On Monday night, the Forney school board learned that FISD had received a Superior Achievement rating for financial management for the year 2007-2008.

The last item before an executive session Monday night was to conduct a public hearing for FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas). Benedict moved to open the public hearing, with a second by Dobbs. All trustees present voted in favor.  CFO Dwayne Thompson said the district once again scored a Superior Achievement rating and had received this rating since the evaluation tool was established. He explained that the district’s score was 84, with the highest score being 85. The passing score is 55. Thompson reviewed all of the questions and answers that were used to obtain this rating.

After Thompson’s brief explanation, Walker asked for any public comments, but there was none. Dobbs then moved to close the public hearing, with Benedict seconding, and all trustees present voted in favor.

Forney school trustees held their September meeting Monday, September 14 with all trustees present except Keith Bell, Greg Pharris, and Charles Treadway.

The September 14 meeting was called to order by school board president David Walker. Trustee Bruce Benedict led the invocation.

The pledges of allegiance to the U. S. and Texas flags were led by Crosby Elementary sixth grader Heath King. He is a student of Seyward Prinz.

No one was present to speak on “Hearing of Students, etc.” on the agenda.

The Forney Education Leadership Foundation recognition of the district’s exemplary campuses and the district’s Recognized rating was postponed until the October meeting due to individual conflicts.

Under “Consent Items” on the agenda, the school board approve the minutes of August 3, 10, and 25 and granted extended sick leave to an employee as he had requested according to school district policy. Trustee John L. Taylor moved to approve the consent items as recommended, with a second by trustee Bruce Benedict. All trustees present voted in favor.

Under the architect’s and construction manager’ report, Jim Hawkins of Gallagher reported that North Forney High School is now in operation and is going well. He also reported that work is continuing on the baseball and softball fields, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of September.

Hawkins announced that he would retire at the end of September. He expressed his appreciation to the board and to Forney ISD for having the opportunity to work for the district and in the town and he lived in. On behalf of the board, David Walker and Dr. Darrell Brown, Superintendent of FISD, expressed their appreciation to Mr. Hawkins. For his work throughout the years, Hawkins received a standing ovation.

*See the September 17, 2009 issue of the Forney Messenger for entire story.