At their regular May 10 meeting trustees of the Blanco Independent School District approved installation of a new set of ADA-compliant stands on the visitor side of Panther Stadium. Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford called an alternate proposal to upgrade the existing stands a temporary measure, since it would actually decrease the number of seats from the current 450-seat capacity. Maintenance Director Tony Petri called the upgrade “a bare minimum, stopgap measure.”

The proposal by Sturdisteel Company, which trustees unanimously approved, calls for installing a new set of stands with a capacity of 800 at a cost of $123,950—$11,050 less than originally proposed. Dr. Ford reiterated the need for more visitor seating as Blanco plays schools such as Comfort, Lago Vista, and Canyon Lake, which have larger fan bases. Trustee Matt Herden assured the board that money for the new stands would not come out of any money designated for new tennis courts—an issue which caused the proposal to be tabled at the February board meeting.

The monthly Spotlight on Students featured safety patrols from Blanco Elementary School, who were recognized and awarded certificates by principal Sue Ann Reininger and safety patrol sponsor Mike McClure. The following students were present to accept their certificates: Katlinn Calzoncit, Kaleigh Griffin, Riley Watt, Jessica Sevilla, Paige Green, Garrett Seales, and Destinie Bryan. Mr. McClure called them “public relations” people because of the image they present to parents arriving in the morning and departing in the afternoon.

Blanco ISD nurse Peggy Pepper was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her more than 25 years of service to the district. Dr. Ford commended her for her hard work and constant attention to the latest health care issues. He also announced that Wednesday, May 12, is National School Nurse Day. Nurse Pepper updated the trustees on the duties performed by herself and other staff members at the three Blanco campuses, including extensive, state-mandated record-keeping, health screenings, immunizations, staff training, H1N1 Clinics, and a Back-to-School Shot Clinic in August, which resulted in all but two students being current in their immunizations when school started. She explained that the state requires school districts to notify parents of required immunizations, and sited the tremendous amount of time spent on the phone communicating with parents. She praised the Lions Club for their program which provides needy children with glasses through Eye Care Associates. She also explained that staff members at all three campuses must be trained in the use of Automated External Defibrillators, as well as blood-borne pathogens and care of diabetics.

In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Ford announced that there will be an early release for students at 1 pm on Thursday, June 3, the last day of school. Other upcoming important dates include the 2010 TASB Summer leadership Institute for trustees June 10-12 in San Antonio and at the next trustees’ meeting on June 14, TASB’s Kathy London will conduct a Blanco ISD policy review. During the Lavender Festival, June 12 and 13, the Lions Club will run a shuttle from the Panther Stadium and possibly the high school parking lot to the square.

Trustees voted to approve organizing a committee of community members to examine architect Randy Fromberg’s facility study and serve as advisors on district priorities. Matt Herden said, “It allows the community to see what we are doing.” Troy Immel agreed, “We need to get it out there.” Dr. Ford added, “We need everyone to have a voice—we don’t want anyone to feel shut out.”

As part of the 2010-11 budget process, financial officer Kay Fraser presented budget requests from the three campuses for the general operating fund. The total increase requested is $62,352. Trustees voted to approve a budget amendment increasing two stimulus federal grants to full entitlement per TEA approval. After consideration in executive session, trustees also approved hiring the following individuals: Derrick Hernandez, coach/teacher; Christopher Lay, athletic trainer; Shirley Johnson, Spanish teacher, high school; and Kim Brownell, speech pathologist.