Superintendent leaves MISD
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Murchison Independent School District's superintendent, Scott Beene, has resigned as superintendent. Beene's last day was Monday, January 21, 2008.

Beene said he resigned from MISD to work at Big Sandy Independent School District.

"This is a process that began in late November," Beene said. "They had an immediate opening; I was hired January 10."

The MISD board of trustees also accepted the resignation of Beene's wife, Kim Beene, on Thursday, January 17. Kim Beene worked in student support services.

"I'm going to miss MISD," Beene said. "It was a wonderful school district to be a part of, and I wish them the best in the future. I think they're making strong strides in a positive direction right now."

Beene began work at Big Sandy ISD, 25 miles north of Tyler, on Tuesday, January 22.

During the Thursday board meeting, in addition to accepting Kim Beene's resignation, the board also heard the results of the school's audit.

As of August 31, 2007, the total assets for the school amounted to $3,474,554, with buildings and leased property responsible for the largest portions. Liabilities rested at $1,158,746, with $935,000 due in more than one year from the date of the audit. The net assets are at $2,315,808.

Expenditures, ranging from instruction to data processing services, are roughly $1,989,497. The largest part of the expenditures is instruction at close to $849,796.

Overall, the audit stated, the school performed well financially.

In addition to the audit, the board also covered a few other points.

As January is School Board Recognition month, the school board was treated to a display of all the students' appreciation in the form of cards and hand-drawn pictures, and even snacks.

An elementary mathematics textbook committee was chosen as well. The committee will consist of four people: Chairman Holly Montgomery, Mary Jo Magee, Linda Speer and Dennis Pierce.

Finally, the board recognized Steve Graham, maintenance supervisor and bus driver for MISD.

According to Megan Reeves, MISD business manager, Graham was recognized in response to an incident on January 10 in the afternoon.

Graham said on January 10 he had stopped the school bus to let a child off. The bus had its flashing lights on and three or four cars were stopped behind it.

"There was a red Mustang fishtailing behind us going far too fast," Graham said.

The Mustang veered off to the right and began plowing through the ditch beside the bus, Graham said. Just before the child on the bus climbed off, Graham grabbed the child by the backpack and yanked the student back into the bus.

"If she had stepped off the bus the car would've hit her," Graham said. "It was traveling too fast and I couldn't see the license plate."

Graham was commended for "outstanding observation and student safety while operating a school bus".