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Current Weekly News for Leakey, Camp Wood, Sabinal, Utopia and Surrounding Areas Vol. 5 No. 3
INSIDE
Garden Club Unveils Memorial, Announces March Plant Sale
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www.hillcountryherald.net
February 5, 2014
editor@hillcountryherald.net
SLOW, BUT STEADY RECOVERY FOR LEAKEY ISD by Dr. Barbara Skipper
Audit Report Reveals Good News for the District after Years of Financial Challenges
January 30, 2014 – Leakey Independent School District was presented with the results of its annual audit in January, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Michael Hamby, of the auditing firm Merritt, McLane & Hamby presented the good news. He reported that after years of financial difficulties, the District appears to be recovering. Hamby termed the audit as “clean” and followed up by expressing that the results were sound in his opinion. Mrs. Katherine Antes, who took over the position as Business Manager for the District on September 1st, also confirmed the audit results, stating, “I have reviewed the report carefully and found it to be consistent with the information
contained within the books and records of the Business Office for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2013.” School board members, including Board President Charlie Reagor, also carefully reviewed the report and made inquiries relative to information contained therein. A positive and long-awaited finding was the revelation of the District’s audited fund balance of $705,291. This is an increase of over $600,000 from the prior year’s fund balance of only $104,029. For the first time in years, the District now meets the Texas Education Agency’s recommendation that a District have two months worth of operating expenses in reserve.
Archbishop Gustavo To Visit St Raymond’s Burk Feed Saturday, Feb. 22nd from 9am to 1pm
Jerry’s Stories..... Archbishop Gustavo is scheduled to visit St Raymond’s Catholic Church in Leakey on Saturday February the 8th. He will be celebrating the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Vigil Mass at St. Raymond’s at 5:30 pm
The Lounge
Additionally, the District also has enough in cash reserves to cover the final payment of $211,807 that is due to the Texas Education Agency next month. This is the final of three payments made to the Agency in as many years, and is the result of a large overpayment the District received four years ago. This improvement comes after several years of cut-backs and difficult times for the District. “Events like this are becoming more common as the state reduces funding to school districts and the school finance system becomes more and more complicated”, says Interim Superintendent Dr. Barbara Skipper. “During my interview process with
the Board, I was amazed at how this District has navigated one of the most challenging situations a school district can face. I am enjoying my time here in Leakey; helping the District move forward and working to improve student performance.” Leakey ISD has recently received recognition in two important areas. The District received a rating of “Superior Achievement” under Texas’ Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system for the school year 2011 – 2012, and, has received the Texas Education Agency’s highest rating on the 2012 – 2013 Texas Academic Performance Report. The referenced reports may be viewed at www.Leakeyisd.net.
LISD School Board Election School Board Election - May 10, 2014
The next election is scheduled for May 10, 2014. Three positions will be up for election. Ruben Navarro, Joel Pigg and Shane Hohman are the three Trustees positions that are up for election. Application Process Applications may be picked up at the Leakey ISD Administration Building, located at 429 N US HWY 83, or download the application for a place on the Leakey ISD General Election Ballot. o The first day to file an application for a place on the ballot is: Wednesday, January 29, 2014. o The last day to file for a place on the ballot is: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. · The term of office for school trustee is three years. · All applications filed are public records and
by Billie Franklin
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open to inspection upon request. · Completed forms must be filed at the Leakey ISD Administration Building. Deadline Notice of Deadline to File Application for Place on the Ballot Eligibility/Qualifications Leakey ISD Board Member Eligibility/ Qualification Requirements Election Highlights First day to file for place on the ballot: Wednesday - January 29, 2014 Last day to file for place on the ballot: Friday - February 28, 2014 at 5:00 PM Early voting begins: Monday - April 28, 2014 Last day of early voting: Tuesday - May 6, 2014 Last day to receive ballot by mail: Saturday – May 10, 2014 at 7:00 PM Election Date: May 10, 2014
Pioneer Real Estate Hosts Meet and Greet for Murr by Julie Becker photo by Jim Reed
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Bandera Electric Cooperative Sends Students to Washington, D.C.
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INDEX State News .................... Page 2 Legals/Jail Register ...... Page 3 Community News ......... Page 4-6 Feature Story ................. Page 7 Obituaries ...................... Page 8 Classifieds ..................... Page 12
Today’s Weather
High:54° Low: 25°
Offering Wifi, chat, coffee in a variety of forms, and a place to visit and worship, the Lounge, in downtown Sabinal, is a labor of love done by Team Focus and their sponsors. It has music during worship by a local band. It is a haven for adults and teens alike. On Saturday, at 10 am, they celebrated with their grand opening. The Sabinal Chamber of Commerce, Little Mr. Sabinal and family, and interested persons
were on hand for the ribbon cutting. For a few minutes, traffic was halted or redirected while speeches were made, prayer was offered, pictures were taken, and everyone was invited indoors for coffee (of course), donuts, and other baked goods. The motto of “Keep Calm and Drink Coffee” was on the shirts of adults and students alike. It is located on the south end of the building that houses Connell’s Hardware.
Local Business owner Shirley Shandley of Pioneer Real Estate hosted a meet and greet for State Representative candidate Andrew Murr last week. Murr spend the morning in Leakey and the afternoon in Camp Wood
answering questions and gathering information from what he hopes to soon be his constituents. Early voting will begin soon and voters are encouraged to research the candidates and be informed VOTERS!
Centennial Steering Committee Awards Leftover Funds Anticipating an excess of money, the Centennial Steering Committee had agreed to give whatever money remained after all obligations had been met to the Ex-Students Associations for Scholarships in the Nueces Canyon School System and the newly formed Leakey Ex-Students Association. Consequently checks were presented this week to Karen Collins representing Camp Wood and Brenda Gonzalez treasurer of the Leakey organization totaling $5,189.82. Making the presentation was Willis Springfield, Chairman of the Centennial Steering Committee.
by Julie Becker