SISD calls for May election, gives construction updates

  • SISD school board members were recognized for “School Board Appreciation Month.” Pictured are, left to right, are board members Bucky Boehm, Jared Boedeker, Tommy Schuette, Julie Gamez, Superintendent Alex Remschel, board members Michelle Werner Mendel, Vice President Tim Kalich, and President Dan Stafford. Photo by Clayton Kelley.
    SISD school board members were recognized for “School Board Appreciation Month.” Pictured are, left to right, are board members Bucky Boehm, Jared Boedeker, Tommy Schuette, Julie Gamez, Superintendent Alex Remschel, board members Michelle Werner Mendel, Vice President Tim Kalich, and President Dan Stafford. Photo by Clayton Kelley.

    The Shiner Independent School District officially called for a May 3rd election at the Jan. 20 board meeting. 
    Currently, those school board trustees up for re-election are Dr. Dan Stafford (Place 3), Bucky Boehm (Place 5) and Tim Kalich (Place 6). 
    Those interested in running may do so by applying at the administration office. Deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 14.
    Construction updates were also given at the board meeting. 
    “Construction is moving along great and pretty fast,” SISD Superintendent Alex Remschel said. “We punched everything off at the agriculture building. The building looks great. We’re waiting on parts to be installed for internet access out there. They are still having class there. 
    We also added four more racks for the girls in their weight room. They are also sheet-rocking the main part of our bond project for the additional Junior High wing. Once they get sheet-rocked, they’ll have the HVAC system hooked up.
    We also had some painting done over the Christmas break. The Junior High building was starting to show some wear and tear over the hallways, so we had those painted.”
    The district also purchased a new Ford F250 truck for $65,000.
    “That is from the Dickson-Allen grant,” Remschel said. “We’re very thankful for them for helping us out. That’ll be used to tow football and band trailers in the fall as well as the busy season in the spring for our FFA students.”
    Information was also given on SISD’s Texas Academic Performance Report. 
    “This was our official review,” Remschel said. 
        “Some key things to note is that across the State of Texas, there was a drop in scores from 2023 to 2024. That was pretty consistent with our numbers. We did, however, see an improvement with our Social Studies course. We struggled with that in the past and, this past year, we saw great improvement on that. 
        Our ‘meets’ and ‘masters’ also grew from 31% to 43% which is great. If you’re in the 40 percentiles in the ‘masters’ area, that’s a large percentage of your students performing at a high level.”
    Other items on the agenda include:
    • The high school boys football team were recognized for making state finals.
    • Board members were recognized for “School Board Appreciation Month.”
    • It was reported that there was a drop in cafeteria meals last November and December. The district aims to gain more participation for the cafeteria this school year.
    • A TERP (Texas Emissions Reduction Plan) grant was awarded through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the purchase of two new buses.
    • Several donations came in to the school including a $10,000 donation to the band department.
    • The district will be brainstorming ideas on how to improve the Comanche Stadium. It needs to be irrigated and that will cost roughly around $35,000. 
    • Board members approved a contract with the Lavaca County Elections Office.
    • Board members approved SISD’s involvement with the County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
    • Enrollment numbers are holding steady. The district only had one new student in fourth grade the past month.