The Lingleville School board was joined Thursday, Sept. 15 by a group of students who wished to honor a teacher who made an impact.
“He changed a lot of our lives in a short time,” said Joseph Briseno of agriculture teacher Scotty Ford, who recently passed away. Ford, a former teacher at Bridgeport and Decatur, was in his third year of teaching at Lingleville.
Briseno led a group of students in requesting the ag building be renamed the Scotty Ford Agriculture Department with lettering over the main entrance and garage door.
Students spoke to Ford’s character and his impact, saying they learned a lot of life lessons and how to respect others from the man.
“I think it says a lot about Mr. Ford that you’re here,” Board President Brent Hallmark said about those who chose to gather and speak at the meeting.
The board member present unanimously voted to approve the name change.
Walker Cole also spoke to the board about school security in the meeting, beginning with a statement that reports of a possible threat had resulted in the arrest of a former student following investigation by the Erath County Sheriff’s Office.
Cole reported that due to the open investigation and the involvement of a minor, there is little else that can be said about the incident other than there was never a direct threat on the campus. He also praised ECSO for their quick response.
Board Vice President Larry Griffin expressed frustration on the limitations of what can be reported due to the public’s concern and thirst for more information. “I wish we could get the word out that we’re limited on what can be reported,” said Griffin.
Cole assured that all threats are taken seriously and investigated and said that LISD was ranked second in 1A schools across the state for safety.
LISD Superintendent DeeCee McDougal also reported that the school had received an accountability rating of A+, up from the previous B ratings in 2018 and 2019, the last time they were graded.
McDougal said they were one of the few schools to get the grade locally and that she was proud of her students and staff in helping achieve the honor.
Emily Howle also presented an athletic booster club update, saying the group had 28 members this year and that plumbing was recently installed on the rent-to-own portable building temporarily serving as the concession stand. Howle praised the maintenance department and district in their assistance setting up the stand.
Howle also announced that the school was approved a $10,000 Texas Health grant for an openair structure for outdoor learning and schoolwork.
Agriculture teacher Alexis Brock also spoke to the board of needs for the department including renovation and insulation at the project barn so animals aren’t subject to extreme temperature drops in the winter.
Board member Justin Wilson had a cost estimate for installing a door, replacing tin and installing gutters so the board could have an idea of costs. The board tabled the decision to look at finances before approving the scope of the work. Board members discussed several options to provide better insulation.