Jennifer Middleton Perry/Jefferson Jimplecute
JEFFERSON, Texas—With a new district leader, the Jefferson Independent School District’s Board of Trustees met Tuesday to consider a budget amendment, appoint a new member to the Marion County Central Appraisal District, and call for a board election in May.
Michael Walker, the new JISD superintendent, led the meeting following a reception in honor of his new position, which he began Jan. 1. Walker replaces Rob Barnwell, who retired after 25 years in education, nine of them at JISD.
The approved budget amendment was for a $2,147 wellness grant the district received in August that wasn’t used. It will go back into the 2022-23 budget for the district to use at a later date.
Trustee Joey Romano was selected to join the Marion County Appraisal District as JISD’s representative. He will complete the term vacated by Trustee Kevin Godfrey, who resigned from the position.
The board on Tuesday also voted to hold trustee elections on May 6 for places four and five, currently held by Leah Cooper and Kevin Godfrey, respectively. Early voting will also be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 24 to May 2.
Walker also informed the board of several staff changes that began with the new year. Clint Coyne is now the chief operations officer, Dr. Lynn Phillips is now chief academic officer and Lisa Robinson will serve as director of special services.
Stephanie Holman and the food service department attended the meeting, and trustees heard a report on their recent state and federal review. Walker said the department had received an excellent review in addition to a Pear-fection award for their work with the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Holman said the program began at the elementary and it consists of bringing 10 different fruits and 10 different vegetables to students in the afternoon.
“Thank you for being so excellent,” Walker said to the food service staff. “They do a great job and they keep our babies fed.”
In other business, trustees approved moving the next board meeting to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 because the date is during the district’s winter break. Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of the month.