KERENS—Kerens ISD (KISD) school board members voted March 25 to approve an agreement to purchase five new buses, one of which will be used by the district’s Special Education department.
KISD Director of Student Services and Operations Brad Atkeisson said four buses cost $135,000 apiece while the Special Education bus costs $133,500. Superintendent Martin Brumit explained to the board that the district plans to pay off a loan so that the district does not accrue any interest.
“We’re getting in line to get them,” Brumit remarked to trustees, which Atkeisson stated is a 12-month waiting list.
In addition, the board approved setting an administrative regulation on compensation, benefits, leaves and absences, which Brumit said means the district can now dock teacher pay if days are taken off right before or after a holiday.
The policy sets blackout periods for such times to have the district fully staffed, Atkeisson explained. Further, according to Atkeisson, the policy gives the superintendent power to consider applying the policy on a case-by-case basis, such as for “extenuating circumstances.”
The board also approved 2023-24 budget amendments, one of which recognizes state money applying toward $30,000 in food services costs and $20,000 of athletics expenses, while budget amendment reallocates $1,000 for a dishwasher, parts and installation to be used by the school’s Home Economics and Family Consumer Science classes.
KISD Business Manager Kaitlyn Cotten told the board the amendments were needed because of school growth as well as cost inflation.
In other business, the board:
• Approved changing May’s board meeting to May 20 from May 27, which is Memorial Day.
• Approved calendar options for the 2024-25 school year, with classes starting Aug. 14 and ending May 21, which also is the date for graduation ceremonies.
• Approved a second-quarter payment of $36,198.26 to Navarro Central Appraisal District for its services.
• Heard from Atkeisson that the district’s enrollment is (as of the meeting) 644 students, which he said is the most in 11 or 12 years.