Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kerens ISD recognized its three counselors during March 24’s school board meeting, with Superintendent Martin Brumit saying, “I think that we have three of the best counselors in the state and I appreciate everything they do on a daily basis.” Those counselors, who are joined by School Board President Teresa Jennings (second from left), are Secondary Counselor Brandi Hanes (from left, who is in her first year with KISD), Jennings, Elementary Counselor Misty Blue and the District Licensed Professional Counselor Kandy Huggins, who handles mental health issues.

KERENS–Kerens ISD (KISD) trustees voted March 24 to buy weapons detector systems using a state safety grant, which will be used at the district’s schools as well as at sporting events, the board was told.
The cost is $45,583.04 and the item is already budgeted using Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant Cycle 2 funds, according to KISD Business Manager Kaitlyn Cotten. The business manager said the weapons detectors have wheels to roll them around and will be “inconspicuous.”
KISD Superintendent Martin Brumit said no issue brought about the purchase, but “we’re trying to be proactive and not reactive.” KISD District Director of Student Services, Operations & Emergency Management Brad Atkeisson informed the board in his report that “proper training” to use the systems is part of the cost.
In other business, the board:
• Approved using tax receipts from a solar farm within the district to pay $133,500 for a newly delivered special education bus.
• Approved a budget amendment authorizing up to $300,000 (also using solar farm tax receipts) for library renovations, about which the board was informed at February’s meeting.