Chester receives ‘superior’ FIRST score

By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – The Chester ISD Board of Trustees President Ray McKnight called the regular meeting of the board to order on Monday evening, with five of the seven members and three district employees present. 

The district’s business manger Austin Odom presented his report on expenditures and revenue, highlighting the online auction sale of an old bus.  Also reported was the annual 2021-22 FIRST report on financial integrity giving Chester a superior score.

The FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) is an accountability rating system conducted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in order to gauge the financial management quality of school districts.

Chester ISD Superintendent Paul Drake stated that enrollment remains good (at 218) and attendance is still above 96%, and athletics and students seem to be 

doing well.  He did mention that they were able to purchase via an online auction a commercial washer/dryer which will speed up the cleaning of football uniforms for example.  He then reviewed the district’s weather day procedures (alerts to staff and parents, use of social media, etc.).  The board approved without discussion the consent agenda:  minutes of past meetings and payment of bills, bank statements, etc. 

Two action items related to the county 4 H program were approved, one allowing for up to 10 excused absences and the other granting the extension agent of the county to be a non-paid adjunct faculty member.

The board went into executive session at 6:22 and returned at 6:52 after which they approved the sale of 1.5 acres recommended by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson.  The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 17.