Soup Scoop

Howe ISD Superintendent Kevin Wilson said enrollment ended for the month of May at 1,231 students with average attendance at 1,150 which is a decrease of five and eight, respectively from the previous month. Wilson said it is normal to have a decrease in the month of May.

He received and accepted resignations from Ellen Cassatt of Food Service, Mia Knowles—Fifth Grade Social Studies, Kimberly Wilson—High School Counselor, Jessie Gallagher, and Vickie Damron—aides, and Erin Lopez—High School Biology and Coach. Wilson said he has hired Lana Portman—High School Counselor, Rusty Jones—Biology and Girls Coach, Morgan Jones—Kindergarten teacher, Danielle Kinsey—Second Grade, Jennie Martin—ESL, Kelly Seacord—Fourth Grade, Ashley Thompson—ISS and Girls Coach, and Janice Waldrip—Second Grade. investment officer for the ISD with Business Manager Julie Snapp also designated as an investment officer. Wilson said the two primary investment strategies are through Certificates of Deposit and Public Investment Pools.

Howe ISD Superintendent Kevin Wilson

Howe ISD Board of Trustees. Front row (left to right): Janie Finney, Tamela Shadden, Lisa Tibbets. Back row: Jeff Dailey, Michael Doty, Clint Catching, and Charles Haley. Staff photo.

Wilson said the first goal of investing was to ensure the safety of the principal amount, followed by maintaining liquidity, and maximizing financial returns, in that order.

With a new legislative requirement trying to keep tax rates low for property owners, school districts must designate a person to calculate proper tax rates for public notice.

In other Howe ISD School Board news, cafeteria prices will increase by $0.10 for lunches and $0.25 for breakfast. That brings the total breakfast price to $1.50. Wilson said the increase was due to the increase in food cost. “The purpose is to make sure that we’re being held accountable for that legislative requirement and that we are adopting tax rates that are not generating more revenue than what we are entitled to,” said Wilson to the board.

Wilson also discussed the investment policies for the ISD and said there were no changes from the previous year. Wilson, as superintendent, is the The board officially adopted the resolution and named Snapp as the designated calculator.