The Houston board of education approved a budget Monday for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that will allow for modest increases in teachers’ salaries and make some structural repairs to roofs.
The action came as the board closed the books for the past year, and looked forward to start of the 2008-2009 school year. For Superintendent Clinton Waters, it was his last board meeting. Waters announced that he would retire June 30. Dr. Dan Vandiver, an assistant superintendent at Hollister and Houston native, assumes the job next week.
The board also approved a plan by its financial consultants, L.J. Hart and Associates, that will result in an earlier retirement of bonds associated with an elementary school construction project several years ago. At the same time, the move gives the district more leeway in dealing with its capital improvements needs; its potential bond indebtedness tally would also increase. Two principals with the firm made a presentation before members.
The board also made some fund transfers within accounts as it prepares to make repairs to roofs, which are leaking, including at Hiett Gymnasium.
In other matters, members:
-Increased the number of sick days for employees from 10 to 12.
-Approved a bid from Hometown Energy for Propane at a rate of $1.949 per gallon for the 2008-’09 school year.
-Accepted Rees Oil’s proposal for bus fuel for the upcoming school year.
-Hired Michelle Brinkley as the family and consumer science teacher for next year. It employed Jennifer McNiell as the middle school girls’ basketball coach and hired Jimmy Dean Sigman as night custodian.