Votes at a glance: Kilgore ISD board actions including audit approval, technology and facilities purchases

At its meeting, the Kilgore Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a slate of routine and capital items. The board recorded unanimous votes (6–0) on a financial audit, an election order and several purchases for facilities and technology.

Key votes and outcomes

• 2023–24 district financial audit report — Approved (motion by Mr. Clark; second by Mr. Snead). The district auditor, Albert Garcia, reported roughly $59 million in net position, a general fund balance near $27 million (about eight months of operating expenses), $9.6 million in debt-service funds and about $74 million in capital-project proceeds from the bond. The auditor said the district reported a $668,000 decrease in fund balance for the year, which was smaller than projected. Vote: 6–0.

• Order school board election (May 3, 2025) for trustee places 5, 6 and 7 — Approved (motion by Mr. Snead; second by Ms. Harrington). Vote: 6–0.

• Property and casualty insurance renewal — Approved (motion by Mr. Clark; second by Mr. Vanderwater). The board discussed a noted premium increase and approved the renewal; the exact premium number was not clearly specified in the meeting record.

• Stadium video board purchase and installation — Approved (motion by Mr. Henson; second by Ms. Harrington). The board approved the purchase and installation amount presented on the record (approximately $347,900). Vote: 6–0.

• Public announcement/intercom replacement for campuses — Approved payment to vendor for full replacement of campus PA/intercom systems (motion to approve payment of $99,007.87 to Firetrol Protection Systems as presented). Vote: 6–0.

• Technology infrastructure upgrades for the new high school (fiber, power and wireless/data cabling) — Approved (motion by Mr. Snead; second by Ms. Harrington). The board approved $94,887 to the vendor RLM for fiber/power/wireless/data cabling as presented. Vote: 6–0.

• Flat-panel displays and auditorium monitors for the new high school — Approved (motion by Mr. Clark; second by Mr. Benson). The board approved the flat-panel purchase as presented; the purchase price was discussed during the meeting but the transcript record is unclear about the final consolidated figure and is recorded here as "as presented." Vote: 6–0.

• Board resolution to pay employees for a weather-related closure in January 2025 — Approved (motion by Ms. Harrington; second by Mr. Vanderwater). The board authorized the superintendent to excuse absences and pay employees as appropriate. Vote: 6–0.

• Substitute bus-driver pay increase for morning or afternoon routes — Approved $40 flat rate for substitute drivers (motion by Mr. Clark; second by Mr. Henson). The board moved the increase into the February compensation plan to address staffing shortages. Vote: 6–0.

• Consent agenda — Minutes and financial reports approved (motion by Mr. Clark; second by Ms. Harrington). Vote: 6–0.

Several of the capital and technology approvals were described as bond-funded or tied to approved capital accounts; staff noted that some procurement items are already under purchase order and manufacturing. For items where the meeting audio or transcript gave ambiguous dollar figures, the article lists the board decision and records the transcript’s phrasing rather than adding an unverified number.