School board recognizes students, approves purchases

J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to The Steel Country Bee

 Imagine squatting down and draping a full-grown mustang stallion over your shoulders, then standing up. That’s about what Hughes Springs’ very own Mustang A.J. Garcia lifted. A.J. was recognized at the regular meeting of the Hughes Springs ISD School Board April 11 for his Region 3, Division 3 record-setting 805-pound squat.

Also acknowledged at the meeting were students representing the Hughes Springs band solo and ensemble participants. For the first time in eight years, the Band won sweepstakes – by earning the highest possible score in each of three competitions -- marching, concert and sight reading. Among band, choir and twirling, Hughes Springs will send 22 students to state competition in late May.

In other business, school superintendent Sarah Dildine reported that work is progressing on schedule with the conversion of the former life skills facility to a culinary arts building, and should be completed in late April/early May. In related agenda items, the board approved an Innovative Course in Advanced Culinary Arts for next year, as well as expenditures totaling $61,467.08 for electrical, plumbing, vent hood and fire suppression systems in the new facility. The Board also approved expenditures of $13,934.97 for 117 new pairs of uniform pants for the band, which typically last approximately ten years; and a quote from Dewey Moore Ford for $35,903.16 for a new transport van. The van will take the place of the current band truck, and will also be used by other student groups who are traveling and need to carry equipment with them – for example, One Act Play and Robotics AP.

Following a brief closed session, the Board reconvened and voted unanimously to approve a school district teaching certificate for Aaron McGuire for welding courses.