2 band directors, to retire
5 coaches submit resignations
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Members of the Rusk Independent School District board accepted five retirement requests and nine resignations following an executive session Monday night. One person was employed.

Those retiring included long-time high school principal Ricky Hassell and band director Gary Robbins. Mr. Hassell has 23 years with Rusk ISD, 10 of those as high school principal. He previously coached at Slocum and Abbott. "My years in Rusk have been good years and I have enjoyed my association with the district," he said.

Mr. Robbins has 20 years with Rusk ISD and nine years at Jacksonville. He expressed his appreciation to Rusk and to the school for all the support given him and his family.

Also retiring are Mike Kellogg, assistant band director; Christi Tillman and Vito Bondi, teachers.

Resignations were accepted from five teacher/coaches and four teachers.

Coaches resigning are Jason Barnes, Josh Faucett, Matt Garvin, Dusten Mackey and Kirk Rebuck. Teachers resigning are Christina Carlisle Ault, Billy Harrell, Dana Holland and Tammy Lawson.

Employed for the remainder of the school year was Rebecca Blankinship, nurse.

The board is expected to meet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 28, to consider applicants to fill some of the vacated positions.

In another matter, Dr. Jim Largent, superintendent, reported that trees will have to be removed at the new gym site.

Charlie McCreight, maintenance director, presented his department's report at the meeting.

There are eight employees in the department and they have handled 427 work orders this year.

The district purchased a new riding lawn mower and a pickup truck during the last year. He expressed his and his staff's appreciation for these items.

New metal fences have been added around the softball and baseball fields. A concrete floor was added inside the batting cages.

Restrooms have been enlarged on the home side of the football field. New tables have been added at the science lab and awning at the elementary.

All athletic fields are mowed three times per week.

Three or four students are employed each summer to help with work of the department.

Board members attending the meeting were David Fulton, president; Dr. Anthony Holcomb, vice-president; Frances Long, secretary; and Roy Cavazoz, Rodney Hugghins, Britt Patterson and Mike Ross.