January is School Board Recognition Month and Lexington ISD will join other districts across the state to thank these local leaders for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for our children and public schools. As elected officials, they are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of Texas schoolchildren.
Even though we are making a special effort in January to show appreciation to our board members, we realize their many contributions reflect a year-round commitment. They generously give of themselves to ensure that decisions directly affecting our local schools are made by representatives of this community, people who are close to our schools and know our teachers, parents, and students.
Board members shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices. Their ultimate goal is always focused on the future success of the children in our district. It’s more important than ever before that the public supports our schools so that today’s students are prepared to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. Our board members provide vision and leadership in their roles as advocates, and they will continue to stand up for public education and guard against anything that takes away from our children.
2016 was quite a year for the Lexington ISD Board of Trustees. During that time, they realized the successful completion of our new Lexington High School project. Also, the Board approved the Strategic Design in June which saw the community come together to provide the roadmap for the District's work over the next 3-5 years. Also, the Board helped ensure numerous upgrades and improvements to the District's facilities which included HVAC and flooring upgrades at Lexington Elementary School, the Lexington High School track repair and resurface, and the patching and sealing of the LHS parking lot.
Our Team of 8 includes President Scott Sanders, Vice-President Riza Cooper, Secretary Shannon Patschke, Trustee Michael Hess, Trustee Dave Roussel, Trustee Stacey Stamport, and Trustee Dr. Mark Strain. Our District benefits from the tireless work and countless hours contributed by these local citizens who work without pay. Serving as a crucial link between the community and classroom, this board is responsible for an annual budget of approximately $ 9.8 million, 980 students, 150 employees, and 3 campuses.
Our LISD Trustees were recognized by the students and staff on Monday night at the January board meeting for their dedication and service. Please join us in thanking these dedicated volunteers for their efforts to make a difference and their unfailing commitment to the continued success of our students now and in the future.
Happy 2017! On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our Team of 8, we look forward in continuing to positively impact the lives of our students and staff of LISD throughout the upcoming year.
Brad Schnautz, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools