Como-Pickton and Yantis School Boards To Hold May 1 Elections; Incumbents Are Unopposed For Sulphur Springs Offices
When candidate filing drew to a close Friday, incumbents were the only candidates to file for Sulphur Springs elections, while Yantis and Como-Pickton CISD each had at least one more candidate file than seats on the board. Because the incumbents are unopposed, Sulphur Springs Board of Trustees and City Council should be able to cancel their elections. Como-Pickton and Yantis schools will hold trustees elections on May 1, 2021.
Candidates KSST has received confirmation regarding filing are by Election, and where appropriate, Place:
City of Sulphur Springs
For regular terms on the Sulphur Springs City Council for Places 1, 2 and 3, and for the unexpired term for Place 5:
Sulphur Springs ISD
For two regular full three-year at-large seats on Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees are incumbents:
Como-Pickton CISD
For one two-year unexpired term seat and for three at-large full term seats on Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees:
- Unexpired seat
- 4-year full term seats
- Jessica Pegues, incumbent
- Shiloh Childress, incumbent
- Cole Boseman
- Stephanie Cotton
- Clif Carpenter
Yantis ISD
For three at-large full-term seats on the Yantis Independent School District Board of Trustees:
- Stacey Batchelor
- Ashly Vivion
- Tyra Kenemore
- Carrie Hurley
Machine Which Allowed City To Treat Icy Roads, Intersections Broke, Limiting Response
All Roads Are Slick With Snow Covering Icy Surfaces; Motorists Cautioned Against Travel, Urged To Stay Home If At All Possible
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell just before noon Sunday issued a plea urging motorists who are able to please remain at home off the roads. The sanding machine which the city uses to spread a mixture on intersections and streets to make them passable during ice and snow has broken, irreparably. This what helped make the main roads through town passable on Thursday. City crews will now not be able to treat those intersections and roads. That means thanks to the ice that froze and snow that has fallen on them overnight and continues to fall lightly are slippery and dangerous.
Already city officials have worked a number of calls due to motorists venturing out on the icy roads Sunday. The city’s inability to treat the roads will mean limited response by emergency officials in being able to safely reach those vehicles that do go off the slick city roads as quickly. Thus, the city manager is urging people to please if at all possible, remain at home safe and off the roads.
Sulphur Springs Police had responded to reports of a couple of cars in the ditch and an 18-wheeler jackknifed at Bill Bradford Road due to the weather. While most intersections were somewhat passable at noon, and the slow lane on Interstate 30 was reported to have tracks through it allowing for some slow moving traffic, conditions are expected to worsen as additional wintry weather persists. They too urge those who can to remain at home. Those who cannot avoid being out to drive very slow and don’t slam on their brakes as that can cause the car to slide out of control on the slick roads.
While Texas Department of Transportation has been out for hours treating bridges, overpasses and major roadways with a mixture to help provide a bit more traction, county emergency responders report the roads and highways throughout Hopkins County are still very slippery. Since about 7 a.m., county rews have been responding to calls, trying to safely reach motorists who tried to navigate the interstate. While the road may appear to be safe due to the thin layer of powdery snow on top, they are icy underneath, where water froze on the road overnight. They have responded to reports of multiple vehicles in ditches as well as jackknifed 18-wheelers.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department has every available officer out and noted that while no major roads were officially closed at 12:30 Feb. 14, motorists are urged to please stay home. Traffic on Interstate 30 through Hopkins County is not closed but is very slow moving and especially slick from the 113 mile marker westward. Officials report nobody needs to be out unless absolutely necessary due to the road conditions.
Those who cannot avoid traveling are encouraged to put an extra blanket, flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle just in case they become stranded. Road conditions for Texas can be found at drivetexas.org.
Feb. 15-19 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. Delivery and meal preparation will depend on whether cooks and delivery drivers can safely navigate road conditions. If roads are bad or the temperature drops below zero, the program will likely have to be suspended until conditions improve for the safety of the volunteers who staff the program, according to Senior Citizens Center Director Karon Weatherman.
