Tilley elected HISD board president

By Kristin Edwards
Staff Reporter

May 16, 2008 01:36 am

— Riley Tilley is the new president of the Huntsville Independent School District’s board of trustees.
Tilley was elected during Thursday night’s regular meeting at the Hawkins Administration Building, taking over the position immediately and continue to serve in that capacity during the 2008-09 school year.
In addition to filling the president’s office, the board also elected Karin Olson Williams as the new vice president and Jimmy Langley as secretary.
Tilley — who has been a board member for four years — took over the president’s position from David Standlee, who held the job for two consecutive years.
“I feel like I’ve been a Hornet for 40 years, and I promise we’ll work on morale and keeping teachers here,” Tilley said. “I didn’t expect to be here, but I promise, as a board, we’re going to keep doing everything we can for children.”
In addition to Tilley, Williams was nominated for the president’s position, but was instead elected as vice president.
Langley was an additional nominee for the vice president’s position, and was elected as the new secretary.
Trustees also canvassed last Saturday’s election results.
Williams was re-elected to Position 4, defeating Steve Fisher, while Pamela Baggett was elected to her first term, defeating incumbent Glenn Green and Ron Keeler.
“These election results are final, and at this time we’ll have a swearing in of our newest board members, Baggett and Williams,” Standlee said. “I would like to say to Glenn that it has been an honor serving on board with you, and you’ve done a really good job.
“We appreciate your service to the district and to the kids, we know you’ve always had kids first and we appreciate that. Personally, I just want to say thank you.”
Before leaving the board room, Green also addressed the board to express his thanks for his experience on the board.
“I would like to say that I still think this is a great school district,” he said. “I think we have great employees, great administrators and great kids that go to this district. I think the most honorable position a person can hold is membership on a school board, and I have considered it an honor to serve with you.
“I consider all of you my friends, and if you ever need to call, I’ll listen. Good luck, also, to you, Mrs. Baggett — I look forward to seeing what you do for this board.”
After electing board officers and swearing in Williams and Baggett, the board also recognized several employees, students and awards within the district.
Amy Best, an instructional assistant at Sam Houston Elementary, was named Employee of the Month for May.
“The phrase ‘Going the extra mile’ best describes Amy,” said LeeAn Muns, HISD public information officer. “She has served her school in many ways during the past years. Amy goes beyond what is expected in order to provide the best for our children, regardless of the assignment.”
Additionally, Lockie Archie, a second grade teacher at Gibbs Elementary, was recognized as the May Educator of the Month.
“Archie is an outstanding teacher who has high expectations for all of her students,” Muns said. “Her school principal, Rosa Valles, says she is a joy to work with.”
Following the employee awards, the Huntsville High School Boys’ Golf Team, who qualified for the University Interscholastic League State Golf Tournament, was recognized.
The group included Caleb LeNorman, Nathan Watson, Jake Bradley, Ryan Bennett, Brent Baker and Tim Adams.
Four HHS students who qualified at the regional level in the University Interscholastic League competitions were also recognized.
The group included Marsh Miller, who qualified in accounting, Jennifer Tidwell, who qualified in current issues and events, Ester Hudson who competed in chemistry and Abby Johnston, who competed in prose interpretation.
The regional UIL meet was held at Sam Houston State University in April.
The HHS Choir and the Huntsville Hornet Military Marching Band were also recognized for individual sweepstakes recognitions.
“We just got back from Washington, D.C. with our band, and everywhere we went, everyone told us how nice and polite our band children were,” Tilley said. “Speaking as a grandparent, parent, citizen of this town, we thank these kids because they really did an excellent job.”
Finally, the district was presented with the Energy Stewardship Award, a recognition from Energy Education, Inc.
“We appreciate all of your hard work, and we recognize that conserving energy is not a one-person job,” said Edward Froehner, an Energy Education division president.
The award was given for “successfully implementing an innovative, people-oriented energy conservation program using human resources to save natural and financial resources for the school district and the community.”
“We’re saving $614,000 on energy costs, which is outstanding,” said Becky Smith, HISD energy manager.
In other action, the board:
• approved an agreement with the Huntsville Family YMCA to provide a summer program;
• approved the 2008-09 After School and School’s Out Child Care agreement with the YMCA;
• approved the agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County for the 2008-09 school year;
• approved a bid for athletic/ physical education supplies and equipment;
• approved a bid for awards, rewards, incentives and spirit items;
• announced the next two regular meetings, to be held on June 19 and July 17.