Howe ISD places hold on TELSA's request for funds

Former Grayson County Judge Drue Bynam, now vice president of the Texoma Exposition & Livestock Association (TELS) at Loy Lake sent local school districts letters to request funding for improvements to the park and for the show. While Grayson County owns the property, it is the responsibility of the TELS

"A couple of superintendents have asked for additional information and we've not received anything yet " said Howe Superintendent Kevin Wilson

Wilson said that Bells and Tioga have committed the funding, but have not had commitments from other districts at this point

There has been no time frame for a decision on TELS's request of $10,000 fee from each school district for three consecutive years

Wilson said he had concerns and wanted to give TELS an opportunity to provide information to justify the cost

"They want to renovate and add on, but I've received nothing of a plan," said Wilson

Clint Catching, a Howe ISD Board of Trustees Member, who also serves on the board of TELS, had no comment, but fellow board member Mark Abner said that he could be in favor for a usage fee which would be similar to sports teams paying for a stadium for a playoff game

"We have about 50-60 kids at the show out there each year If they were to present it that way, I could understand them doing what they wanted for improvements," said Abner "I don't think it would be a $10,000 per year use I just don't see writing them a check for $10,000 that we have no control over nor do we know whether or not if it's just a band-aid for all they need Are they going to come back five years later and ask for more?"

Currently, students pay entree fees and commissions are taken out

"I fully support our ag program and all that they do, on the other hand in light of what happened to Dallas County School with their bus program and their contribution to a non-profit and them being in trouble, I would like to get more information before we do anything," said Board Member Janie Finney "Just a contribution to take our tax dollars and do whatever they choose, I have a problem with it "

The members that spoke up were in favor for some sort of a fee concept, but not a contribution without a plan Eventually no action was taken and will not be further discussed unless more information is presented from TELS