Posted Date: 06/13/2024
June 10, 2024 — The June 10 Board meeting began with several deserving staff recognitions. AISD bus driver Raymond Cloudy and bus maintenance technician Julio Salazar were presented with a Proclamation from the Board in recognition and appreciation for their heroic actions on May 28, 2024. Raymond and Julio both displayed bravery during a fire at the Star Lodge Motel by saving individuals trapped inside. Read more here. Trustees also recognized Susan Hoyl for 35 years of service to the District. It’s a long-standing tradition to present outgoing board members with a chair engraved with the AISD seal, their name, and years of service at their last official meeting, and although Susan is not a board member, the Board recognized her long service as the Board Secretary by presenting her with a rocking chair.
In other business, Trustees awarded a contract for food service management to Chartwells K12. The District has contracted with Chartwells for more than 20 years to provide school lunch and breakfast programs. During the 2023-2024 school year, Chartwells served an estimated 5 million meals in Amarillo ISD.
Trustees approved the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct, with no changes from last year, and reviewed the Student Handbook. Trustees also approved Amarillo Pro-Air as the contractor to replace HVAC units at Bonham Middle School and Windsor Elementary.
In keeping with a Board priority of safety and security, Trustees approved the purchase of a new districtwide public address system at a cost of $5,142,407 to replace the current outdated system. Many of the current PA systems in AISD schools don’t work properly, which is a safety concern and a communications challenge. Additionally, the Board approved the $4,726,201 purchase of a directional evacuation system that uses sensors and overhead lighting to help direct students and staff toward a safe exit should there be an active shooter or other crisis situation at a school.
After returning from closed session, the Board voted to re-elect Doyle Corder as the Board President and Kayla Mendez as the Board Vice President to serve for a term of one year.
Finally, the Board acknowledged and thanked those who gave gifts and donations to various schools this month. A total of $15,314 worth of donations were given from La Tapatia, Jaime and Luis Ortega, Olsen Park PTO, Something Borrowed, Neal Carpenter from the Amarillo High Class of 1950, Daniel Trejo, Amy Pairis, Kimberly Carlile Memorial Fund, Crockett Parent Teacher Student Organization, and an anonymous donor.