The six finalists in the annual Whitesboro Independent School District (WISD) Christmas card design contest were recognized at Monday night’s school board meeting.
Whitesboro Middle School student TJ Hines and Whitesboro High School students Emily Welles, Loretta Vawter, Emmanual Robles, Colton Rash and Bryan Martinez submitted Whitesboro-themed designs for consideration as the district’s official holiday card this year.
Also recognized was student Emma Lemke, whose city-focused design featured a drawing of City Hall. The City of Whitesboro will use Lemke’s design for their cards this holiday season.
The designs ranged from Santa’s sleigh flying over Bearcat Stadium to festive elves spreading holiday cheer. The winning design belonged to Welles, whose card features a classic red pickup truck hauling a Christmas tree.
All finalists received a stocking filled with goodies and a box of the district’s Christmas cards to share with friends and family. Welles’ design will appear on the front of the card, while all the finalist designs will be featured on the back.
(See a photo of the finalists on page 14 of this issue.)
Also recognized at the meeting was the varsity volleyball team, which finished its season with a 36-9 record, marking the winningest season in Whitesboro volleyball history. Team members were presented with certificates in recognition of their accomplishments.
Principals also recognized their respective employees and teachers of the month. Congratulations to the following:
Whitesboro High School
Employee of the Month: Coach James Findley
Teacher of the Month: Anita Morales
Whitesboro Middle School
Employee of the Month: Samayra Flores
Teacher of the Month: Coach Ethan Scoggins
Whitesboro Intermediate School
Employee of the Month: Cindy Ortiz
Teacher of the Month: Sonya Worley
Hayes Primary School
Employee of the Month: Jessica Chavez
Teacher of the Month: Rachel Nalls
Early Childhood Center
Employee of the Month: Shane Brown
Teacher of the Month: Jacqueline Maldonado
Following the recognitions, the meeting turned to construction updates, an equipment purchase and a review of the district’s special education program.
Representatives from WRA Architects presented revised drawings incorporating changes requested by the board regarding the mezzanine enclosure of the weight room in the new multipurpose building.
At last month’s meeting, concerns over project costs prompted trustees to explore potential modifications to the plans. The updated drawings showed the district could retain several features originally requested, including the existing floor plan size, two entrances to the weight room from the field, a window and door opening to the basketball court, mirrors and televisions, and an open layout without columns obstructing sightlines.
Several cost-saving adjustments were also incorporated. These included removing bar grating, switching to a metal deck, reducing the number of joists and creating a more solid surface to improve insulation and sound control. Smaller windows and fully grouted masonry lintels will also provide savings without compromising the functionality of the space.
With steel prices at an all-time high, material costs continue to drive much of the project’s expense. Drake, the construction company overseeing the project, is contractually obligated to a 5% fee. However, in an effort to help the district reduce costs, the company offered to reduce its profit by $24,000, bringing its fee down to 2.5%.
With the adjustments, the total project cost is approximately $16 million. Of the $18 million bond, this leaves $2 million available for parking.
Trustees voted to approve the revised plans. Although the building was initially expected to be completed by Dec. 25, the updated plans will add 30 days to the construction schedule. With steel delivery currently estimated at four to six weeks out, the goal is to complete the project by the end of January.
The board also approved the purchase of a new tractor to replace the district’s outdated equipment. The tractor will be used at the new agricultural barn and to maintain gravel surfaces in the lots surrounding the district’s new construction projects.
The purchase, which includes implements such as a pallet fork, trailer and box blade, was approved for an amount not to exceed $56,237.64.
Lastly, trustees received an informational presentation about the district’s special education program and the possibility that WISD may soon outgrow the capabilities of the Grayson County Co-Op.
With approximately 25% of the district’s student population receiving special education services, administrators are evaluating whether continuing to utilize the co-op remains the most cost-effective option. Projections indicate that during the 2027-28 school year, WISD could pay approximately $2 million to the co-op for staffing and services that are not available on-site five days a week.
Establishing a more independent program would require the district to address staffing and service needs, including diagnosticians, speech therapists, special education teachers and aides, and occupational and physical therapy providers.
There would also be some initial expenses, including the purchase of a bus equipped with a wheelchair lift, an online system and the transfer of student records and paperwork. However, because WISD accounts for 27% of the co-op, the district could receive approximately $270,000 back, which could help offset some of those startup costs.
The presentation was intended for discussion and informational purposes only. No action was taken by the board.