At their regular meeting on May 11, trustees of the Blanco ISD honored outgoing board member David Behrends for his 21 years of continuous service. Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford presented Dr. Behrends with a plaque, saying, “We appreciate your service to our school board. On behalf of the school district, thank you for your service.” President Matt Herden added, “It’s been a great pleasure working with you. You’ve helped this board face some tough challenges.” Trustee MaryAnn Weaver reiterated, “You’ve done a great job.”

On behalf of Masonic Lodge #216, Mason Guy Anderson presented Dr. Behrends with the prestigious Lamar Medal in honor of his years of service to the school district. Mirabeau Lamar is considered to be the father of public education in Texas, according to Anderson, who spoke to the trustees about the long-standing connection of Masonic Lodge 216 to the Blanco School District, beginning in the 1880s with the formation of a group of stockholders to build a Masonic university. When the funds for a school failed to materialize, the stockholders donated the land on which the original Mission Revival-style building stands. He also spoke of the support the Masons give the students of Blanco ISD through numerous programs, including the Take Time to Read program for elementary students, and scholarships awarded to deserving high school seniors. Calling Dr. Behrends “an educator and mentor,” Anderson shared many interesting facts about Dr. Behrend’s life, including his daily presence at the Blanco Bowling Café beginning at 5:30 a.m. to play dominoes and spend time with longtime friends.

Dustin Barton, principal of Blanco High School, presented two teams that have garnered prestigious awards this year. FFA sponsor Felice Marek introduced the team, consisting of Quaid Haack, Kaleigh Anderson, Keaton Dodd, and Claire Klepac, which earned a First Place in state livestock competition out of 561 teams. The team has been granted the use of a livestock trailer for one year in recognition of their achievement. In addition, Keaton Dodd has been awarded a $10K scholarship. Mrs. Marek thanked the trustees for allowing FFA members the opportunity to travel and learn by hands-on activities.

FCCLA sponsor Amy Petri announced that her team placed second in the region and third in state competition. She introduced Chelsea San Miguel, who was chosen president of Region 5 and will travel to Nashville in July for further training. Mrs. Petri thanked the trustees for allowing FCCLA members the opportunity to do many hours of community service and to have the broadening experience of travel.

Trustees also received in their packets the announcement that the one-act play cast and crew won numerous awards April 10th in Austin in the area UIL contest. Jaeger Shoemaker received an All-Star Cast award, Sydni Kipp an Honorable Mention All-Star Cast Award, and Grant Weaver a Crew Technical Award.

Dr. Ford reported that construction of the new football stadium bleachers will begin within the next two weeks and will be complete by the beginning of football season. He also announced an early release day Thursday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m.

Trustees voted to approve a resolution allowing the district to finance the energy management projects mandated by TEA. After discussion in executive session, they also voted to approve the employment of the following teachers for the 2009-10 school year: Johanne Brown, 4th grade Math, Dana Mooney, Elementary Math Intervention, Jennifer Lockner, pre-K, and Amanda Read, High School Special Education. Trustees accepted the resignation of Blanco Elementary principal Scott Kvapil, who has accepted an administrative position in the Austin ISD.