Steven Wayne Clugston

The board conducted a public hearing for the District Annual Report and reviewed various administrative items. Key actions included approving funding for field trip transportation, authorizing student overnight trips, and approving administrator contracts. The board also passed a resolution to pay employees during an emergency weather closure and approved a plan to meet teacher certification requirements. Additionally, the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar was approved, board meeting dates for future months were rescheduled, and actions were taken to declare specific real property as surplus with authorization for its sale or exchange. Finally, the board approved a resolution revising fund balance classifications and accepted the district financial report.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session followed by special recognitions for an early high school graduate and School Board Appreciation month. Key actions included the approval of a student overnight trip for the JH & HS Robotics Competition to St. Louis in April 2026, pending advancement. The Board also approved an Order Calling an Election for May 2, 2026, for Board Places 6 and 7. Authority was granted to the Superintendent to offer professional contracts for the 2026-2027 school year between January 13, 2026, and August 31, 2026. The Board approved the First Reading of TASB Policy Update 126 additions/revisions/deletions, adopting most Local Policies except for FNG, DGBA, and GF, retaining current grievance deadlines. The financial audit for the Fiscal Year End 6/30/2025 was approved, noting an adjustment to the General Fund due to overstated interest revenue from cell tower leases. The financial report was approved with an amended purchase order request for one C-type bus instead of two traditional buses. The Board approved the Employee Contract Incentive program for teachers for the 2026-2027 school year, offering a $2,000 lump sum incentive with specified repayment penalties for early departure. The Superintendent's evaluation and performance were formally approved, as were contract renewals and the review of resignations. The meeting concluded with contract reviews and a report on bond construction progress.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session followed by an invocation and pledges, including special recognitions for two individuals. Key discussions included the approval to declare the real property located at 501 Pine Tree Rd, Longview, TX, as surplus property, as the District has no future plans for it. The Board also approved delegating authority to the Superintendent to conduct the sale or exchange of this property via a closed bid process, adhering to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 272. The Board approved the Financial Report, which included an overview of disbursements, tax collections, and purchases exceeding $50,000 (notably Sysco Foods and Beynon Sport Surfaces). Additionally, contract renewals and recommendations were approved, and contracts and purchase orders under certain thresholds were reviewed. The Superintendent provided updates on upcoming events and bond construction progress.

The Board convened for a regular meeting that included an executive session. A public meeting was held to discuss Pine Tree ISD's state financial accountability rating, where the district received an "A" for "Superior Achievement." The Board considered and approved a resolution to cast votes for the Gregg Appraisal District Board of Directors and approved requests funded through the District Activity Fund. Additionally, they approved a resolution revising fund balance classifications and the district financial report. The meeting also involved reviewing contract renewals, recommendations, resignations, contracts under $50,000, and POs between $25,000 and $50,000. The Superintendent provided updates on upcoming events and Bond Construction progress, with campus updates from the Middle School and Jr. High.

The proposed budgets for 2025-2026 were presented, covering the General Fund, Child Nutrition, and Debt Service. Key discussion points included local, state, and federal revenues, as well as budget expenditures for various functions such as instruction, food services, and debt service. The analysis included fund balance assessments, raise scenarios, and comparisons between actual and budgeted figures.