The Board of Trustees met on Sept. 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. for a regular meeting in the Board Room in the cafetorium. The Richland Springs Board of Trustees considered election officials for the Tax Ratification Election scheduled for November 3, 2009. This is an important upcoming election.

The Board of Trustees adopted a $1.17 tax rate for the 2009-2010 school year. The $1.17 tax rate triggers a tax ratification election for November 3, 2009. If the $1.17 tax ratification fails and the tax rate rolls back to $1.04, the district will have a projected deficit budget of approximately $250,000 for the 2009-2010 school year.

Last year the district reduced 4 teaching positions; an extra high school math teacher, a Spanish/art teacher, a technology teacher, and a third grade teacher. The net savings by last year’s reductions was approximately $178,000.

If the tax ratification election fails, the district would then have to cut student programs and student services severely, by an additional $250,000 for the 2010-2011 school year. The State of Texas did not allocate any additional monies to schools this past legislative session. Declining enrollment and state funding frozen at 2004-2005 levels is compounding problems for rural schools that are loosing student population.

The Junior High team tied the Blanket Tigers 13-13 last week. The Junior High is open this week. The Junior Varsity was idle last week, but will play at Lometa on Thursday at 7:00. The varsity players wrapped up their third victory against Gordon in a convincing manner on Friday. The Fightin’ Coyote marching band, boasting some 36 students this year performed at the game along with the varsity cheerleaders. Congratulations to all the students on a great effort! There will be no varsity football game this week. Homecoming is scheduled for October 9th. The homecoming bonfire will be Wednesday, October 7th. Class nominees for homecoming queen are Remy Wood 9th, Ashley Ferguson 10th, Taylor Jones 11th, and Callie Teel 12th.

The Richland Springs Library’s Book Fair is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28 and ending Friday, Oct. 2. Open House is scheduled for September 29th beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers. The Junior class will host a Fajita Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29th. The meal will be $5 for fajitas and all the fixings’ and tea. There is no reason not to come to school-you won’t have to rush home and fix dinner before you come to Open House.

The Student Council and 4-H Club are organized and active. Parent and teacher nominations are being sought for students for the Gifted and Talented Program during the month of September.

October 2nd is the end of the first six-week grading period. It’s been a great start to the school year and great six-weeks with fewer discipline problems.

As you may have heard, Richland Springs has the honor of hosting the district UIL Academic Meet for elementary students next spring. Richland Springs is also the host school for One Act Play.

It’s great to see our community supporting students in their efforts to achieve. We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. It takes everyone working together to achieve success. Thanks for all you do!

Community involvement is the key to success!