The Midland ISD Board of Trustees approved the hire of Sally Smith as the new principal of Scharbauer Elementary.
She holds a bachelor of arts in biology from the University of Texas and a master of education in educational administration. Currently, she serves as an assistant principal at Dr. Lee Buice Elementary in Ector County ISD and was named Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, a news release stated.
Smith has been a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and she has completed the aspiring principal academy. She has a strong background with analyzing data, coaching and supporting teachers, in-turn leading to growth in student achievement at her previous campus.
Also at Tuesday night’s meeting, the board heard recommendations from members of the Bond Planning Committee. The committee recommended that the board call for a bond election in November 2023.
They noted district growth as one of the primary drivers of the need for a bond. There are currently 10 active subdivisions under development and the projected growth is expected to reach over 32,146 students between now and 2033 (an additional 4,325 students). In addition, the bond would address upgrades to aging facilities and focus on safety and security, the release said.
They recommended two propositions for a total cost impact of $1.68 billion:
Proposition A
- New Midland High School
- New Legacy High School
- Middle School additions and renovations
- Safety, security, and accessibility improvements across the district
- Cost impact: $1.37 billion
- Tax Impact: $29 per month for the average home value of $341,000.
Proposition B
- New elementary school in the Lone Star Trails development (NW Midland)
- Renovations to aging facilities
- Cost Impact: $317.2 million
- Tax Impact: $8 per month for the average home value of $341,000.
Both Propositions combined equates to the following:
- Total Cost Impact: $1.68 billion
- Tax Impact: $37 for the average home value of $341,000.
Trustees also approved the hire of a new Chief Financial Officer, Tucker Durham.
Durham holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Angelo State University. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD. He has experience with all areas of finance and how the finance division’s work impacts the district.
Durham is an experienced chief financial officer in the Permian Basin and is familiar with the economy, how oil and gas drives values, recapture, bond processes, and paying down bonds to save taxpayers money.
The Board recognized Transportation Routing Coordinator Elisa Felix who was recently named Operations Specialist of the Year by the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation.
The Board also recognized the Talent Acquisition and Development team for their efforts in putting on a spectacular Leadership Summit July 18-20.
