The Altus School Board met Monday, Aug. 9, to prepare for the 2010-2011 school year. Rosalyn Hall and Darrell Moss were absent. Mr. Drury announced the district has received notification of its accreditation from Sandy Garrett, the State Superintendent of Schools. The district accreditation is approved with no deficiencies. No schools within the district are on the School Improvement List, requiring changes. This accreditation is for one year, which is standard.

Debora Phillips, chair of the board, announced artwork by district students is displayed in the District Office on the west side. This artwork illustrates the Altus Schools State of the School Report and Calendar for this school year. The following students were honored for their work: Laura Bacon, Kayla Miller, Hadley David, Courtney McMahon, Sheila Rowland, Lindsay Williamson, Megan Charping, Jayden Benway, Lynsey Sellers, Darbi Latham, Harrison Holder, Aileen Cruz, Joseph Saenz, Reece Henry, Dylan Lucas, Willie Sanders, Montorie Bridges, Brandon Ybarra, Dylan Dennis, Dalton Latham, Amber Patterson, Preston Sklar, Ciera Padilla, Hayden Smiley, Lauren Dodson, Savannah Butler, Robert Guerra, Jordan Benway, Josh Hurst, Erin Waldroop, Madison Simmons, Hayley Barnes, Jewel Wilmany, Angela Edwards, Savannah Gardner, Leticia Castro, Jace Prough, Jovani Cardona, William Chavez, McKenzie Graves, Zac Cox, Crede Alejandre, David Castellanos, Anna Willey, Chance Bara, Christian Flores, Jessica Tull, Alex Bearden, Adrian Benitez, Adrain Martinez, Andres Benitez, Alexis Julian, Samantha Wolfe, Ronica Ruiz, Alissa Morris, Diego Quirino, Argelia Rubio, Cristian Casstro, and Jesse Coronado. Refreshments were served after the board meeting, following a viewing of the student artwork.

Debora Phillips said that there may be reassignments of personnel within the next few weeks, based on enrollment. "There will be a school directory available in about three weeks," she said.

Five high school students worked a total number of 215.7 hours as summer school volunteers.

The following pay requests for the high school renovation and new construction were approved by the board. One invoice for $115,685.70 and another was for $787,523.70. These invoices have been sent to the City of Altus for payment out of the MAPS funding.

The consent agenda was approved by the board. This included contracts with Vernon Dr. Pepper, Windy Trails Golf Course and the Greens of Altus, KWHW radio contract, activity fund raisers and extended day care at Rivers, Roosevelt, Sunset, Washington, Will Rogers and Altus Intermediate School.

The Board did not consider any changes in policies at this meeting.

The district accepted one resignation, that being from Donna Andrews.

The reassignments of district personnel included:Glenda Cryer, Kiona Flicker, and Cindy Gossett.

Lists of proposed substitutes, time sheet employees, and extra duty assignments for the Altus School District will run in tomorrow's Altus Times.

The approved volunteers for this school year included: Kelsi Box (SB), Nikia Hooper (Football/Track), Craig McKenzie (SB), Harry Nolan (Football), Kacie Walker (Cheerleading), Kimberly Walker (Cheerleading), and William St. Clair (Softball/Soccer).

There was no executive session.

New Certified hires included: Jennifer Burrow, Jan Ford, Walter Johnson, Kristi Medlock, Ross McCulloh, Amy Schroeder, Lauren Westervelt, and Linda Wiginton.

Non-Certified new hires included: Jacqueline Bostic, Rownea Boyles, Christina Gildon, Linda Holley, Vickie Kline, larry Kuykendall, Jonathan Lamb, Mike Shive, Sherry St. Clair, Mike Torres, Christina Weathers, Cynthia Morgan, and De Jones.

The board briefly discussed the sale of property to the City of Altus for a Senior Citizens Center. Member John Thomas said that because Hall and Moss were absent, he thought it best to wait, rather than make an important decision in their absence. Also, Mr. Drury wanted a scale map from the City to show details as they currently exist. The map that was submitted to the district is a plat map. Mayor T.L. Gramling was disappointed that the matter would need to wait until the next meeting, Sept. 13. He said he'd get the maps to the board for clarification of the location compared to the Altus Intermediate School.

The board approved the appointment of an ex-officio board member, Col. Peccia, from Montana. He is a comptroller at Altus Air Force Base, married with two young children. His oldest, a daughter, will attend Rivers Elementary.

Technology hardware for Altus High School was approved by the board. These items will be purchased from the MAPS sales tax revenue funds.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Those present viewed the student artwork and celebrated with them after the meeting.