The Feb. 15-19 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday – Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Cranberry Sauce
Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black-Eyed Peas and Corn Bread
Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Thursday – Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad
Friday – Frito Chili Pie, Corn and Cold Slaw
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Wildcats Basketball Bi-District Information Has Been Firmed Up
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta announced Saturday, Feb. 13 that the Wildcats would be playing Jacksonville in the Bi-District round playoff game Friday at 7:30 P.M. in Hallsville.
The Wildcats had a chance to play a warm-up game against the Anna Coyotes Saturday, Feb. 13 in Anna, TX. The Wildcats led after the first quarter, 17-15, but Anna came to play, trailing to the visiting Wildcats 33-31 at the half with both teams scoring 16 points in the second quarter. The Coyotes proved an extremely formidable opponent throughout the game, going blow-for-blow with the Wildcats. Anna outscored the Wildcats, 15-13 to take a 46-45 advantage going into the final quarter of play. But the Wildcats took control of the game, outscoring the Coyotes 21-10 in the fourth quarter to take a 64-56 win in a strong warm-up game for these two teams.
Justin Haire provided consistent scoring throughout the course of the game, but Lamodrick Johnson proved the catalyst for this Wildcats team; he scored 6 of the final 17 points of the game which featured a 15-2 run for the Wildcats over the final four minutes.
The Wildcats resume action when they travel to Hallsville next Friday for the Bi-District round of playoffs against Jacksonville at 7:30 P.M. Be sure to tune in to KSST 1230 AM’s Radio Broadcast of the game.
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.
Saltillo Lions Basketball Goes Undefeated in District Play
The Saltillo Lions basketball team, with their third win of the week, and eleventh in a row, have completed their regular season, going undefeated in 1A District-24.
Saltillo clearly had their eye on the prize Saturday, as opposed to Senior Night Tuesday and Friday night, where the Lions could not pull ahead until the end of the game. The story was different Saturday, though, as Saltillo led Yantis 17-11 after the first quarter. The Lions never looked back, taking a 33-21 lead into halftime. Saltillo dominated the third quarter, though, outscoring Yantis 27-9 to take a demanding 60-30 lead into the final quarter of regular season play for both teams. Even though the Yantis Owls outscored the Lions 12-6 in the fourth, the only quarter in which Yantis was able to do so, the damage was already done, and Saltillo beat the Owls 66-42 to become 1A District-24 champions.
Saturday Chris Boekhorst led the Lions with 31 points. Andrew Redburn had 14 points, Coy Collins scored 8 points, Caden McGill added 5 points and Gunner Tarver and David Whitworth rounded out the scoring for the Lions with 3 and 2 points, respectively.
The Lions complete district play undefeated at 11-0. They are 17-7 for the season and are ranked #13 in Class 1A in a TABC Poll.
Brashear Man Claimed To Be His Brother, Arrested On Controlled Substance Charge
A 36-year-old Brashear man claimed to be his brother and was arrested on a controlled substance charge Friday night in Miller Grove, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Baumann reported the 36-year-old he stopped around 9:25 p.m. Feb. 12 for failure to signal 100 feet prior to a turn from FM 1567 to FM 275 exhibited nervous behavior, talking fast but hesitant in the information he gave to the deputy. He also claimed not to have his driver’s license with him. He claimed not to have any contraband in the Chevrolet Tahoe he was driving and gave Baumann permission to search the car, but was hesitant to get out of it.
While the man continued to talk with the man, he admitted his true name was Cory Layne Belz. He had apparently given the deputy his true date of birth but his brother’s name when asked asked for ID information, Baumann alleged in arrest reports. Belz was detained for failure to identify.
Deputy Aaron Chaney arrived to assist in conducting an inventory of the SUV prior to impound. Chaney found a baggy with a small amount of a green leafy substance he believed was marijuana and another bag wit a crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine in a fast food wrapper on the floorboard and a bandana wit a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine with residue on it between the driver’s side seat and console.
