Spearman ISD Joint Statement 3-10-2023

SPEARMAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SUPERINTENDENT

To the students, parents and community members of Spearman ISD,

During the public comments portion of the Board meeting of February 23, 2023, and again in an article and the Letter to the Editor published in the Hansford County Reporter-Stateman on March 2, 2023, there were statements, among other things, that: certain school administrators had harassed and targeted employees; administrators had abused their power; school funds were misapplied to programs and purposes for which they should not have been spent; staff had used school vehicles for personal use; and most concerning, employees had been under the influence of alcohol at school events. We respect each person's right to address the Board during the public comments portion of every board meeting. The Board and the District administration welcome feedback, and appreciate your interest and concern for the District. That is why we serve as trustees and educators. Everyone in this District, including the superintendent and the Board of Trustees, are accountable to our community; we are entrusted with your most prized possessions, your children.

The Board, by law, is limited to how it can respond to issues raised during the public comments, and we do not want any lack of response to be interpreted as a lack of interest or inaction. The allegations raise serious issues involving school safety and financial integrity. For this reason, the Board called a special meeting for Friday March 10th, and is providing this joint statement to inform everyone that the matters raised during public comments and the newspaper have been addressed.

Specifically, the letter to the editor levied alleged significant misuse of school funds. The Superintendent has reviewed all allegations of financial impropriety with the District's independent auditor and every allegation was determined to be without merit. In addition, we continue to ascertain if there has been any targeting of employees or harassment and find no evidence at this time. We have been unable to find evidence of alcohol use of employees at school events. We find no evidence of any endangerment of student in any school activity. We continue to unanimously support our Athletic Director and Girls Coordinator. At our February 23, 2023 regular board meeting, the Board voted 7-0 in support their work.

Any person who has concerns about how the District is being managed, how employees conduct themselves in their professional capacity, how funds are being spent or has issues about school safety (such as being under the influence of alcohol at a school activity), is strongly encouraged to bring those concerns to the immediate attention of a campus principal or the Superintendent so they can be addressed promptly and appropriately. Student safety and employee well-being are a top priority to the Board and District administrators. We take all reports of employee misconduct seriously, and we do not condone bullying, harassment, retaliation or criminal conduct. Board policies and the Educator Code of Ethics require all educators to respect the rights of students, parents, and colleagues. The Board also has strict policies and guidelines concerning the use of school funds, and District accounts are subject to annual review by an independent auditor. Lastly, you cannot resolve your concerns informally by bringing them to the attention of school if administration, the Board has adopted complaint policies that are available to parents, student, employees and community members. The complaint process allows individuals to ultimately bring their concerns before the board for a hearing if the concerns are not resolved at a lower level.

Having addressed these concerns and allegations, we would like to highlight the positives of Spearman ISD. Through the incredible work of our students, teachers, staff and campus administrator's we are rated as an "A" district. We have posted incredible gains in most all areas since the STARR and End Of Course exams of 2019. The Covid pandemic did not slow this District down, rather it has thrived. We are financially sound. Our current fund balance is above the State recommended amount. Unfortunately, due to the loss of students this year, we are running a deficit budget. But we are working hard to reduce expenditures. With a few adjustments, we will have a balanced budget next year. The District received a 100 on its FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) Report, a perfect score. Our independent auditors at the January 12, 2023 regular board meeting stated, "It was a clean audit and everything looked good. Spearman ISD is financially sound." Finally, we will continue our development of a culture of excellence and unity on our campuses. Teachers and administrators are building relationships and a collaborative, congenial and professional culture within our schools.

The Board and the Superintendent will continue to work hard for excellence in our school district and strive to improve in all areas.

Please remember, the Superintendent's door is always open to answer questions and address concern that you might have. Thank you for your continued support of our District, it is our honor to serve.

Superintendent of Schools

Dan Gist

Board Members

Mark Garnett

Samantha Wilkerson

Steven Batton

Mike Pearson

Michael Lusby

Chad Riggins

ClancyVandeburg