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Board Notes: February 7, 2008

Garland ISD filled its lone administrative vacancy at Thursday night’s board meeting when Trustees approved the hire of Dr. Rene Barajas as assistant superintendent of Business Operations. Barajas currently works in the same capacity for the San Marcos Consolidated ISD.

Posters and banners line the hallway in front of the GISD Board Room. Teachers and students designed banners honoring Trustees in honor of School Board Appreciation Month.

The position became open last December with the retirement of James Smith, who served eight years in the role.

Board members also awarded their Evidence of Excellence award to three deserving parties, including Handley Elementary School its annual participation in the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

Jack Buck, the nurse at O’Banion Middle School, was recognized for his quick thinking and immediate response in helping save a student’s life. Buck witnessed an O’Banion student being struck by a vehicle as he crossed the street in front of the school. The student was seriously injured and Buck stabilized him until paramedics arrived, then rode with him to the hospital.

Beverly Cox, the nurse at Pearson Elementary School, was recognized for her keen insight and persistence in helping save one of her student’s lives. Cox noticed several alarming changes while assessing a student who had visited her office several times before. She did not agree with a practicing physician’s diagnosis of the young man and sent him, and his mother, to Children’s ER where he was diagnosed with leukemia. He is currently undergoing aggressive chemotherapy.

Trustees were also treated to banners, cards and posters from district students who took the time to express their appreciation for the work done by School Board members. GISD is celebrating School Board Appreciation Month.

Jack Buck receives his Evidence of Excellence award from Linda Griffin, school board president. Beverly Cox receives her Evidence of Excellence award from Linda Griffin, school board president.
Lloyed Jones and Pamela Bell, of Handley ES, receive the Evidence of Excellence award from Linda Griffin, school board president. Students from across the district designed posters and banners in honor of School Board Appreciation Month.

In other agenda items, GISD Trustees:

  • Recognized Leadership Garland attendees in the audience
  • Presented Evidence of Excellence awards
  • Heard a Student Enrollment presentation
  • Heard Board Committee updates
  • Reviewed revisions recommended by TASB to Local Board Policies on first reading
  • Reviewed Calendar of Events
  • Discussed future agenda items
  • Approved minutes of Jan. 17 board meeting
  • Approved purchase of telecommunications services; Playground equipment; HVAC equipment and supplies; SAT/PSAT preparation services (third-year option); Trades, maintenance and general merchandise (second-year option); Cisco System equipment (third-year option); Catalog office supplies (increase in award); Cancellation of contract; Toilet paper and paper towels service (increase in award); Centralized library/textbook management system (increase in award).
  • Approved bids for Phase II Weight Rooms at five middle schools
  • Approved bids for running track resurfacing, concrete and asphalt paving at various locations within the district
  • Approved bids for concrete and asphalt pavement, pavement sub-grade and asphalt seal coat work at various locations within the district
  • Approved professional service proposal from Amtech for roof replacement at Webb MS
  • Reviewed December 2007 tax reports
  • Approved high School Math and Science Stipend
  • Approved Board approval of personnel matters as recommended by the Administration
  • Approved hire of Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations
Administrative Appointments
Name Previous Position New Position

Rene Barajas

Asst. Superintendent for Business Operations, San Marcos Consolidated ISD

Asst. Superintendent for Business Operations