Jennifer Perry Middleton/Jefferson Jimplecute
Trustees of the Jefferson Independent School District approved a resolution stating the district rejects proposed legislation that takes away funding from public schools and prioritizes other systems. This includes vouchers, education savings accounts, taxpayer savings grants and other mechanisms that reduce public funding.
The resolution states, “Any funding sent to this program takes away funding from public schools and prioritizes other systems. Proposed Senate Bill 8 would divert public education funds to private schools through education savings accounts of $8,000 per family per student.”
Superintendent Michael Walker said passing the resolution would let the Texas Legislature know how the district feels about the bill.
“Any kind of scheme or system like this is bad for education…there’s no accountability. There’s no proof you’re using the money for education. It takes away some of their legal rights of what a public school can do,” he said. “This shows the state that we are against all of it.”
The Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 8 last Thursday, but the Texas House has yet to vote on it.
In other business, several students were also recognized for receiving an Associate’s Degree from Panola College as part of the schools’ dual credit program. They include: Katlyne Copeland, who will pursue a degree in Creative Writing from the University of North Texas; Devin Davis, who will pursue a degree in Business Marketing from Houston Baptist University; Charlene Moore, who will pursue a degree in Biochemistry from University of Texas at Austin; Brooklyn Shelton who will pursue a degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development from the University of Arkansas; Harlie Shields, who will pursue a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Tyler; and Carsyn Thompson, who will pursue a Communications degree from the University of North Texas.
“In the fall of 2018, we gave them a challenge,” said Dr. Lynn Phillips, JISD Director of Instruction and Curriculum. “They were in eighth grade and took an entrance test and they didn’t give up. They persevered and put in four years. I’m so proud of them.”
Phillips added that the students will graduate with their Associate’s Degree on May 4, which is before they walk the stage as high school graduates.
Board President Leah Cooper said the board wished these students the best. “We’re very proud of you and we wish you much success,” she said.
Trustees also approved Knuckols, Duvall, Hallum, and Co. to perform the 2022-2023 audit for the district. That particular audit will be conducted in the late summer or early fall of 2023.
Board members also approved a low bid of $88,988 from Kirby Restaurant and Chemical Supply to replace a walk-in freezer at the high school and the fourth-grade field trip to the Shreveport Aquarium. In addition, one student, Charlene Moore, will travel to Orlando, Fla. to compete in impromptu speaking in the Texas Association of Future Educators finals at the event, scheduled for June 29 to July 2.