Award-winning robot visits HSISD Board

Coach James Fitch introduced his robotics team to the Hughes Springs ISD board at their regular meeting Aug. 8. Sisters Savannah and Cypress Wright, and brothers Justan and Phillip Campbell comprised the robotics team that competed in the UIL “First Tech Challenge 2016” in Austin July 28-29. The Award-team came away with “Division Finalist” standing, and brought their creation to the board meeting for a live demonstration. In the competition, the robot was required to perform a number of intricate tasks and maneuvers, all while on a 30-degree incline. The four kids and Coach Fitch spent most every day at school during the summer designing, building and testing their robot in preparation for the competition.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of 35 Riddell “concussion helmets” for the football team. The Booster Club donated $5,000 toward the total purchase price of $12,570.

New hire Ethen Ragsdale will join Walter Hamm in the Ag Department, and Jana Scharnberg has joined the faculty as the High School Counselor. All told, Hughes Springs has introduced 12 new staff members for the 2016/17 year.

Superintendent Sarah Dildine reported that finishing touches are being done on the Culinary Arts facility, and it is expected to be up and fully operational on the first day of school.

The board reviewed the proposed 2016/17 budget of $10.46 million, which represents an increase of approximately one percent over the 2015/16 budget. Projected revenue for 2016/17 is $10.5 million. According to Business Manager Derick Sibley, Hughes Springs is projected to see a reduction of 30 percent in certified taxable values, due to a decrease in taxable property values of $36 million in Cass County and $55 million in Morris County. The proposed tax rate for 2016/17 is $1.119046, which has remain unchanged for seven years.

There will be a public meeting on the proposed budget and tax rate on August 29 at 6:00 p.m. at HSISD at 871 Taylor Street.