BY RODNEY WILLIAMS

Managing Editor

Melissa ISD held its first board meeting of 2012 on Monday. On the slate for discussion was everything from a well-received suggestion from a resident to funding updates.

First things first; senior players and coaches of the state championship-winning Cardinals football team were recognized at Monday’s session. A suggestion was made by resident Omar Landrum to make MLK Day a holiday for district teachers as well as students. Currently, students are off and teachers use the day as a work session.

Updates from staff came next. Staci Kalmbacher, the director of learning services, updated the board on end-of-course exams, while Director of Plant Management Services Kenny Deel gave the rundown on maintenance done over the Christmas break.

Finances were an important part of Monday’s meeting. Dr. Robert Rich, director of administrative services, encouraged the board to consider refunding the callable bonds approved in 2001. This is basically a refinance of the amount currently left on the bonds, a $2.48 million consideration. The board was also urged to consider commitment of $1 million of the available fund balance to future construction repairs and renovations.

In other business:

- Financial auditors reported a clear audit.

- The MISD and City of Melissa are planning a joint board/city council session on Feb. 27. - Student enrollment is up to around 1,600 students. - Discussion was had regarding a future agenda for the high school programmatic committee. This committee will deal with the possible expansion of academic and extra-curricular programs concurrent with the school’s growth. The MISD meets on the third Monday of every month.