AISD discusses bond projects, staff and more

ANAHUAC— The school district had a productive meeting, discussing new staff, the bond project, maintenance and more.

The AISD Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Monday, April 28.

Rebecca Green, interim principal at Anahuac High School, was hired as principal, taking effect for the 2025-26 school year.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and thankful for the board having faith in my ability,” Green said.

Before becoming interim principal in December, Green served as the director of instructional technology for the district.

Brittnie Lee was hired as a speech language pathologist assistant. Additionally, the board approved adding an additional counselor and Spanish teacher at AHS.

AISD was accepted into the Texas Strategic Leadership Initiative program, facilitated by the Region 5 Educational Service Center.

Interim Superintendent Cody Abshier, Ed.D., said he spoke with Bridge City ISD Superintendent Mike Kelly, Ed.D., about the program.

“He told me it’s the best thing that has happened to that district since he’s been there,” Abshier said.

Through the program, Abshier and Deputy Superintendent Daniel Andrews will work with other districts to share ideas and AISD will develop a five-year strategic plan.

Using research-based best practices, AISD will create programs tailored to its students to enhance their education experience.

Durotech, Inc., and Cre8 Architects, the 2022 bond project management, provided an update on the total project, informing the board that they are in the final paperwork phase for the primary school project.

Currently in phase two of the bond project, over the summer, Durotech plans to create a more accessible Anahuac Middle School campus through renovations and upgrades.

Funds left over from the primary school construction include a total of $200,922, which will be given back to the district.

During public speaking, AISD Maintenance Director Stacey Medders and groundskeeper Robert Cody, who has served the school since February of 2022, spoke about the condition of the campuses’ yards.

“I can’t say anything for it except I apologize. I'm ashamed by the way they look,” Cody said. “I’ve been working almost five months by myself, and I can only do so much.”

Medders said the team is “fully capable” of maintaining the grounds without the need to hire an outside company, but there would need to be additional staff hires to meet the needs of the district.

Medders said the board approved to hire an additional groundskeeper at the beginning of the school year but there were no hires.

“Here is the reality, employing local people builds stronger schools, stronger community,” Medders said. “We invest in our people, who take personal pride in the work of those campuses, who care about the students and our town. An outside company may complete the work, but they will never have the same level of ownership.”

When the item came up in the meeting, the board approved Chase’s Yard Care and Landscaping, LLC, to provide lawn care service for $91,018.03.

Greg Neece, athletic director and head football coach for Anahuac High School, asked the board to repair the high school’s four tennis courts.

The courts have an asphalt surface with multiple cracks. Additionally, there are “birdbaths,” areas that collect water, on the courts.

Neece said he reached out to a couple companies who have previously worked with the district and found the repairs would cost about $80 to 90,000.

Abshier asked if pickleball court lines could be incorporated to which Neece replied yes, it’s included in the price.

Because it was just a discussion item, there was no action on the courts.

All board members completed their required education training in team building, identifying and reporting abuse, school safety and more.