Belz was taken to jail, where the suspected marijuana weighed 0.07 ounce and the crystal-like substance tested positive for meth and weighed 1.123 grams, Baumann and Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Belz was booked into Hopkins County jail for failure to identify by giving a false name and possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone as the traffic stop occurred on FM 275 south near a school, according to arrest reports. Belz remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday. Feb.13, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and a $1,000 bond on the failure to ID 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.
People Urged To Take Precautions In Readiness For Another Winter Storm
A Few Weather-Related Closings, Cancellations Already Reported
North and Central Texas are under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. Monday, with mixed precipitation and very low temperatures and strong winds that could result in very restricted visibility and possibly life threatening wind chills, according to weather forecasts. A second winter storm front is expect then to blow in Tuesday night or Wednesday and hang around until potentially Thursday, with snow, wind gusts and potential other precipitation.
Local emergency officials and crews who respond to improve road conditions and restore services have been working since midweek, and anticipated working in front of and as bad weather fronts begin moving in. If the weather gets as bad as predicted, people are urged to stay in and at home off roads if at all possible. State emergency officials and weather forecasters urge residents to prepare for power outages and have non-perishable food and water on hand, just in case. Those who can’t are reminded to go slow when traveling roads and allow plenty of time for potential delays. Those traveling are encouraged to put an extra blanket, flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle just in case they become stranded. Check road conditions before traveling as some roads likely will become impassable. The latest road conditions for Texas can be found at drivetexas.org.
Many school districts are scheduled to be off or Washington’s birthday/Presidents Day on Monday. If the weather persists beyond that, school districts are already working on contingency plans. For instance, Sulphur Springs ISD prepared students and staff Friday with the needed electronic devices to revert to all-virtual learning if travel isn’t safe for classes on Tuesday.
Some churches also are changing service times and schedules due to the expected weather, so be sure to check before heading out.
Below are some weather related changes reported to KSST.
Closures and Cancellations
- Free COVID-19 Testing Center in Sulphur Springs (128-A Jefferson Street) will be closed through Monday due to the winter weather conditions. Officials will reevaluate the situation Monday morning to determine whether the site will reopen or remain closed based on inclement weather conditions at that time.
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics and Urgent Care on South Broadway Street will be closed on Monday in consideration of inclement weather.
- Central Baptist Church services for Sunday, February 14, have been cancelled. Children’s Hope has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 21.
- Triumph Christian Center has cancelled services on Feb. 14 due to the winter storm approaching and the bitter cold temps this weekend., and the midweek storm forecast will be closely watched. TCC encourages others to pray one for another and be safe.
If your school or organization is cancelling, delaying or has a scheduling change due to the weather, contact KSST so we can help get the word out.
Stay tuned to KSST Radio 1230 AM for the latest weather reports and updates for school start delays and closings.
Paris District Road Report for the week of February 15, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Feb. 15, 2021. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar Streets (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The northbound exit ramp for Pecan Street and Washington Street is expected to be reopened to traffic on February 8. With the reopening of the Washington Street exit, the North Travis Street exit ramp (FM 131) will be closed on February 8 in order for crews to work on the frontage road. Exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The southbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the North Travis Street exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through July 2021. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (#643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 82 main lanes will be closed to traffic beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday, February 24 in order to pour the new bridge deck for the southbound US 75 frontage road. All traffic will be detoured onto the frontage road at the US 75 exit ramp and will be able to re-enter US 82 at the following on-ramp. The main lanes are expected to be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. on February 13.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on February 26, both lanes of the US 75 northbound frontage road will be closed in order to demolish a portion of the old railroad bridge structure. The frontage road will be reopened to traffic on February 20 at 6:30 a.m.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the second portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Weather permitting, work is expected to begin on February 17 on this project which will upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and approaches on both the northbound and southbound bridges. This work will require occasional daytime lane closures for some stages of construction, and will require lane shifts to be implemented during construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the southbound US 75 frontage road while construction crews work on completing the remainder of the project. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691. The new entrance ramp to southbound US 75 has been opened to traffic.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the daytime.
