake Campaign this year. Each of those gifts has made this new ICU bed possible.”
The Stryker Critical Care Bed normally costs $34,900 each, however CMFH-SS was able to negotiate a discount bringing the cost to $21,900 each. With the funds raised through the Snowflake Campaign, the matching gift and the health care providers donation, Hopkins County citizens will benefit from a new ICU bed.
If you are interested in donating toward the purchase of the remaining four critical care beds, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, at 903-438-4799.
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Wildcats Basketball Falls in Dallas, Begins District Season at Paris Friday
Sulphur Springs did not finish their pre-district season as they may have hoped, going 0-2 over their final two games prior to start of district play.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team fell in Anna last Friday, before losing in Dallas on Tuesday to Pinkston 80-71.
Wildcats basketball traveled to Dallas on Tuesday, Jan. 10 for a big match-up with Dallas Pinkston. The Vikings came into the matchup ranked #8 in 4A, with Sulphur Springs three spots behind at 11.
Men’s basketball fell behind early and kept it tight, staying within a 10-point game for the majority of Tuesday’s contest in Dallas.
A late run though by the Vikings cushioned their lead though as they went on to win versus Sulphur Springs, 80-71.
Shooting was vastly better in their Tuesday loss in Dallas. The Tuesday before, in Anna against a similarly highly ranked 4A squad, the Wildcats could only put 54 points on the scoreboard. In their loss to Dallas Pinkston, Coach Shaver’s team put up almost 20 more points.
But after two straight losses, Sulphur Springs goes back to the drawing board to try and recapture the magic that saw them win 18 of their first 23 games.
The loss on Tuesday in Dallas brings men’s basketball’s season record to 18-7, a second straight loss prior to the start of district play.
Going 0-2 to wrap up their non-district season is less than ideal. Considering the Wildcats did so against the #8 team in 4A in Pinkston, and their 60-54 loss to #10 Anna, Coach Shaver’s team should not hang their head.
They look to get back to their winning ways on Friday, Jan. 13 when they travel to Paris for their first district game.
The district opener for men’s basketball tips off in Paris on Friday at 7:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
First Phase Of Construction Begins On New Jail Trusty Housing Facility
The first phase of construction has begun on the new jail trusty housing facility on Houston Street, across from Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center which houses the current jail and sheriff’s office.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, the sheriff, chief deputy and jail administrator met with SEDALCO Construction Services Superintendent Brad Huber, Project Manager Will Burgess, Wayne Gondeck with DRG Architects, and other members of the project team, most of whom joined in via Zoom, to discuss progress, get some clarification for some items for construction of the facility.
Huber reported so far the focus has been on earthwork and public safety. County officials who visit the site are asked to check in at the construction trailer with the supervisor so he can provide them with a hard hat, then walk with them safely through the site, and discuss or answer any questions they may have.
A few changes were made to the plan, and a different contractor was brought in after it was learned the original contractor would not be able to start work until this week because their workers are already committed to other projects; that would push the start back three to four weeks on what is projected to be an 11 month job. With the rainy season coming in the next couple of months and potential for extreme cold through at least February, getting earth work started as soon as possible was determined to be an important part of getting the project finished on time and within budget.
A few small changes discovered included addition of a bullet resistant panel from the lead in door, an accessible bench, and a plumbing fixture had to be relocated.
Equipment and utilities equipment are being moved in. Sand bags have been ordered to hold down appropriate signage, which will be placed in the area. A dumpster is scheduled for order from the city. While the construction trailer is in place, SEDALCO officials said they are still waiting for the Internet and have yet to get a copier set up. A fence is planned to go up around three-fourths of the project, designating the work area for approved personnel as a means to help keep the public safe from walking onto the site.
Crews have begun site work, and have completed about 75% of the sanitary and sewer work, including putting in two concrete manholes.
Sewer and sanitation lines on the west side of the facility has been put on hold temporarily because of how close it is to the are where workers are back filling the foundation.
Currently, workers are building the pad on which the foundation for the new trustee housing facility will be placed. The work involves select fill — digging out where the foundation will go and filling the area back up with a layer of select preferred dirt. The subgrade is being compacted, passing the test Monday to bring in the select fill in order to provide a better base upon which to pour the foundation.
County Commissioners plan to bring in equipment to remove the dirt pile themselves, and potentially use the soil elsewhere. This will save on trucking cost for a contractor to remove the dirt a truck load at a time and haul it elsewhere.
