PALESTINE —
Westwood Independent School District’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the second and final reading of the “Guardian Plan” for Policy CKC (Local) Emergency Operations Monday night during a regular school board meeting — allowing board-designated and trained employees with concealed handgun licenses to carry handguns on school property.
The school board first approached the safety plan at its Jan. 14 meeting, and approved the first reading of the plan. A public hearing was held Jan. 28 — where about 45 people representing different sides of the “Guardian Plan” were allowed to voice their concerns.
“I know there are some concerns on how we will proceed, but I can assure you it will be from a professional and cautious manner with proper training and proper safety measures that are put in place with the policy,” WISD Superintendent Dr. Ed Lyman said following Monday’s meeting at Westwood Junior High School.
“From this point on, all details regarding the who, when and where will be confidential to prevent any criminals or those with violent tendencies to take advantage of knowing our plan,” he said.
School board vice president Dr. Carolyn Booker and trustees John Tilley, Kim Crawford, Dr. Don Rice and Craig Nivens voted in favor of the “Guardian Plan” after going into closed session for 48 minutes for more discussion on the issue and other personnel matters. School board president Theresa Bambeck voted against the measure. School board secretary Joni Barone was absent.
“We will be posting warning signs next to our gun-free zone signs to notify the public that there are people authorized to carry concealed weapons on campus,” Lyman said.
Westwood ISD joins other Texas school districts in approving similar plans, including Quanah ISD, Harmony ISD, Van ISD and Harrold ISD. Also in Anderson County, Cayuga ISD is holding a public hearing at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 to consider a similar policy.
In other action Monday, the school board:
• EXTENDED the contracts for the principal, assistant principal, athletic director, finance director and curriculum contracts by one year.
• HIRED a history teacher.
• HEARD from Trinity Valley Community College representatives regarding petition and election to join the TVCC maintenance taxing district. Read more about this in Wednesday’s edition.
• REVIEWED immunization report.
• APPROVED Smith, Lambright & Associates as the financial auditor for 2013.
• HEARD detailed STAAR results and information.
• ACKNOWLEDGED receipt of updated cheerleading and drill team constitutions.
• CONSIDERED dates for board of trustees’ goal setting workshop and annual team building training.
• RESCHEDULED March school board meeting from March 11 to March 18 due to spring break.
• APPROVED consent agenda items, including: minutes of Jan. 28 public hearing and Jan. 14 school board meeting; January Tax Report; campus fund-raisers; election judge, early voting clerks and workers for school board election on May 11; agreement with City of Palestine to hold joint election on May 11.
• RECOGNIZED students and teachers of the month from all campuses.
• RECOGNIZED essay contest winners.
• RECOGNIZED employees who recently retired, including Coach Mike Holder and Glenda Howard.
Local News
WISD board approves gun policy
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County judge honored for education efforts
Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston has been honored by the Texas Judicial Academy for going the extra mile to be prepared to handle his duties as county judge.
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Salute to Armed Forces event re-invented
The Texas State Railroad’s 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event Saturday at the Palestine Depot has been re-invented this year on Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to all branches and all eras of the U.S. military service through its 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event.
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Police investigating robbery
Palestine Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a local convenience store involving multiple suspects that occurred late Tuesday evening.
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Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
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Due to a water main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, City of Elkhart PWS id 0010005, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. -
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
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Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
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Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
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Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
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“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” -
Chamber sets photo contest
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking shutterbugs to participate in its second annual photo contest — portraying structures, landmarks and memorable locations in the Palestine/Anderson County area.
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Memorial Day celebration set Saturday
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3907 will hold a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday featuring barbecue, live music, an auction and more.
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