FM 697, Grayson County: between FM 2729 and US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson County: between FM 1897 and FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 69, Fannin County: from FM 981 to FM 896. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures as workers perform base repairs on the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to build crossovers and turn lanes and overlay the future left lane. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
US 69, Fannin County: from SH 11 to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane and shoulder closures as maintenance crews work on backfilling the edge of the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin work on rehabilitation of the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
FM 137 at Loop 286, Lamar County: Watch for lane closures while crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix surface.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 82 W to 0.5 mi. south of US 82 E. Watch for lane closures while crews perform full-depth concrete repairs.
BU 82H (Bonham Street/Lamar Avenue), Lamar County: from 19th Street SW to 33rd Street SE. Watch for crews performing safety improvements to traffic signals.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the north side of the roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the south side.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has begun placing project barricades and will begin preparing the right-of-way, and clearing and grubbing the project limits.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek. Road closures began on Nov. 30 and will continue throughout the duration of this project. The contractor is placing rock gabions and rip-rap for drainage protection. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for workers and work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is currently placing the first course surface treatment of the proposed roadway on a two-mile stretch of roadway rehabilitation beginning at FM 272. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor has finished prepping the right-of-way for this project. Roadwork will begin on February 18. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam guard fence repairs around the county, and removing debris from I-30 early this week. Maintenance crews will sweep US 69 between Greenville and Lone Oak. Crews will be pretreating and deicing various roadways in Hunt County. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing various sign installations, potholing and debris removal. Maintenance crews will perform pretreatment and deicing operations in Hunt and Rains County. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
SH 34, Hunt County: 3.5 miles south of Quinlan. TxDOT has placed a temporary concrete traffic barrier to protect travelers from the damage caused by an 18-wheeler accident. The contractor has placed traffic control and barricades the bridge rail repair has begun with removal of damaged concrete. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Lady Cats Basketball Area Information Has Been Firmed Up
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell announced Saturday (February 13) that the Lady Cats would be playing Royse City in an Area round playoff game Monday at 6 pm. in Greenville. Both teams won bi-district contests on Friday.
The Lady Cats squeezed by Nacogdoches, 56-54 at Athens. The Lady Bulldogs shocked Midlothian, the #18 ranked team in the state, 42-38, in double overtime. The Lady Cats, the #1 seed from District 15-5A, are now 17-7 for the season. Royse City is the #3 seed in their district.
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.
Cumby ISD Nurse, Employees Receive Stipend For Extra Duties During COVID-19 Pandemic
Cumby ISD nurse and school employees will be receiving a stipend for their extra duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. District trustees approved the extra pay and administrative contracts, recognized the school nurse for going above and beyond the normal call of duty this year, discussed Lone Star Guidance Quarterly Tracker actuals for February and April target gals, and heard updates regarding graduation, prom and an internet safety addendum during their regular February board meeting, held earlier than usual in order for trustees to consider a proposal calling for a school bond election.
Recognition
Each months Cumby ISD Board of Trustees designate time to recognize outstanding students, staff and supporters. On Feb. 11, CISD recognized Juliana Osornio her relentless dedication to Cumby ISD this year. In addition to serving as school nurse, she is also the school district health coordinator, which requires her to do all of the contact tracing for the district any time someone tests positive or a potential COVID-19 exposure has been reported, and doing the resulting reporting to the state as well. She is literally always on call as the health coordinator, Superintendent Shelly Slaughter noted.
“”This year has been crazy and you have just been relentless in what you’ve done for the district, the calls you’ve had to make, the decision you’ve had to make about things being our health contact for the district, and having to work with Hunt and Hopkins counties and several different entities,” Slaughter said.
Osornio is also the district’s health science teacher and is also the junior high and varsity cheer sponsor. Slaughter expressed appreciation to Osornio for “the things that you do every day for us” and doing so with a smile on her face.
