Things have definitely progressed in Como and Pickton, since this scene in early day Como, TX.

 

Como-Pickton School Board Meets
Monday Night

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Monday night at 7:00 p.m., the Como-Pickton CISD Board met for their regular June board meeting, in the High School Library. Special recognition was given to Cindy Roller, of the "News Telegram" and Bobby McDonald of "Front Porch News Texas," for their outstanding coverages of events, athletics, and academic excellence at Como-Pickton CISD. "Neither of these two individuals need an introduction at Como-Pickton School, as they are here covering the accomplishments of our kids, with pictures and in-depth stories that give our students the recognition that they deserve!" expressed Board President, Gerald Walters, as he presented Roller and McDonald with the 2010 Media Honor Roll Awards. "We appreciate the many hours and long nights that they give to covering the accomplishments of our students and want to honor them for their commitment to putting our students in the news!"

"They are being recognized for fair and balanced reporting and providing valuable information to the community about our school, the students, parents, and patrons of Como-Pickton School," continued Walters. "And, we're happy to have good things to report and to call them our friends!"

 

Board member, Beth Hankins, also called attention to the "My First Balloon Ride" story that appeared on Monday on Front Porch News Texas, that was written by recent Como-Pickton graduate, Luis Rasgado, and complemented him on an excellent story and accompanying pictures!

In other actions by the board, they approved the consent agenda, and heard a special report from Career and Technology Department Head, Michael Bowen. Bowen presented his budget for the upcoming 2010-11 School Year and answered questions about the various items, in each of the departments, that included: Ag Science, Business Education, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Bowen outlined the increases and savings in the new budget and explained items of interest to the board members.

One item of lengthy discussion was about the conversion of the school's greenhouse laboratory from propane to natural gas heating. "We think we can save the district approximately $4,000.00, in the first year, with this conversion," denoted Bowen. "I'm not exactly certain as to all of the conversion factors, but everyone that I've visited with about the conversion, says that it will be a net savings to our school!"

The board approved the budget and the conversion with a 6-0 approval.

Likewise, the board approved the "out-of-state" trips that Bowen requested for the Ag Science Department. Those trips will include an FFA Officer's Retreat in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, co-sponsored with the Winnsboro FFA Chapter; attendance at the Four-States Fair and Rodeo in Texarkana, Arkansas; the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana; a field trip and contest participation at the Tulsa Welding School, in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and travel by teachers and students to the Brinkley Auction Services, in Idabel, Oklahoma, to sell and market projects made in the Vocational Agriculture Shop.

 

 

Assistant Superintendent, Lydia Walden, presented the District Improvement Plan Evaluation, to the board on Monday night, and highlighted the great improvements in increased TAKS scores in Science, Math, Writing, and Special Ed Reading and Math.

Mrs. Barbara Grubbs then gave a preliminary report on the schools excellent showing in the recent TAKS Test results. "We're extremely proud of the students and their performance on the tests," expressed Grubbs. "We want know the final results until approximately June 30th, but it looks like the results are outstanding and this is a direct result of student learning, teacher dedication, and preparation. Some of the fruits of our labor or being realized in these scores and student excellence."

School Superintendent Sandra Billodeau then presented a number of reports and asked for approval for the Como-Pickton CISD to add college dual-credit courses in Math, for the 2010-11 year. "We offered dual-credit courses in English, this year, with the district 'picking up the tab' and helping the students to gain college credit for their senior studies, and I'm recommending that we do the same thing for the senior math courses, to help the students be better prepared to enter college," expressed Billodeau. "We have had a very, very successful program this past year and I feel we need to continue helping our students prepare for a college education."

Following the reading of a thank you note from senior student, Julia Chance, who participated in this year's dual-credit English program, the board approved the dual-credit English and mathematics for the 2010-11 school year.

The board also approved contracts with Region 8 Service Center and approved a "waiver" on one day of classes, when the school fell to 81.75% ADA, due to a flu outbreak. Additional agenda item approval was given for the Morgan and Davis Company to conduct the school's annual audit, and to receive Cafeteria reports on a quarterly, instead of a monthly basis.

The board adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

 

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