Rebecca Peterson, right, was approved as the new band director during the meeting. She is pictured with Sam Van Dielen, exiting director, during the band's spring concert. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Several staff members were approved to work the 2024-’25 summer school session and personnel decisions were made during a closed session meeting of the Houston R-1 School District board of education on Tuesday, May 13. 

SUMMER SCHOOL STAFF

The following staff were approved to work the 2024-’25 school year elementary summer school session: Jody Jarrett, administration; Wanda Ichord, secretary; Amy Smith, nurse; Sheila Campbell, preschool; Veronica Douglas, kindergarten; Chris Curry, first grade; Baylee Weaver, second grade; Destiny Wilson, third grade; Andrea Morgan, third grade; Jaden Beasley, fourth grade; Emily Roberts, fourth grade; Carrie Sandberg, fifth grade; Ashley Regna, fifth grade; Melissa Carpenter, specials; Dara Gulick, specials; Trina Morgan, special education; Debra Burchett, paraprofessional; Renee McComas, paraprofessional; Patty Skaggs, paraprofessional; and Ethan Skaggs, paraprofessional. 

In middle school are Tracy Hughes, administration; Aly Sykes, English language arts; and Benn Sullins, science camp. 

In high school are Amanda Munson, administration; Tara Volk, credit recovery; Erin Johnston, driver’s education; Anthony Newsome, algebra; Dakota Burchett, physical education; Julia Sloan, health; and Daniel Narancich, personal finance. 

In transportation are McComas, Pam Hanson and Ben Cross. In food service are Donna Crisp, director; Lisa Clinton and Dieu Phillips. 

Staffing and benefits cost is about $90,000 for the summer school session. 

The following staff members were approved through a staff list amendment to work summer school: Courtney Neugebauer (Tressie Neugebauer abstained from the vote), Jodie Tottingham (Jeff Gettys abstained from the vote), Jason Pounds (Charlie Malam abstained from the vote) and Rene Shimp. 

PERSONNEL DECISIONS

The following resignations were approved:

  • Natasha Hawkins, as elementary special education teacher, at the end of the 2024-’25 school year. 
  • Linda Collier, as speech language pathologist at the Exceptional Child Cooperative (ECC), at the end of the 2024-’25 school year. 
  • Chris Curry, as kindergarten teacher, at the end of the 2024-’25 school year. 
  • Jim Moore, as elementary assistant principal and high school head softball coach, at the end of the 2024-’25 school year. Charlie Malam abstained from the vote. 
  • Megan Cole, as speech language pathologist at the ECC, at the end of the 2024-’25 school year. 

The following employments were approved: 

  • Joshua Bradshaw, as speech language pathologist assistant at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Tyann Nettleton, as speech language pathologist supervisor at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Kaitlyn Van Cleave, as occupational therapist at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • John Jordan, as diagnostician at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Chris Curry, as Early Childhood Special Education teacher at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Jason Pounds, as high school student council co-sponsor, for the 2025-’26 school year. Charlie Malam abstained from the vote. 
  • Rebecca Havens, as elementary school teacher, for the 2025-’26 school year, pending a background check. 
  • Brett Rawlings, as middle school assistant football coach, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Rodney Preheim, as middle school head football coach, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Joshua York, as graphic arts and digital design instructor/post-secondary adviser, for the 2025-’26 school year, pending a background check. Marty Merckling abstained from the vote. 
  • Rebecca Peterson, as high school/middle school instrumental music and band director, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Steven Beckler, as high school mathematics teacher, for the 2025-’26 school year, pending a background check. 
  • Sarah Mead, from part-time certified occupational therapist assistant at the ECC to full-time, for the 2025-’26 school year. 
  • Laken Akers, as part-time speech language pathologist assistant at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year, pending a background check. 
  • Amanda York, as director of communications, for the 2025-’26 school year, pending a background check. Marty Merckling abstained from the vote. 
  • Linda France, as speech language pathologist assistant at the ECC, for the 2025-’26 school year, pending a background check. 

Board member Dustin Hartman was absent from the meeting. 

Isaiah Buse has served as the publisher of the Houston Herald since 2023. He started with the organization in 2019, and achieved a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2023. He serves on the...

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