Education Foundation director retires after 17 years; board names Amy High director and approves new principal

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees heard a retirement address from Ms. Binden, executive director of the CSISD Education Foundation, who said she is stepping down after 17 years and reflected on the foundation's growth and impact.

Ms. Binden told the board the foundationnow raises nearly $1.1 million annually (up from about $100,000 when she began), awarded $360,000 in teacher grants and $210,000 in student scholarships this year, and has invested about $7.5 million back into district programs across her tenure. She thanked volunteers, foundation board members and donors for their support and highlighted examples of program impact, including teacher grants, scholarship recipients and enrichment activities.

Following the address, the board took formal action on administrative contracts. The board unanimously approved issuance of a new administrative contract naming Amy High as director of the College Station ISD Education Foundation. The board also unanimously approved a contract to hire Dr. Joanna Slayton as principal of College View High School; Slayton thanked trustees and said she was eager to begin work.

Both personnel motions passed 7to0 with brief public acknowledgement and applause. Trustees noted the foundation's fundraising growth and asked administration to continue collaboration between the foundation and district programs.

Earlier in the meeting trustees also recognized multiple student groups and coaches for athletic and arts achievements, including Special Olympics athletes, Thespian qualifiers and state powerlifting medalists.