By ASHLEY INGE
TheFlashToday.com
STEPHENVILLE (August 20, 2018) – During Monday night’s Stephenville Independent School District’s (SISD) Board of Trustees meeting, the board discussed the proposed 2018-2019 tax rate along with the possibility of the Guardian Program being implemented for the 2018-2019 school year.
The proposed tax rate for maintenance and operations is $1.0600 and interest and sinking fund is $0.2829, making the total proposed tax rate $1.3429 per $100 valuation for 2018-2019.
A couple of citizens had several questions regarding the creation of The Guardian Program and they took the floor to address their concerns.
Many questions were asked, such as: Which teachers will have guns? Where will the guns be stored? Can a teacher refuse to carry a gun and will the teachers be reimbursed or will they be issued a weapon?
Many members of the board had differing opinions regarding The Guardian Program. Superintendent Matt Underwood said that discussion started in April about whether to implement The Guardian Program.
“The response time for local law enforcement is quicker than a sheriff’s office can get to a Lingleville or to a three-way. Ten years ago, I would have never thought about doing this but today, you look at statistics on how much damage can occur if a school shooting occurs and the time factor is the number one issue in stopping a school shooting. So even though we may have a great response time for our local police department, three and a half minutes is still a very long time,” Underwood said. “The board has been very hesitant when it comes to teaching staff, but the more we looked and the more we talked to our law enforcement, I am in favor of this move tonight. I also understand that communication takes time and I do not have an issue if we want to wait on this tonight and get some more information.”
Underwood also brought up the suggestion to ask parents their thoughts on the subject and board vice president, Scott Osman agreed.
Osman also came up with a list to obtain more security for SISD. He suggested, “more drug dogs, metal detectors, increased video surveillance, stronger anti-bullying policy (and) increased counselors and awareness.” He also came up with the idea for ID badges for students and teachers to “keep” those who should be in school, in the school.”
Board secretary, Sherrie Evans said she needed more information before she could make a decision.
“There is so much information out there and so many if’s and what’s and when’s that I feel like we need community input, teacher input, parents’ input, and students’ input to just see where the thought process is for moving forward,” Evans said. “I don’t feel I can vote to implement this because I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the district to vote when I have so many different opinions and not enough information to proceed tonight.”
Board president Ann Calahan asked a rhetorical question of who was going to be eligible for The Guardian Program.
“I don’t know and I don’t want to know,” Calahan said.
Board member Ed Dittfurth suggested that rather than a survey, educating the public would be a better option.
“We have to keep coming back to make sure that we’re focused on the right thing. Sometimes we get distracted and we focus on preventing somebody from entering the school and shouldn’t be here when statistically, that’s not where the threat comes from. It comes from somebody who is supposed to be in the school,” Dittfurth said. “There’s so much misinformation. The public needs to know why law enforcement is making a recommendation to us. The public needs to know that there are things in place that will allow a participant in The Guardian Program to be identified by law enforcement in the event that there is a threat. I’m not against tabling (the discussion) but I am against tabling for the purpose just to survey people who have not been given the information about why we even got to a place where we’re at risk. If we do choose to table it, it’s a purpose to educate. I’m more in favor of an education piece rather than just drafting opinions.”
After much discussion, the decision was made to table the discussion for The Guardian Program.
The board also recognized Casey Pack for his achievement of being the state champion of current events. He was present with the district award of the core value, excellence. Debby Winder was also recognized for being Trainer of the Year by the Texas High School Coach Association.
The board approved Education Service Center Title XI contract for 2018-2019 and they approved the certified appraisers for 2018-2019. The appraisers are Mrs. Stephanie Atchley; Mrs. Jane Black; Ms. Jennifer Englert; Mrs. Raegan Hall; Mr. Casey Hamilton; Ms. Kathy Hampton; Mrs. Kelly Magin; Mrs. Daresa Rhine; Mrs. Mica Rudd; Mrs. Jennifer Ryan; Mrs. Jennifer Salyards; Mr. Brian Sanders; Mr. Victor Sauceda; Mrs. Stephanie Traweek; Mrs. Esther Tucker; and Mrs. Donna Ward.
Underwood also discussed the FIRST ratings for SISD. The district had a perfect score of 100.
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