BY GAIL M. WILLIAMS, Muleshoe Journal Correspondent

The Muleshoe Independent Board of Trustees met in regular session on Dec. 11. In addition to Superintendent Dr. R.L. Richards and the board members, several guests attended including Mike Slayden from Bailey County representing EMS; Zanea Carpenter, City of Muleshoe secretary; Savanah Box, food service coordinator; Luis Pacheco, speech and debate coach, and high school students, called the GOAT Council.
Because January is School Board Appreciation Month, each campus provided gifts of appreciation.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
It was noted that school attendance is down due to the flu outbreak.
The board discussed legislative issues at the state level including the new A-F grading system. Soon, school districts will be receiving A-F grades for Accountability in a very complicated system. Recently, the federal government asked the Texas Education Agency to change the A-F grading process.
Dani Heathington reported on the 2017-18 Calendar process.
“The District Forum is working through the calendar process,” Heathington said. “We hope to bring you a calendar recommendation by the February meeting.”
The General School Board Election was called by the board for May 5. Two positions currently held by Jay Cage and Sergio Leal will be up for election.
The Board signed a contract to allow Zanea Carpenter and the City of Muleshoe to conduct the election. Carpenter explained the contract and discussed the order of election.
“The good thing about the city conducting the election is that it helps our voters to have a consistent polling place for elections,” Richards said.
The Board of Trustees expressed their appreciation for Carpenter and her work.
Bailey County recently purchased the old McDonald’s Building on West American Boulevard. During the purchase, it was determined that back taxes are owed. Muleshoe ISD has consulted Texas Association of School Board’s Legal Counsel and the district’s legal counsel to determine if there is a legal method by which this can be addressed. At this time, it seems that local school districts have not been given legislative authority to make this tax abatement occur. More research is being done.
Connie Alanis, bilingual teacher at DeShazo
Elementary, submitted her letter of retirement after 28 years of service, 27 with MISD, all at DeShazo. She has taught bilingual, ESL, Spanish and reading.
The board reviewed the superintendent’s evaluation in closed session. The superintendent’s contract was extended by one year.
The retirement reception for Coach David Wood will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 15, in the High School Commons Area.