Liberty-Eylau Independent School District Trustee Christina Walker resigned her position during Thursday's regular meeting of the district's Board of Trustees.
Walker announced her resignation, effective June 30, in a letter to the board.
It states, in part, "When I was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1993, then Superintendent Nick Blain asked me what my goals were for this district. I gave the usual response that we give our students the best education in order for them to succeed in life. I also wanted to see this district move forward and be recognized across the state in every field in which we compete
"I believe that under the leadership of Superintendent Ronnie Thompson and his administrative staff, this district will continue to move forward. We have the greatest teachers and staff in place to help all students succeed.I also believe that we have the school board in place that love this district and community as much as I do."
Board President Chad Turner thanked Walker for her many years of service.
"Christina has been a mentor to not only me, but so many board members over the year," he said. "She is Liberty-Eylau and I'm not sure we even understand how much we are going to miss her on this board."
In other business, the board reorganized officers. The new officers are President Chad Turner, Vice President Trevelyan Hodge and Secretary Scott Bergt.
Trustees also held the first budget workshop for the 2019-20 school year. Business Manager Susie Byrd presented several budget scenarios regarding teacher pay.
The board told her to continue on a plan to increase the teacher pay scale. Superintendent Ronnie Thompson discussed the current legislative session and the uncertainty surrounding school funding.
"Preliminary estimates show an increase in funding of around $1.9 million, but as we know that can all change," he said. "If that number holds true, the preliminary budget presented would have a surplus of just over $800,000. We think it's important to plan conservatively so if the legislature comes through, it will be a pleasant surprise and if they do not, we have not committed funds that will not be available."
Byrd added that this was a very rough preliminary budget and no adjustments to budget requests have been made. The administration will work to streamline department budgets before the June 20 board meeting. At that point, Thompson said, districts should have answers from the legislature.
The new proposed pay scale for teachers, librarians and nurses would start at $40,000 for teachers with zero years of experience. A 25-year teacher at the top of the scale would make $56,701. The current scale pays $35,750 and $54,120 respectively. Teachers with a master's degree earn a $1,000 annual stipend.