School Board Briefs
The Olney Independent School District Board of Trustees at its Sept. 22 meeting covered matters from financial reports and enrollment figures to bilingual education, campus construction, and new state requirements on library book selection.
Finances and Credit Card Use Superintendent Matt Caffey presented the district’s monthly financial report, noting the recent payoff of certain obligations, which freed up budget space. Trustees raised questions about hotel expenses for staff and whether the district could benefit from loyalty rewards programs by using a Marriott or IHG credit card. They also reviewed credits collected from students for lost or damaged Yondr cellphone pouches. Concerns were also raised about liability coverage in the district’s insurance policy, particularly in the event of a bus accident, with trustees requesting follow- up.
Discussion also touched on the district’s solar panel contract, with officials clarifying that billing had paused due to equipment issues, raising questions about whether back-billing might occur once repairs are made.
Transition to College and Scholarships
High school counselor Kathy Harper was commended for her work in preparing seniors for college through campus visits, FAFSA workshops, and cost-of-college sessions.
Trustee Kelly Mahler announced that 2025 OHS graduate Angel Alvarado recently received a private scholarship to Texas A&M University from a group of A&M alumnae. Mr. Alvarado impressed the donors enough to commit two four-year scholarships to Olney High School graduates, shifting them away from Archer City recipients, Mr. Mahler said.
Emergent Bilingual Program Report
Alyssa Betts, EB coordinator, gave a detailed report on the district’s emergent bilingual (EB) program. She noted that EB enrollment has declined slightly to 12.9 percent of students, or 91 total, down from 15 percent in 2023. The district is seeing progress in moving students from beginner to advanced levels, with nine students exiting the program this year compared to three last year. Mrs. Betts set goals for continued reclassification of students and growth in TELPAS test scores.
Construction Projects
Dr. Caffey reported progress on bond-funded construction projects. The elementary office addition is nearly complete, pending final installations. Work on the junior high had been slowed by concrete and foundation issues but is moving forward. The daycare center project was delayed by material shortages but should resume soon.
Trustees also discussed storm damage to the baseball field, where strong winds flipped bleachers and tore the backstop net. Replacement costs could reach $12,000, though the district may consider patching the net until a new one can be installed. Structural engineers will examine the bleachers’ steel frame for safety. In addition, concrete for new batting cages is expected to be poured soon by Ramos Construction.
Policy on Library Materials
Olney Community Library & Arts Center director Lori Cox introduced a new policy required under Senate Bill 13, which mandates districts to post proposed library books online for 30 days before purchase and provide a mechanism for public reconsideration.
Mrs. Cox said there is extensive work required to compile information on each book and noted that she is developing a streamlined system for principals and the board to review.
Holiday Schedule
The board approved adjusting upcoming meeting dates to Nov. 17 and Dec. 18 to avoid holiday conflicts.