Alba-Golden school board grants extra staff leave days for COVID

Posted 9/16/21

In the most impactful action of the night, the Alba-Golden school board voted unanimously to grant eight additional days of leave for employees who have tested positive for COVID. This action, which …

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Alba-Golden school board grants extra staff leave days for COVID

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In the most impactful action of the night, the Alba-Golden school board voted unanimously to grant eight additional days of leave for employees who have tested positive for COVID. This action, which was strongly endorsed by Superintendent Cole McClendon, was described by McClendon as a “measure of good will” from the district to the teachers. 

The action is designed to specifically assist those young employees who have not built up a cache of personal or sick days.

“We are communicating that we value their work, and in these exceptional circumstances, that additional consideration is necessary,” McClendon stated.

Communicating the value of one’s work and of each individual was a theme in the principals’ reports. Elementary School Principal Kevin Wright described how the elementary school staff recognized suicide prevention week by celebrating a “You Matter” week. 

High School Principal Macie Thompson described the First Responders Parade conducted last Thursday. Over 20 responders participated as honored guests. In addition to having breakfast cooked for them by the culinary students, students prepared notes and posters and lined the parade route at the school. 

Athletic Director Drew Webster added how honored the team was to have six veterans join the football team for a pre-game meal and accompany the team onto the field last Friday. Webster also provided a significant list of positive happenings within the athletic department, including hosting a large cross-country meet this week at the Mineola Nature Preserve.

The balance of the meeting was spent receiving a presentation from James Woods, the chief of police at Sam Rayburn ISD. Woods was invited to speak about the actions and concerns of starting a police department at the district.

His presentation focused on four issues: jurisdiction, hiring qualifications, response times and logistics. He summarized his presentation by stating, “Presence is the key to effective policing.”

Principal Thompson delivered a presentation on Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs. She highlighted the steps being taken to increase testing results for college, certifications for career development and enlistments for the military. Thompson will report the numbers of students in each category at the October board meeting. 

Jackson Construction provided an update on progress of the ag-science facility. The building will be complete by the expected mid-October timeline, with the exception of the water system in the pens. A delay in receiving pen panels is holding up project completion. 

Ag-science lead instructor Richard Lovorn reassured the board that the building will be in use by mid-October. “We have alternative solutions for temporary pens and water,” he explained.  

As is customary, the board meeting commenced with recognition of the secondary and elementary school students of the month. Fourth-grader Blaine Bobo and senior Cassidy Burris received this public recognition. 

Bobo has big aspirations of becoming a doctor and was described as having a perspective far beyond his years. Principal Wright lauded the young man for his adherence to the Golden Rule, as well as his respectful leadership in the school.    

Burris said her career goal is to earn a degree in education and return to Alba-Golden schools as a teacher. Principal Thompson related the comments of several of her present teachers. All the comments described a poised, confident and positive young lady. A history buff, Burris was quoted as admitting that, “Alba-Golden is family.”

Several administrative matters were dispatched by board action. They included renewal of the property insurance contract, approval of Rains County tax assessor services, recognition of the Wood County 4-H program as an extracurricular activity, and rescheduling of the October board meeting to Oct. 18.

Four board members were in attendance. Board members Brad Lennon, Mike Ragsdale and Dwayne Thompson were absent.