Chester ISD welcomes Dr. Paul Drake aboard

Chester ISD’s new superintendent Dr. Paul Drake signed his contract to begin his term starting in January. His son Paxton and wife Briana stand next to him. (PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIE LOUGHNER)By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – Dr. Paul Drake signing his contract as Chester ISD Superintendent was one of the key moments of Monday night’s board meeting. 

The meeting was attended by several folks from the faculty and the community, along with Drake’s wife Briana and son, Paxton. 

Chester ISD Board of Trustees President Ray McKnight handled Drake’s signing right after the prayer and pledges and approval of the consent agenda. 

Related Articles

Top marks

Livingston NNDCC continues to excel

Drake’s contract begins Jan. 3, 2022 and runs for three school years. Another highlight was to accept the recommendation from interim superintendent Katie Loughner to open up the campus next semester as COVID cases have declined from 11 the first six weeks to one the current six weeks; board accepted this with stipulation that if cases reach five at any time the campus will close down again. 

A bid from 4A Septic Construction Company was accepted (1 of 3) for upgrades to the baseball field fencing and dugouts. Another new action was agreeing to pay workers who sell tickets at home games, $15 per game. 

Loughner gave an overview of the Special Education co-ops MOU and the districts and campus’s improvement goals both approved by the board.  She did report that current enrollment is 216 and mentioned that 33 football players will get to go to the state’s 1A six-man football championship games this week. One other highlight:  Monday Dec. 12th was the first day 100% of the staff was on campus for this school year. 

The next board meeting was set for Jan. 17, folllwing a short executive session.