“You always lead with grace. You are a true example and we so appreciate you. Just thanking you tonight is not near enough. I don’t know if you how many people look up to you and appreciate you, but it was not hard finding lots of people who had nice things to say about you. You’re doing an amazing job. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you,” Slaughter told Osornio, who joined the meeting via Zoom on Thursday, a day in which class was not in session due to the hazardous icy road conditions.
Slaughter noted that students and staff planned to present her with a show of appreciation they would be presenting to her in the future as a small show of thanks for her many contributions.
“Thank you for all of your kind words. I really appreciate it,” Osornio said.
Stipends
First the school board was asked to approve a stipend for the school nurse to compensate her for her extra duties as district health coordinator. She began working in the summer, helped the district shape the COVID-19 health plan, often is required to put in hours on weekends and after hours, including contract tracing, and submits required information to TEA and other state agencies as required due to COVID-19.
Slaughter asked the board to consider paying her an extra stipend for 10 extra days outside her contract for the extra duties as health coordinator.
One board member noted Osornio’s job has certainly shifted, with many extra duties in addition to her traditional job description. The school board unanimously agree to give Osornio the stipend for this school year.
District administrators also asked the trustees to consider awarding a COVID-19 stipend to all CISD employees, extra duty pay for the extra hours put in on duties and responsibilities beyond the normal scope of their duties, particularly for virtual learning. Two options were recommended, either paying $400 for certified faculty and $250 for non-certified staff for a total of $25,150 extra to be allocated for the stipend, or paying a stipend of $500 to certified staff and $250 to non-certified staff for a total of $29,750 allocated for the stipend.
Trustee Marsha Krotky made the motion, seconded by Kyle Pettit to pay the 46 certified faculty members an extra $500 and the 27 non-certified staff $250. The motion passed. 6-0
Contracts
Cumby school board approved three administrative contracts at the Feb. 11 board meeting, for High School Principal Donna George, Elementary Principal Doug Wicks and Athletic Director Charles Boles. As recommended by Slaughter, each received a 2-year contract at their pay scale for the next school year on a 6-0 vote of the board, who offered thanks and appreciation to the administrators for all they do at Cumby ISD, including being instructional leaders and showing character education.
Reports
The school board members were reported to have seven hours of training, except Jody Jarvis, who had three hours. Additional training sessions are planned in the near future.
Cumby ISD Police Chief Tony Crouse submitted to the board a form exempting the school department from having to compile a racial profiling report. He and Slaughter explained that he does not as a normal part of his duties perform traffic stops, and therefore is exempt from having to compile the racial profiling report. The board must be notified of the exemption, which is submitted to the state and kept on file for legal auditing purposes. The trustees approved the report for the exemption as presented.
Slaughter also made a gave an update on LSG goal progress and the need to adjust the timeline a bit for a few April goals to better fit current progress and pace for attainability.
Adding an internet safety addendum outlining the school’s plan for children’s internet safety was also discussed.
The need to schedule a community meeting to discuss and answer questions related to the May 1 2-proposition bond election, which trustees called for during the meeting, was also discussed.
Announcements
Prom and graduation will be held at the school this year, High School Principal Donna George told the trustees.
Having graduation in Sulphur Springs was not an option. There had been some discussion of holding the graduation at Texas A&M University-Commerce, but doing so would mean very limited seating due to COVID-19. There are 34 students scheduled to graduate this year. There would only be room for 150 guests total in the A&M-Commerce Auditorium. The decision was made to host both prom and graduation in the school gym, which can host more than 150.
Finding another location other than the school to hold the prom during COVID-19 can be problematic as many aren’t renting or scheduling their facilities. So, the decision was made to hold the prom at the school too instead of searching for a different venue.
The maintenance and police departments have been working together to plan and install fencing and security measures. More landscaping is also in the works.
The NETLA Livestock Show and Ag Mechanics competition are coming up at the end of the month. Cumby will have students competing in both. Third grader Michael Petty submitted a photo and letter inviting the school board members to come see him at the competition, where he shows his pig, Spots.
