COUPLAND — The search is back on to fill a Coupland Independent School District trustee’s seat after a board member voluntarily stepped down a few months ago to avoid a conflict-of-interest issue.
Trustees during the Nov.
13 meeting also approved offering teachers and staff a retention incentive.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Earl Parcell told board members it’s time to reopen applications for the seat vacated by Andrew Gonzales at the start of the academic year.
Gonzales is a local business owner whose services are used by Coupland and other school districts.
Holding a board position while contracting with the same district could violate new Texas Education Agency conflict-of-interest guidelines, so he chose to step down, officials said.
One person originally applied to fill the empty spot, but “technically they weren’t in the window when the (position) was open,” Parcell said.
Trustees at last week’s session gave the nod to reopen the application period for two to three weeks.
“I’ll call (the previous applicant) and let them know,” Parcell said.
Following a review process, applicants will speak at the Dec. 11 board meeting. Trustees will then make an appointment and the new trustee takes office in January.
In other business, board officials approved a one-time teacher and staff retention incentive for $250.
Last year, the district gave $500 incentives. Awarding the same amount this year is not possible with the loss of funds through property-tax exemptions and the failure of the Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election Nov. 4, officials said.
However, House Bill 2 authorized by the Legislature offers a small light at the end of the tunnel, Parcell said.
It infused $8.5 billion into Texas schools to increase funding for teacher and staff salaries, school operational costs and more.
“With the additional funds (we received) from House Bill 2 and our own conservative budgeting, I feel comfortable with the $250 payment,” Parcell said.
The incentive will be prorated and based on teacher and staff hire dates.
If a district employee was hired Nov. 1, their incentive would be less than someone hired Oct. 1, and the employee hired Oct. 1 would receive less money than an employee hired in September.
Despite the cut, Parcell noted the staff and employees were “very well aware of what this costs the district.”
“I know they appreciate it,” added trustee David Young. Parcell agreed.
“It is appreciated. I hear it a lot,” the superintendent said, adding the issue is not about the amount of money but the recognition behind it.
A dinner is also being planned by trustees for staff appreciation.
The next board meeting is 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the school library at 620 S. Commerce St.
