At the March 5 meeting of the Blanco Independent School District board of trustees, the monthly Spotlight on Students recognized the Panther Band percussion ensemble. Principal Dustin Barton recognized members of the ensemble – Charity Windham, Alina Aly, and Forrest Jones – who have advanced to state competition, to be held in Pflugerville in May. Band Director Brian Hecimovich and Assistant Band Director Brandon Aly were also recognized.

The Spotlight on Campus Personnel recognized high school math teachers Sallie Lyons and Jason Murphree and middle and high school Spanish teacher Edit Quintanilla. Blanco High School principal Dustin Barton said, “Ms. Lyons and Mr. Murphree made possible dramatic increases in student performance.” Middle school principal Jesse Salazar said, “Ms. Quintanilla has made a profound impact on the many students she has taught and is to be commended for the outstanding service she provides for the students at Blanco Middle School” (quoted in “Board Briefs” of the BISD online newsletter The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 26).

Elementary counselor Patricia Mangold, middle school counselor Lisa Rogers, and high school counselor Michele Skillman presented an update on the district’s counseling program.

Maintenance Director Tony Petri presented an update on the district’s Buildings and Maintenance program. Trustees also received an update on the elementary school building project.

Trustees voted to approve the purchase of a floor for the high school stage, as included in the bond package passed last May. Superintendent Dr. Ford remarked that Quality Hardwood Floors, which won the bid at $6,100, is an approved vendor on the Buy Board Purchasing Cooperative, an interlocal contract. He described the company as “well-recognized and experienced in the floor business.” The upgraded, theater-quality floor will enhance the acoustics of the room as well as being safer for students. The job is expected to take approximately five days.

Another improvement included in last May’s bond issue is an upgrade of the sound system in the high school cafetorium. The upgraded sound system will not only upgrade the theatre arts program’s sound capabilities, but will also upgrade sound for special programs and events. Trustees voted to approve the sound system, to be installed by Southwest Sound and Electronics, at a cost of $10,720.00.

Dr. Ford announced an early release day on March 21, at 12 noon. The high school will be hosting the District 8-AA UIL contest on that date. He also reminded board members of the TASB Board Training on June 18, 2012, to be conducted in Blanco.

The Blanco ISD, Blanco Groundwater Preservation, and City of Blanco will hold a joint election May 12, 2012, at the Blanco Elementary School cafeteria. Margie Kuetz has consented to be Election Judge. Trustees voted to appoint her to this position. Incumbents Kirk Felps and Darrel Wagner have filed as candidates for election and will run unopposed.

Dr. Ford also notified trustees that there is a new address for Blanco ISD’s Policy On Line. He reported that the election for ESC Region XIII Board of Directors has been cancelled because the three incumbents were running unopposed.

Trustees approved the instructional materials allotment and TEKS certification for 2012-13. The certification states that the district understands that all materials are “appropriate for use in Texas schools” and “may choose any materials from the state-adopted list.”

Technology director Tom Cozzi gave the board a brief synopsis of the district’s technology plan to be submitted to TEA for approval. Trustees approved the request.

Following executive session, trustees approved contracts for renewals of teachers as proposed by campus principals.