Diboll ISD numbers show growth

Diboll's student attendance this school year is running a bit ahead of expectations, meaning the district will get a little more in state attendance assistance this year, school trustees learned at their monthly meeting Tuesday, Nov. 20.

The meeting was a week early due to Thanksgiving this week.

So far, the average daily attendance for the district is at 95.3 percent, or 1,715 students of the 1,831 official enrollment. Finance Director Kevin Mathis budgeted for an ADA of 1,645, meaning the district's payments from the state will also be larger than budgeted.

State attendance aid is the major component of state support. Superintendent Gary Martel said that for Diboll, a 1-percent increase in the district's ADA is worth $100,000. To that end, trustees discussed whether to employ a truant officer. Martel said Peace Justice Esther Barger is prepared to start assessing fines for truancy. No decision was made.

Trustees also hear from Director of Special Services Marilyn Hankla, who said the Texas Education Agency is offering districts new incentives for providing "extra attention to pregnant students." TEA wants districts to provide guidance in parenting skills as well as academics.

She said Diboll at this time has six pregnant students after having 11 last school year.

Silver Axe Awards were presented by Martel to three district employees, Rosa Enriquez at the junior high, Shante Allen, high school secretary, and curriculum aide Mary Hendry. The Silver Axe Award is given at the superintendent's discretion to non-teachers who do an outstanding job.

Eight junior high students were recognized by the Lufkin Evening Lions Club for their participation in the Lions International Peace Poster Art Contest. The students receiving certificates were Madison Neyland, Armando Flores, Brandon McCall, Hanna Herring, Cheyenne Swor, Juan Rangel, Katy Dubose and Forrest Ainsworth. Their teacher, Katie Ritenour, said it was the first time the junior high has been invited to participate in the Lufkin contest.