Published: January 20, 2009 12:53 pm      

PISD extends Wallis contract

As a show of support for its newest leader, Palestine Independent School District trustees extended superintendent Dr. Tommy Wallis’ contract for a full three years Monday night.

The new contract — normally extended in one-year intervals as a show of support by trustees — will now expire June 30, 2014. His previous contract was to expire in June of 2011.

“We as a board are pleased with the work Dr. Wallis has done so far,” trustee Michael Bennett said after the meeting. “And we want the community to know that we believe in and support what he is doing for the district.”

Wallis, who was hired by the district in May to replace retiring superintendent Jerry Mayo, came to Palestine from Mabank ISD, where he had served as its high school principal.

“It makes me tingly,” Wallis told the board after their unanimous vote of support. “I appreciate the vote of confidence from all of you.”

“Wow. It was unexpected to have them extend my contract for three years,” he said later. “It makes me feel really good.”

Earlier in the meeting, trustees also gave the go-ahead to for the purchase of a new district phone system from Austin-based Trillion, pending approval of e-rate funds.

Under a five-year contract, the ShoreTel system — which includes the purchase of hardware, maintenance and upgrades from Trillion — would cost the district $2,256 per month (after the 80 percent savings from e-rate).

According to PISD Director of Technology David Long, telephones for the system are not covered by e-rate and must be purchased by the district up front. The estimated cost for the 513 needed phones will cost about $96,000.

“We will find out about e-rate funds in May or June,” Long told the board. “But doing this now will allow us to get the paperwork going with Trillion.”

In other business, the board:

• APPROVED cell phone reimbursement for school board president Dyna Tutt, retroactive to the time of the board’s recent superintendent’s search;

• APPROVED changing the date of February and March board meetings to the second Monday of the month due to school holidays.

• HEARD about the receipt of a $198,000 Cleaner Bus Grant received by the transportation department. The grant will be used to reduce diesel emissions in the district’s older buses.

• HEARD from Wallis about a Region VII Staff Analysis being conducted in the district.

————

Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com