Performance awards in the amount of $250 were approved for all full-time contracted certified and support staff of the Altus School district at Tuesday's regular monthly board meeting. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Bob Drury, the board okayed the awards. It was noted that the awards were subject to regular deductible expenses such as Social Security and federal income tax.

“This is a reward for the hard work and dedication of the school district employees in 2007,” Drury said.

The board awarded a contract to Ron G. Moore, Inc. in the amount of $151,321 for window replacement at Cletus B. Street Fieldhouse on the Altus High School campus. The windows feature two panes of smoked quarter inch safety glass.

Board members also accepted a gift of $55,000 from the First National Bank in Altus to equip an Altus High School indoor training facility underneath Hightower Memorial Stadium.

The facility will benefit athletes of all sports at the high school, but the golf, baseball and softball teams will get the most benefit, according to Athletic Director Rick Roop. The facility will be named the First National Bank in Altus Sports Performance and Education Center.

The new Centennial Clock gift recently installed in front of the main building at Altus High School was also recognized. The clock is a gift from First State Bank and the Doughty family, founders of the bank. A dedication ceremony will be held next week.

While talking about the high school, the Centennial project in front of the school was brought up. Drury said that he is proud of the project but apologized for it taking so long, and said that work to put in the rest of the trees and sod would resume after the Christmas holidays.

“It will be something we can all be proud of,” he said.

Drury reminded all that the semester break and Christmas recess will begin after classes on Dec. 20, with classes resuming on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008.

The board approved the K-9 and trainer agreement with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. John Redelsperger, Director of Related Services, said the agreement has been a good deal for the district and the county.

The board also voted to seek bids for two used Suburbans for school activity use.

Personnel actions approved by the board included accepting the resignation of Sheila Davis, Special Education teacher at Rivers Elementary. New hires approved included Ashley Wright, Special Ed teacher at Rivers and Sheri Mulkey, long-term substitute at Roosevelt Elementary. No-certified staff hirings included Amalia Olson, bus driver; Carla Sharpe, teachers aide at Will Rogers; Rhonda Spann, cook at Will Rogers; and Ruth Thomas, crossing guard at Roosevelt.

High school wrestling coach Jay Benway and Altus Junior High wrestling coach Matt Davis will be switching wrestling positions, Benway to AJH and Davis to AHS.