Board approves AISD band director

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees hired a new band director and accepted the resignation of a longtime employee at Monday’s monthly school board meeting. 

They also named a para-professional for the elementary campus and approved several waivers that may be needed in response to possible instructional and calendar changes because of the pandemic.

Band Director

Dr. Russell Pettitt, who took the Crosbyton band to the state marching contest last fall, answered questions from board members on Monday night about rebuilding the local music program, outlining a multi-year plan. His wife Kallie and daughter Kalliope were also present at the meeting.

After being approved on a motion by Ginny Ivy, Pettitt signed a one-year probationary contract on Tuesday morning. 

The new director is already working in the band hall and has met with several Band Boosters.

He has been in music education for 17 years at all levels from kindergarten through college, commenting that he prefers small schools and is excited about the opportunity to come to Albany.

TEA Waivers

Board members approved three separate waivers that could come into play due to closure for the pandemic emergency, including the following:

•Missed school day waiver/instructional continuity attestation while closed;

•Parent notice requirements for students at risk of failure;

•Alternate K and/or 7th grade reading instruments requirement.

Other Business

•Accepted with regrets was the resignation and retirement of longtime AISD employee Barbara Jones, who has served as a maintenance supervisor.

•Megan Henry was hired to be library aide for the elementary campus.

•Superintendent Jonathan Scott discussed the school calendar for the 2020-2021 year, but does not anticipate making any changes at this time.

•He also went over some of the funding challenges for the next school year.