The Littlefield Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, June 19, at the Jerry Blakey Administration building.
Littlefield Superintendent Mitch McNeese called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m. and gave the invocation before leading the U.S. and Texas Pledge of Allegiance.
Commencing the meeting, board members recognized and honored the Littlefield seniors who graduated with an associate’s degree from South Plains College: Brinley Acevedo, Avyalena Alvorado, T’Aijae Chambers, Devyn Crouch, Miriam Cueto, Monica Elizondo, Presley Haltom and Teagan Miller.
Brinley Acevedo, Devyn Crouch, Teagan Miller, Miriam Cueto, and Monica Elizondo were among the graduates present at the meeting. The five graduates provided feedback about their experience, including advocating for more academic guidance and suggesting a distinction in the class ranking system between early college students and the general student population.
“It was kind of hard to not know what to take, what not to take, what (credits) would go towards your degree,” Miram Cueto said.
Next, Littlefield Elementary Coach Joseph Hood reported progress made in the physical education program this school year. Integrating more sports skills practices is a primary fundamental in his initiatives, Hood said.
This year, Hood introduced and hosted a track meet. 253 students competed in 11 track events, and Hood said he plans to add six more next year.
“The competition, for me, was the biggest part of it,” Hood said. “I want our kids to compete at a high level, and I don’t think you get that from field day.”
Additionally, Hood initiated the plans to replace the carpet in the elementary gym.
A motion was made by Hervey Valdez and was seconded by Garry Ozbirn to approve the integration of innovation courses for the 2025 through 2026 school year. The motion carried. These courses include video game programming, advanced video programming, emergency medical technician, importance of medicine one, two and three, kinesiology one and two, principles of exercise science and wellness, student to industry connection and general employable skills.
Another motion for campus improvement approved initiatives was made by Sal Acevedo and seconded by Will Williams. The motion carried. Those improvement plans include buying school supplies for 130 elementary students and improving campus safety measures and property maintenance.
Littlefield ISD’s Chief Financial Officer Bryan Gregory provided updates on the progress of the high school renovations, proclaiming it mostly complete.
“The high school, for all intents and purposes, is done,” Gregory said. “There are still some minor things here and there, but we’re really primarily now talking about the junior high rebuild.”
At the junior high, the primary project is completing the sewer tiein. Classrooms in the old high school were additionally remodeled.
For the football stadium, a new press box is being built, along with plans to repaint and resurface the stadium’s asphalt. Additionally, safety renovations ensure the replacement of bleacher end caps.
Gregory additionally reported that the value of the campus increased, thus increasing the insurance premium. The value increased from $79 million to $109 million.
“We’re talking about $30 million jump, or 38.3% increase,” Gregory said, “this is 100% due to the new high school.”
A motion was made by Ozbirn and seconded by Shawna Hastings to approve property and Casulty Insurance Contribution for the 2025-2026 School Year. The motion carried.
Item eight on the agenda was to deliberate and take possible action for the approval of LISD 2025-2026 Salaries.
The motion to approve LISD 2025-2026 salaries was made by Valdez and seconded by Acevedo. The motion carried.
For the LISD employee insurance plan, an 8.9% increase was reported.
“I recommend that we continue to pay $ 600 towards each employee’s insurance,” McNeese said. “I know that’s been a great perk, that’s something Mr. Blakely put in a long time ago.”
A motion was made by Ozbirn and seconded by Valdez to approve LISD Employee Insurance Contribution for the 2025-2026 school year. The motion carried.
A budget amendment was approved to accommodate an additional $21,600 summer school cafeteria grant. The motion to approve the budget amendement was made by Acevedo and seconded by Williams. The motion carried.
Destiny Chavarria went over the Financial and Investment Review and Report and the motion to approve the reports was made by Ozbirn and seconded by Acevedo. The motion carried.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 the board proceeded to discuss personnel matters including the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal and/or compensation of individual district empolyees in closed session. The board went into executive session at 7:51 p.m. and returned to open session at 9 p.m.
Certified Personnel A motion was made by Hastings and seconded by Ozbirn to approve the contracts for certified staff members Cameron Israel (Math - JH), Karen Trevino (English - JH), Ashley Cunningham (Science / Coach), Lara Caldwell (Dyslexia Interventionist - Primary), Tammy Green (Part-Time Librarian – HS), Addie Geldenhuys (Special Education Teacher – Primary), Amanda Torres (ELAR - Elementary), and Caroline McGrath (Band Instructor) as recommended by administration. The motion carried.
At-Will Personnel Tracie Frausto – Special Ed. Paraprofessional and Alexandra Brito – Paraprofessional.
Resignations were presented on Jayden Longoria, Kaylee Longoria, Kevin Kreutler, Esperanza Esquibel, and Anissa Cantu.
Item 14 on the agenda was to deliberate and possible approval of Bank Depository Contract 2025-2027.
The motion was made by Williams and seconded by Ozbirn to award Wellington State Bank Depository Contract for 2025-2027. The motion carried.
The next order of business was to deliberate and possible approval of policy declining the participation of homeschool students from UIL activities.
A motion was made by Williams and seconded by Acevedo to approve policy declining participation of homeschool students from UIL activites. The motion carried.
The next item on the agenda was to deliberate and possible action to approve termination agreement with Yellow House Wind.
This agenda item was moved to the July board meeting.
Supt. McNeese provided the Board with Board Training Opportunities. With there being no further business to discuss, Board President Reese Rogers declared the meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.