Mokysha Benford

The meeting agenda includes a consent item regarding the approval of a band tower for LMHS. A closed meeting will be held to consult with legal counsel on various matters, including land purchase agreements, personnel issues, and potential litigation. Additionally, the Board will discuss real property values, prospective gifts or donations, student discipline, and security personnel deployment. Following the closed session, the Board will consider actions related to professional personnel recommendations, contract renewals and terminations, and the appointment of the principals for Hayley and Simms Elementary Schools.

The board meeting featured a State of the District address, various recognitions for student and staff achievements, and the approval of 2026-2027 budget allocations. The consent agenda included approval of financial reports, budget amendments, various grant and service contracts, and library book orders. Following a closed session for legal and personnel matters, the board took action on personnel recommendations, contract terminations, and the hiring of a new Director of Human Resources.

The board meeting included several recognitions, such as the Together We Succeed Award, Heights Elementary's Texas Honor Roll placement, the HUT Hero of the Year Award presented to the Superintendent, Simms Elementary being named a TABSE demonstration school, the TABSE Principal of the Year award, the TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management, and various TSPRA awards. Action items included approval of the 2026-2027 staffing guidelines, the cancellation of the May 2026 trustee election due to unopposed candidates, and the ratification of a change order for the Ag Barn project. The board also addressed monthly financial reports, budget amendments, and the purchase of 14-passenger school buses. An executive session was held to discuss legal, personnel, and real property matters, followed by the approval of professional personnel recommendations.

The board meeting focused on several key items including student and staff recognitions, information items regarding intruder detection audit findings and property value discussions, and various action items. These action items covered financial hardship determinations related to school bus seat belt requirements, policy updates, and the consent agenda which included financial reports, budget amendments, investment policy reviews, and contract awards for athletic, special education, and instructional services. The board also addressed personnel recommendations, contract renewals, and the hiring of a middle school principal during a closed session.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing financial information, including revenue estimates both with and without VATRE, and anticipated FEMA payments. Discussions covered projected expenditures before and after the implementation of staffing guidelines, as well as possible budget increases related to employee health insurance contributions, salary increase estimates, and one-time payments. Additionally, the agenda included a review of fund balance projections.