Shepherd budget comes in line

By Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — After plenty of discussion and several workshops, Shepherd ISD will be able to pass a balanced budget for the coming year.

However, Superintendent Jason Hewitt said there is the question of what the Legislature will do regarding new funds, tax rates, allotments and similar items, all of which affect school budgets.

Hewitt said that regardless, the district operates under existing law, and the budget will be prepared accordingly.

Within the budget is a 5 percent raise for staff and a $3,500 retention bonus targeting teachers in core curriculum subjects, as that’s the hardest to recruit and retain, Hewitt said.

In other business, the board:

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•discussed the progress on the daycare center, and approved the name of Shepherd ISD Early Learning Center;

•approved Katelin Nelson as a member of the Student Health Advisory Council;

•approved a contract with a current Shepherd ISD police officer for drug dog detection services;

•approved extending the contract with Peoples State Bank, with member John Few abstaining; and

•approved a memorandum of understanding with Health Centers of Southeast Texas, and will use grant funds to possibly install a clinic open to staff and students at the school.