Additional discussion focused on fencing, particularly around a retention wall and detention pond, and signage. Sheriff Lewis Tatum said metal lockers were not needed in the bunk area for inmates to use. Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean explained ail trusties receive two containers to put their personal property in. Shelving to put boots and other gear the inmates would normally acquire in the sally port can be added later, potentially using the wood shop to have the inmates build their own shelving, Chief Deputy Tanner Crump added. The sheriff’s office officials noted plastic tables would suffice instead of metal tables, as the facility is designed as a low risk jail housing unit. The vendor selected to install the jail phone system and video visitation will put in that cable.
The county officials and construction team plan to meet every 2 weeks.
In November, the Commissioners Court approved a guaranteed maximum price contract for $4,799,477 for a 48-bed trusty facility, which is still within the $4.9 million budget for the project. Funding for the building comes from the $7 million allocated to Hopkins County in American Rescue Plan funding to construct a building to house male inmates who have been designated as trusties, and as such go out into the community to work daily, including on precinct crews, at schools, the Civic Center and other locations.
The trusty facility would better segregate the inmate trusties from the general inmate population at Hopkins County jail when they return from their work details. The county officials contend the measure should help reduce potential spread of COVID or other infectious illnesses from trusties who are out in the public or working alongside those who are around others in public, where they could be potentially exposed to illnesses.
By doing so, the county would be meeting the “response to COVID pandemic for public health and the health of the general inmate population of the Hopkins County jail,” an allowable use under the ARP guidelines, county officials said.
Lady Cats Basketball Starts District Season 2-0, Hosts Two Straight Games Starting Friday
Lady Cats basketball picked up their second straight district win on the road on Tuesday, Jan. 10
Sulphur Springs beat Pittsburg 58-38 to start off district play a stellar 2-0.
Coach Bryan Jones and his squad kept the Lady Pirates at arms’ length throughout the majority of Tuesday’s contest.
The closest Pittsburg came to the Lady Cats came right before the end of the third quarter, when Sulphur Springs led 41-33 heading into the final quarter of Tuesday’s game.
The hopes of a rallying, come-from-behind victory for Pittsburg ended shortly thereafter as the Lady Pirates managed a paltry five points in the fourth quarter, as the Lady Cats went on the win big Tuesday, 58-38.
Sulphur Springs is rolling through the first two games of district play, starting 2-0.
Women’s basketball is 19-4 overall with just eight games left in the regular season.
Starting off 2-0 to start district play has the Lady Cats in second in 15-4A, behind only North Lamar.
Next up, Coach Jones and his squad return home to the friendly confines of the SSHS Main Gym for two straight district contests at home.
The first of two straight home matches has the Lady Cats taking on third-place Paris on Friday, Jan. 13.
That game tips off in Sulphur Springs on Friday at 6:15 P.M.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 wraps up the two game home-stand for women’s basketball as they have a date with Liberty Eylau.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Chamber Connection — Jan. 11, 2023: Membership Banquet Will Celebrate Hopkins County With ‘A Night at the Gallery’
By Butch Burney, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
The 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet will celebrate Hopkins County with a theme of “A Night at the Gallery,” awards and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30 p.m., and awards beginning at 7 p.m.
You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays, as well as video recognition at the banquet.
For more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Nominations open until Jan. 20
Thanks to everyone who has mailed or emailed nominations for the superlative awards that will be given out at the annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet on Feb. 16.
Here are some tips for those who want to nominate individuals, businesses, groups or clubs for the awards. This is a nomination process, not a voting contest. The nominations go to committees that very seriously look at the nominations sent in. So …
- Don’t just send in a name; instead, tell us why the person or business should be selected. That carries much more weight in the process.
- Get the nominations in before Jan. 20. That’s the deadline.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Blood Drive
Please join Carter BloodCare at Brookshire’s parking lot at 809 Gilmer St., sponsored by American Legion Post #66 and VFW Post #8560, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Retirement Reception
A retirement reception for Johanna Hicks will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 1200-B West Houston St. It is hosted by the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers.
Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Opening
- Shop the Springs and Deep Routes Coffee will have their Grand Opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, Jan. 20. Doors open at 8 a.m., with the ribbon cutting at noon, give-aways from 2-4 p.m. and live music from 5-7 p.m. Please join them on this special day at 215 Shannon Road East (behind Burger King).
- Frosted Whimsy will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, Jan.18, at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber.
