BISD meets to discuss several items before the school year begins

Published 3:31 pm Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Beckville ISD Board of Trustees met on July 14 and had several important discussions and made decisions related to hiring staff, finishing touches on construction projects, and how to handle HB 1481.

The board voted unanimously to hire new elementary school principal, Emily Wood, along with new teacher and volleyball coach, Casey Falgout, and teacher, Gina Register.

Superintendent Devin Tate updated the board on the final tasks of construction, like a technical issue involving a stove’s vent hood overhang. According to Tate this issue is set to be fixed before school starts to maintain compliance with safety regulations.

Another small expense that comes with the construction of their new gymnasium is the cost of outfitting the facility with sports equipment and other items necessary for students and coaches during practices and for guests during games.

With nearly a quarter of a million dollars left over from their construction budget, the Board discussed the next steps to take with those funds. Vice President Patrick Harris brought up the consideration to allocate the funds to upcoming maintenance on the Junior High interior and roof.

Tate briefed the public in attendance and the board on the quarterly investment report, noting the near end of the district’s budget cycle and the costs of Region 7 services. He explained the importance and abundance of services that the Region offices provide, along with data systems, teacher training, and support for programs like GT, among other vital tasks.

With questions from the community looming and legislative updates, the board discussed action related to HB 1481. The bill, recently approved by the Texas Legislature, boils down to a statewide ban of student cell phone use during the school day. However, the board posed questions of how to interpret the law.

“We could choose to ban cellphones altogether or even to make students turn them in. However, we go about enforcing this law, it is evident that it is our responsibility to be strict about cellphones with students,” says Tate, “While there are exemptions, our stance will shift to deliver strict consequences so that they are off and put away to avoid distraction in the classroom.”

As the board approved the Bill, they decided to vote on a policy that will be drafted prior to the next meeting.