School Board briefs
Olney Independent School District will seek a waiver from a new state law requiring school districts to have an armed guard on every campus.
Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck attended the board’s Aug. 1 meeting to answer questions about the school security plan and offered OPD police vehicle for new School Resource Officer Devin Wright. This was approved by school trustees.
The board also approved the expenditure of up to $27,000 to repair the white activity bus.
The board also approved the purchase of a 2023 Suburban from Herb Easley Chevrolet for $55,000 that was immediately available.
Trustee Kyle Hinson joined the Young Central Appraisal District Board of Directors representing Olney, and was nominated as the Olney school district’s delegate to the Texas Association of School Boards assembly.
OISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Roach and Human Resources Director Jennie Walker discussed a 13th check option for newly hired teachers.
Dr. Roach reviewed DED (LOCAL) vacation policy. Twelve month employees are currently allocated ten vacation days which must expended by June 30. The District is considering options to allow reimbursement at the daily rate for up to five unused vacation days. A policy will be drafted and presented at a future meeting.
Dr. Roach discussed the ballpark status. The outfield fencing is being installed. The softball press box is under construction. The proposed water source tested favorable for grass application. The final item is the acquisition of the water storage tank.
Dr. Roach presented 2023-2024 budget items. Dr. Roach discussed the local revenue generated by local property and the state revenue based upon funding legislation. Dr. Roach reviewed what was included in the proposed budget.
Dr. Roach and Chief Birbeck presented the opportunity for Olney ISD to acquire the City of Olney’s police vehicle which could be utilized by the new OISD Resource Officer.
The estimated fair market value of the vehicle is $35,000.
Dr. Roach reviewed the water quality sample test from the proposed Tower Extrusions waste discharge and the options for a water storage tank at the ballpark field.
The board approved a motion to approve the purchase of the approximately 65,000- gallon storage tank from The Tank Depot with total installation not to exceed $50,000.
Dr. Roach and OISD CFO Tim Orsak revisited various budget items. Mr. Orsak stated the increases in food costs have made it difficult to provide a student activity meal for less than $10.
Mr. Orsak recommended the daily student meal allowance be increased to $10 permeal with per diem rates be increased to $10 per breakfast, $15 per lunch, and $20 per dinner for overnight travel.