MALAKOFF–Malakoff ISD trustees voted May 16 to delegate authority to Superintendent Don Layton to employ contractual personnel and make vehicle purchases in June, July and August only.
“We need the ability to hire people right now,” Layton told the school board, adding that the district has received more employment applications this year as compared to last year. Layton told trustees he would text hiring details to board members for their information.
Also, Malakoff ISD is looking to add another SUV to its fleet, with Layton saying it’s very difficult to buy a Suburban. The superintendent said he needs the immediate purchasing authority to “beat competition.” Trustees agreed, setting a spending limit of $60,000.
In addition, following executive session, the board approved the district’s risk-pool carrier to act on action as presented and recommended by the school district’s law firm, Walsh Gallegos. The action stems from a civil lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Action No. 6:21-cv-00151-JCB-JDL.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the district’s Wellness Policy, which Curriculum Director Dr. Trudy Watson said aligns with Texas Education Agency mandates.
• Heard the announcement that the district would apply for eight federal grants, as well as another from the private Ginger Murchison Foundation to fund a school counselor position.
• Heard that the district will extend its dual-credit partnership agreement with Trinity Valley Community College for the 2022-23 school year.
• Tabled consideration of a Henderson County tax collection contract for 2022-23.