- Werry Pools will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Chamber office. Please welcome them to the business community.
- The Vault fitness center held a ribbon cutting at noon on Monday, Jan. 9, at their gym in Hillcrest Square. Please welcome them to the community.
A Word of Advice For Engaged Couples
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected].
Yes, I know this is not the most prevalent wedding season. However, engaged couples have already started planning summer and fall weddings. I recently had the opportunity to visit with State Representative Bryan Slaton in his Greenville office, and his eyes lit up when I mentioned the Twogether in Texas marriage education workshops which I had been leading for the past 8 to 10 years. His belief (and mine, as well) is that a strong marriage leads to strong families, and strong families lead to strong communities.
Most of you know by now that I will be retiring at the end of January (more on that later!), but I have the approval to continue teaching the Twogether in Texas marriage education workshops in the interim period. I don’t have a date planned at this time, but keep posted! Engaged couples who take the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 (the state portion) upon applying for a marriage license.
With that being said, I wanted to share a few tidbits from the curriculum. Expectations about love and marriage can have a powerful impact on relationships. “To a large degree, you will be disappointed or happy in life based on how well what is happening matches up with what you think should be happening.” (Markman, Blumberg & Stanley, 1990)
There are three common pitfalls regarding marriage expectations:
- Couples are often unaware of their own expectations. Not until they already feel the frustration or disappointment of unmet expectations do couples realize they had made some assumptions about how things “should” go. For example: “My father always gathered up the trash in the house. I guess I just assumed my partner would, too.”
- Expectations are unrealistic. Hollywood, love songs, and pop culture have a way of promoting and romanticizing unrealistic expectations. There is nothing wrong with wanting a great relationship, but expecting perfection is a slippery slope. Phrases such as “you complete me” paint unrealistic pictures of relationships.
- Couples fail to discuss their expectations with one another. There is sometimes a risk in expressing expectations. It may open up disagreement or rejection, and is therefore a vulnerable thing to do. The risk of not expressing expectations, however, is to set your relationship up for disappointment, hurt, and anger. So, discuss who will gather up the trash, clean the bathrooms, wash the dishes, etc.
As a friend once said, “Your expectations get you to the altar. Once there, you must alter your expectations.”
Some common myths may lead some couples astray. These include:
- Myth #1: Marriage will help improve our relationship or will motivate my fiancé to change. (You accepted them as they are. Don’t expect change.)
- Myth #2: Marriage will make me feel complete. (You are complete just as you are.)
- Myth #3: Perfect marriages happen for perfect people. (There are no perfect people, so there are no perfect marriages. Communication and faith in God are crucial to a healthy relationship.)
- Myth #4: Happily married couples never have serious problems. (Troubles make marriages stronger if you handle them as a team. Again, effective communication is key.)
- Myth #5: Happy marriages are filled with romantic love and unwavering trust. (Romance may wane, but the love can continue to grow more deeply over time.)
All couples, whether engaged, seriously dating, or married, can be intentional about your time together. As Henry Ford says, “Coming together is easy; keeping together in progress, working together is success.”
Closing Thought
The more you understand your past, the more influence you’ll have over your future.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office, P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
2 Served With Warrants For Felony Offenses Twice In Less Than A Week
At least 2 men have been served with warrants for felony offenses twice in less than a week, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Zack Steward and Elijah Fite located Luke Maximus Walters at a County Road 2301 residence at 6:40 p.m. Jan. 5, 2023, and took the 20-year-old Dike man into custody on two warrants. Walters was booked into Hopkins County jail at 7:43 p.m. Thursday on two warrants for indecency with a child by sexual contact. The offenses, the deputies noted in arrest reports, are alleged to have occurred on March 1, 2021.
At 10:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, Fite contacted Luke Walters, who remained in Hopkins County jail, and served him with three additional warrants, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in lieu of $5 million bond — $1 million each on the two indecency charges as $1 million each on three aggravated sexual assault of a child charges, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkinson served Jameek Montres Pryor at 4 p.m. Jan. 4, 2023, with a warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The offense is alleged to have occurred on Oct. 21, 2022, the day he was arrested on an assault of a family or household member, a charge enhanced to a third-degree felony due to a 2019 conviction, according to arrest reports
He allegedly resisted officers efforts Oct. 21 to take him into custody, pulling way from deputies and once inside the patrol vehicle, allegedly kept yelling at the woman he was accused of assaulting. He allegedly yelled and screamed for water on the way to jail, then tried to kick out the vehicle window. The deputy gave him water and he calmed down and was transported to the county jail, where he was booked in Oct. 21, 2022, on the assault charge, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Pryor was indicted during the Dec. 30, 2022 Grand Jury session on the assault of a family or household member with previous conviction and unauthorized use of a vehicle charges. The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was charged with the Oct. 21, 2022 UUV offense on Jan. 4, 2023.
