School Board Briefs
Olney ISD working through details on storm shelter, classroom project Olney ISD trustees received an update March 23 on the district’s planned $8.5 million storm shelter and classroom construction project, which is moving forward as administrators continue working through design and cost issues.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Caffey told the board the district is still in discussions with project partners about several aspects of the project, including construction details and possible cost adjustments.
“I will meet with both Teinart and Parkhill tomorrow,” Dr. Caffey said during the meeting, referring to the construction and engineering firms involved in the project.
One concern raised during the meeting involved drainage around the construction site. Heavy rains during spring break caused water to flow between the new construction area and the band hall, eventually entering band offices and storage rooms.
Band director Dr. Rodney Bennett told trustees the flooding damaged about $3,000 worth of music materials.
“We lost about $3,000 of music,” Dr. Bennett said.
Dr. Caffey said the district will ask the contractor to cover the cleanup costs and address drainage issues to prevent similar problems in the future.
Trustees also discussed questions about design changes and whether the district will receive credit for portions of the original plans that are no longer being used.
The storm shelter and classroom addition represents one of the district’s largest recent facility investments and is intended to provide both additional instructional space and severe weather protection for students and staff.
Olney ISD expanding career exposure for students
Olney ISD is working to expand opportunities for students to explore career and technical pathways before they graduate.
During the March 23 school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Matt Caffey said the district has been increasing partnerships and field trips designed to introduce students to a variety of professions and post-secondary options.
“We’re taking kids to TSTC, healthcare expos, and Texas Workforce Solutions is visiting,” Dr. Caffey said. “A lot of these are an effort to give kids exposure to career paths.”
District officials said the effort is aimed at helping students who know they want to pursue education beyond high school but may not yet know which direction to take.
“There’s a good percentage of kids that maybe they’ve gotten the message that you need a post-secondary education, but they don’t have a clue which way to go with it,” Dr. Caffey said.
Board members also discussed scholarship opportunities available to students interested in trade careers, noting that fields such as farming, electrical work and other skilled trades offer strong job prospects.
Trustees said financial aid programs and scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of attending technical schools such as Texas State Technical College, making career training accessible for many students.
Administrators said teachers and counselors have been encouraging students to apply for scholarships and career programs as part of the district’s broader effort to prepare graduates for the workforce.
New batting cages ready for Olney baseball program Olney High School baseball players now have access to a new practice facility following completion of the district’s batting cage project.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Caffey told trustees during the March 23 school board meeting that the cages were recently finished and already in use.
“The batting cage is fully functional as of this morning,” Dr. Caffey said.
Board members noted that the facility includes lighting and a steel structure installed during recent construction work. The cages were completed with only minor finishing touches remaining.
“The batting cages are all done except for the chain on the door,” board member Reid Miller said during the meeting.
District officials said the new facility will give Olney athletes a dedicated space for batting practice and skill development throughout the season.
The project is part of ongoing improvements to athletic facilities within the district.
Olney ISD hires new teachers for upcoming school year Olney ISD trustees approved several new teaching hires during their March 23 meeting as the district prepares staffing for the upcoming school year.
One of the new hires is Stacy Watson, a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience in education.
Ms. Watson previously worked at Scotland Park Elementary in Wichita Falls and has served in a variety of roles, including special education teacher, librarian and dyslexia instructor.
“She’s been in education for 21 years,” Olney Junior High School principal Ed Berngen told the board.
Ms. Watson is also trained in the Reading by Design dyslexia program, which is used in Olney ISD.
The district is also adding a new high school English teacher, hired by Olney High School principal Haylee Haralson to take over duties from teacher Mindi Kimbro. Mrs. Kimbro will continue teaching journalism and take on the role of assistant director of the Olney Community Library & Arts Center.
According to administrators, the teacher began her education career as a substitute teacher in October 2022. She transitioned to a paraprofessional aide position in 2024 before being promoted to teach middle school English language arts and reading in August 2024.
Administrators said her experience working closely with students in different roles will benefit Olney High School.
“She enjoys teaching lower-level and on-level students and believes she will make a strong connection with some of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Caffey told trustees.
Dr. Caffey said her experience as a paraprofessional working with different learning styles would also be an asset in the classroom.
Assistant principal Mrs. Nichol, who helped conduct the interview, expressed enthusiasm about the hire.
The teacher told administrators she was interested in Olney ISD because of its expectations for students and the district’s academic reputation.
“She wants to be in Olney because she likes that we go to school five days a week and appreciates that the high school is an A-rated campus,” Dr. Caffey said.
The teacher has four children who currently attend school in Holliday. Because some are in high school, the family has not yet decided whether they will transfer to Olney.
Administrators said that possibility could lead to additional enrollment if the family relocates.
Dr. Caffey said the teacher is fully certified and that references from previous employers were positive. District officials also said they have no concerns about her transition from middle school to high school teaching.
Trustees also approved Art Flores for a Spanish teaching position at the high school. Mr. Flores previously served as a paraprofessional at the junior high and will continue coaching while taking on teaching duties.
District officials said the hires will help ensure classrooms are fully staffed as the next school year approaches.