Smart tabbed principal for campus at Lometa
By CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Special Correspondent

At a recent meeting, the Lometa ISD Board of Trustees named Jamie Smart as principal of the Lometa Alternative School. Smart previously served as the school's director.

After a public hearing on House Bill 621 regarding the taxing of goods in transit, the board took action on a taxing policy. Known as the "Super Freeport" bill, the measure exempts goods that reside temporarily in warehouses within a city while awaiting shipment to other locations. HB 621 allows cities to opt out and continue to tax goods in transit. Action was required prior to Dec. 31 in order for entities to continue taxing items in transit.

On a motion by Steve Stone and seconded by John Hines, the board voted unanimously to allow the district to opt out of the bill.

In his monthly investment report, Business Manager David Fisher said the school district is in sound financial condition despite recent declines in interest rates.

"The interest rates on our CDs and money markets are going down a little, but we still have good strong balances in our money market and Lone Star accounts," he said.

In other financial matters, trustees agreed to renew a loan from First State Bank Central Texas in Lometa on the school's cafetorium. A payment of $100,000 will be made on the principal and $19,000 in interest. With a remaining balance of $494,168, the district plans to pay an additional $100,000 to $150,000 on the note, contingent on a solid fund balance.

The board also OK'd an item on budget amendments for the Lampasas County Appraisal District.

In his campus report, the newly appointed principal of the district's alternative campus informed the board that 29 students are attending his school, with nine of those from the Lometa community. Smart said the campus is undergoing renovations to enlarge rooms to allow for constant supervision by certified instructors.

Principal Kip Bullock reported that the elementary and junior high UIL teams once again claimed district championships. He added that the school's basketball teams are in the midst of their seasons. Both the boys' and girls' squads recently claimed third-place trophies in the Central Texas Christian School Tournament.

Assistant Principal Rob Moore said 23 computers have been ordered for the elementary school's new computer lab.

In his report, Superintendent David Rice offered praise for December's Lometa Junior Livestock Show and its organizer, agriculture instructor Brad Barnett. "It was really organized well. Mr. Barnett really has them going out there," Rice commented.

The superintendent also informed the board that information garnered from local officials indicates that wind turbines will be constructed within the boundaries of the Lometa ISD.

The turbines could increase the district's taxable value by 35 to 40 percent, he said.

In other news, Rice announced the construction of an office in the school bus barn to house a diagnostic computer for the buses. He also informed trustees of the creation of a Superintendent's Council, comprised of students from grades six through 12. Two students were selected from each class and will meet monthly.

And under the leadership of teachers Vivian Blackburn and Heather Whitley, the National Honor Society is going through setup formalities at the high school.

The school board will meet Jan. 17.