HCSO Deputy Michael Chang then served Pryor with another felony warrant, for robbery, at 4:25 p.m. Jan. 6, 2023, according to arrest reports.
Pryor remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in lieu of $175,000 in bonds — $50,000 bond on the assault of a family or household member with previous conviction charge, $100,000 bond on a Van Zandt County assault of a family or household member with previous conviction charge, a $5,000 bond on the unauthorize use of vehicle charge, and $20,000 in bond on the robbery charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Man Who Died Jan. 2 After Being Shot During Foot Pursuit With Local Authorities Has Been Identified
The man who died Jan. 2 after being shot during a foot pursuit with local authorities has been identified in a Custodial Death Report posted by state officials as 43-year-old Randy Wayne Tadlock.
The report summary for the death restated the public information release distributed to local media on Jan. 3:
Officers with the Sulphur Springs Police Department and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area of Holiday Drive in Sulphur Springs, Texas in reference to an individual that had a handgun and was threatening to do harm to himself and others. The complainant stated that after making these threats, the individual left the area on foot. A short time later, officers located the individual in a vehicle in a parking lot located at 1233 South Broadway Street. When confronted, the individual then fled from the vehicle on foot with the handgun. Officers gave pursuit and later the individual pointed the handgun at the officers and a Sulphur Springs Police Officer fired his duty weapon, striking the individual. The individual later succumbed to his injuries.
Local authorities have referred all requests for any further information to the Rangers. The police officer who fired his weapon was placed on administrative leave during the Rangers’ investigation.
Reports from the scene Monday night, Jan. 2, 2023, were that man who’d made threats with the firearm had begun running toward South Broadway Street, with officers in pursuit. Responding officers reported gunshots were fired, then, that one person was injured, according to initial reports Monday evening from the scene.
Officers reportedly administered first aid until EMS and fire department personnel arrived at the South Broadway Street address. The man was was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, with the man’s time of death listed as 6:06 p.m., four minutes after the listed time of incident, in the CDR.
South Broadway Street from Lee Street to Industrial Drive were closed to traffic for more than 3 hours Jan. 3 while officials began the investigative process.
The death was investigated by Texas Rangers out of Garland. The CDR required in a police-involved shooting was then submitted to the state.
The state report lists the manner of death as “Homicide (includes Justifiable Homicide).” Cause was listed as gunshot wounds caused by “Law enforcement/correctional personnel.” A handgun was listed as the cause of death.
According to the Custodial Death Report, Tadlock was a felon in possession of a firearm and evading arrest or detention at the time of his death. Officers had attempted to contact him due to the prior complaint of “Violent Crime Against Persons; Medical / Mental Health assistance call.” He was alleged in the report to have displayed a firearm, without discharging it, to have attempted to injure others, including law enforcement personnel responding at the location. The CDR was submitted to the state Friday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2023, according to the report.
Funeral services for 43-year-old Randy Tadlock of Lone Oak were held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Wolfe City, with interment in Ladonia. Tadlock had worked in the construction business. He is survived by his father, five children and one sister.
Special Welding Program to Train Welders to Work in the Trailer Industry at Paris Junior College
WELDING
Maverick Maxey, left, and Billy Hill enroll in the welding program at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center. This program will train welders to work in the trailer industry. Enrollment is open now.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Sulphur Springs ISD Receives Best Rating Possible On Annual Audit
8 Personnel Changes Will Impact 5 District Campuses
Sulphur Springs ISD received the top rating on the annual independent auditor. Trustees during the regular school board meeting Jan. 9, 2023, also approved eight personnel changes, announced candidate filing dates for two seats on the school board and heard a brief update on the SSISD 2021-2022 Texas Performance Reporting System report.
Annual Audit
Taylor and Company, PC
Robert Lake with Rutherford, Taylor and Company, PC., presented the annual financial and compliance report accountants conducted on 2021-2022 school district finances.
Lake said while there are a few new things in the report, overall, they did not have any significant impact on the outcome of the audit.. More importantly, Lake reported, Sulphur Springs ISD received an “unmodified opinion, the best you can receive.”
