AISD trustees renew contracts

By Melinda L. Lucas

After meeting in closed session, Albany ISD trustees hired a new IT director and renewed all staff contracts at the end of the regular meeting on Monday, April 18.

Matthew Howard was hired on a 6-0 vote to fill the vacancy left when Dan Key resigned several weeks ago as the district’s technology director. He was the top finalist of the 10 applicants and is expected to start full-time in June.

Howard has been IT director for Winters ISD since 2018.

Contract Renewals

A motion to “extend contracts of employees as presented,” made by Joe Tidwell, seconded by Ginny Ivy, passed t a 6-0 vote.

Included in the list are two staff members with “employment agreements.”

Part of the motion covered letters of assurance to the current support staff.

No decisions will be made about salaries until next year’s budget is discussed, but superintendent Jonathan Scott commented that he feels the district will need to consider “doing more” than just the stipends that are planned with ESSER funds.

Other Business

•Trustees approved continuing the current student accident and health catastrophic coverage.

•The West Texas Food Service Cooperative Interlocal Agreement was approved at a special meeting March 25,the only item on that agenda.