Lometa Independent School District employees can look forward to some help on their insurance premiums this year, as the board approved an extra $50 be added to their employee contribution.

Sparking the move was a recent rate hike from Scott & White Health Plan. The increase was significant enough to cancel out the yearly salary increases for many Lometa teachers.

"It's kind of bad for teachers when they come back to school and their check is less than it was the year before," said Board President Tommy Maddox.

Also, the board directed Superintendent David Rice to equip three classrooms with central heat and air-conditioning. The classrooms had been heated and cooled by inroom systems.

While the district continues with a number of campus improvements, some issues are progressing slowly. Rice reported that little progress has been made on an insurance settlement for a school building recently destroyed by fire.

"We have received no definitive answer from the insurance company," he said. "We may be looking at a new furnished portable or a cash settlement. "If we're not happy with it, we can contest it," Rice said of the anticipated settlement.

In other business, the board reviewed a proposed budget and tax rate of $1.04 per $100 valuation. A hearing for both is scheduled on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Trustees also approved Lampasas County Extension Agents Jason Byrd and Marilyn May as adjunct faculty members.

In his investment report, Business Manager David Fisher said although the district earned $100 less in interest than it did the previous month, school finances are on course. "We are about where we expected to be and earning what we expected to earn," Fisher said.

Principal Kip Bullock apprised the board of the implementation of a technology advanced learning system for several classrooms. Four classrooms have been equipped with "White Boards." Training is under way, and the boards are in full operation with the start of school this week.

In the superintendent's report, Rice informed the board that TAKS scores earned the school an "academically acceptable" rating.

"We missed being 'recognized' by a slim margin in math and science," he said.