The business’ audit of internal controls and compliance found they had not changed; they remain unmodified. In fact, Lake noted, “across all facets of the audit, everything looks great.”
Lake commended the district for its 98.7% tax collection rate, which increases to more than 100% when delinquent collections and fees are added. SSISD is one of only a few school districts that still collect their own taxes, which officials stated, is why the tax collection rate is so high.
The district finished out the 2021-2022 school year which concluded Aug. 31, 2022, about $1 million under budget for the year, Lake pointed out from the annual audit report.
Personnel Items
The eight personnel changes approved by Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees following an executive session Monday night will impact five district campuses.
Chasity Roy’s resignation as a Title 1 aide at Sulphur Springs Middle School was accepted as was that of Sulphur Springs Elementary math aide Melina Rivera.
Two SSISD employees were approved to swap jobs. Both receptionist Jerika Hankins and at-risk aide Sandra Forshee will remain on the Sulphur Springs Middle School campus. However, Hankins was approved to become the new Middle School receptionist and Forshee will become an at-risk aide.
Five people were approved to join the SSISD staff. Alicia Henderson will become a Title 1 aide at Bowie Primary. At Rowena Johnson Primary, Lori Nix assumes the role of third grade English language arts/reading teacher while Hannah-Kay Brazel becomes a behavior aide. Finally, rounding out the list of new staff approved by the trustees Monday night as the new career and technology education business teacher at Sulphur Springs High School was Nickie Smith.
Trustees Election
Those interested in serving on the Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees may begin filing candidacy Wednesday morning, Jan. 18, with filing continuing from weekdays through Feb. 19. Filing will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, through Feb. 19, 2023,
The election is slated to be held Saturday, May 6, 2023. All places on Sulphur Springs school board are at-large, so the two candidates receiving the most votes at the conclusion of the election on May 6 will be elected to the school board.
Robert Cody and Robbin Vaughn, who have continued to be reelected to the board since 2014, are currently serving in the two seats up for election in May. Neither trustee indicated whether or not they plan to seek another term on the school board.
Applications for a place on the ballot may be downloaded from the SSISD website, www.ssisd.net. From the About SSISD menu on the main page of the website, select SSISD Board of Trustees, then select the School Board Election Information. An Application for a Place on the Ballot and Form CTA (Campaign Treasurer Appointment). Both must be completed and filed in the Tax Office of the SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally Street.
Candidate applications may also be obtained in the SSISD Tax Office. All applications filed are public records and open to inspection upon request.
To be eligible for candidacy in a school board election, the individual must be 18 years of age or older; a US citizen; have lived in the state for 12 months, and in the district for 6 months on the date of the regular filing deadline, or the election date if a write-in candidate; and be registered to vote in the trustees election.
Trustee candidates may not have been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote; not have been finally convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities.
School board election qualifications and eligibility information may be found in SSISD Board Policy BBA(LEGAL). A Candidate’s Guide to Primary and General Elections may be accessed by clicking here.
For additional SSISD Board Elections information, call SSISD Tax Assessor/CollectorSandra Gibby at 903-885-2153, extension 1111.
Other Items
Superintendent Michael Lamb gave a brief report on the 2021-2022 Texas Performance Reporting System. Trustees received 6 pages, which are a quick snapshot with district STAAR scores broken down by grade level, test and social economic and other student subsets so the board members can begin looking over the data.
Lamb noted the TPRS is based on data that is released in December, which encapsulates data the district received and presents in August. A full report is slated to be reviewed at the Feb. 13, 2023, SSISD Board of Trustees meeting by administrators. The full TPRS report is available online on the Texas Education Agency website.
One notable change in reporting is that whereas in the past school scores were based on pass or fail. Now, however, scores reflect “at or approaches,” “at or meets” and “masters” grade level on tests.
Most students’ score across the state reflected the impact of lost lessons due to COVID-19 shutdowns in 2021 test scores. That did not seem, in some instances, to catch up to SSISD students until the 2021-2022 school year in some areas. In other areas, the district scored higher than state averages. While some scores are lower at the lower testing grade levels, students appear to have caught up by the time they exit middle school.
Following an executive session, SSISD Board of Trustees reviewed and discussed options for facilities and future bond possibilities. The board also discussed these matters during a special board meeting last week.
Another meeting of SSISD Board of Trustees is slated to be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2023.
