Catherine Eatherton

The board discussed coaching contract types and received a budget development update. Action items approved included a contract for a school auditor, an interlocal agreement with the Upshur County Sheriff's Office, the Bluebonnet Open Educational Resources Transition Plan, the 2026-2027 Instructional Materials Allotment and TEKS Certification, and supplementary tile and concrete projects. Additionally, the board accepted several staff resignations and approved new teaching and administrative hiring contracts. A closed session was held regarding the superintendent's contract with no action taken.

The board discussed several items, including reports on student activities, enrollment, financials, and horizon goals. Key discussion topics included a health and safety inspection regarding campus mice, the approval of new library sources, and the selection of an insurance carrier for student and athletic accidents. The board also addressed SB 546 seat belt cost reporting, determined that it is not a budget item, and handled personnel matters such as teacher contract extensions for the 2026-2027 school year, resignations, retirements, and the hiring of new personnel.

The board meeting included a session for public forum and a discussion regarding an update on Water Well Operations. During a closed session, the board discussed the Superintendent's contract and subsequently approved the Voluntary Resignation Agreement for Superintendent Michael Alphin.

This District of Innovation Plan outlines Harmony Independent School District's strategy to leverage House Bill 1842, granting it greater local control and flexibility in educational practices. The plan focuses on four key areas: establishing flexibility for school start dates to meet local community needs, reducing bureaucracy for Kindergarten through 4th-grade class size waivers, empowering local decisions on teacher certification for specific subjects and vocational skills, and revising transfer student policies to allow revocation based on student behavior, attendance, and academic standing.

The Harmony Independent School District's District of Innovation Plan aims to enhance local control and tailor educational strategies to meet community and student needs, fostering student potential through essential academic skills and lifelong learning. The plan outlines specific areas of flexibility, including school start dates, K-4 class size management, teacher certification, inter-district transfers, Student Health Advisory Committee meeting frequency, depository contract terms, and minimum attendance requirements for class credit.