Alto ISD celebrates successful financial, academic year
BY LELAND ACKER

As the rain sprinkled down upon the streets of Cherokee County, the sun was shining on the Alto ISD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting Monday evening. Board members were recognized for their service to Alto ISD, while UIL Academic participants were recognized for their achievements in the district UIL academic meet, held for middle school and elementary school students toward the end of last semester.

"Our school is headed in the right direction and I attribute that to the administration, the teachers and the students. I thank you all," said Board Vice President Greg Duplichain.

"I've been seeing some nice letters from the kids and the teachers," said Board Member Britton Tilley.

Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Keith Gardner presented the board members with gold state championship medals.

"It takes a lot to make a championship football team," Coach Gardner said. "It begins at the top."

Mr. Duplichain joked that the Yellowjackets are undefeated since Superintendent Dr. Ray DeSpain has been employed with Alto ISD.

Members of the Alto Elementary and Alto Middle School UIL Academic teams were recognized for their performance. Both teams placed second in district competition, with the middle school one-act play team placing first.

Representatives from Axley and Rode presented the auditor's report, which showed Alto ISD in healthy financial condition with a $1.8 million fund balance.

Alto Elementary School Principal Melody Witt reported to the trustees that the faculty is working to earn the "Academically Recognized" accreditation rating from the Texas Education Agency.

"Using state percentage numbers, we are looking at our numbers trying to put faces to the figures," she said.

Alto High School Principal Donald Patton told trustees that Alto High School continues to implement new programs in order to boost student performance. Such programs include TAKS programs aimed at meeting math and science objectives for the test.

The board approved setting the school board elections for May 10, approved the auditor's report from Axley and Rode, and voted 6-0 to extend Dr. DeSpain's contract.

Trustees praised Dr. DeSpain for his accomplishments at Alto ISD and extended his contract with little discussion. Present were: Board President Freddy Johnson, Mr. Duplichain, Board Secretary Britton Tilley, Members Jay Jones, Randy Low and Lee Pearman.