In a long Monday, February 10th meeting, the Wellman-Union ISD Board of Trustees named Ben Prowell as the lone finalist for the Superintendent’s position. The position came open due to the resignation of Aaron Waldrip last year to take the same position at Abernathy. David Foote has been filling the role as Interim Superintendent since Waldrip’s departure.
Prowell has been serving as Secondary Principal at W-U for the last two years, having served at Oak Grove Elementary, then Levelland ISD prior to going to Wellman-Union. Prowell stated, “I am looking forward to working with this great school district. We have lots of good things going on and we will continue to grow them. I am so proud of Wellman-Union ISD and what we have accomplished.” The district must wait 30 days after naming the lone finalist before actually naming Prowell as Superintendent officially.
In other action, the Board extended Elementary Principal Bridget Brown’s contract by one year and gave her a 3% raise. School Counselor Megan Becker’s contract was also extended, as was Athletic Director Coach Brian Sepkowitz.
Honored at the meeting were Abraham and Baltazar Gallegos who both won all expense paid trips to Washington, DC and New York City. This was a contest through the Migrant Education Program. Both boys are a part of the migrant program at W-UISD and Brown stated that they both came in speaking very little English last year and each has come so very far in their language skills and learning about the culture. Coach Sep stated, “These are great guys and they are a pleasure to be around. They work hard and always have a smile on their faces. ” Prowell stated, “These guys have come so far in such a short time. I continue to be impressed with their work ethic and their attitude.”
Principal Ben Prowell, Abraham, Baltazar and Principal Bridget Brown
Each student had to write an essay to enter into the contest. Baltazar’s question was “Why do you think it is important to learn about our country and make a trip like this?” One of the things Baltazar said in his essay was, “There are many ways to learn about life. This trip will allow me to expand my culture and learn more about this country.” Abraham’s essay question was, “How do you think this trip will impact your life? Abraham stated, in his essay, “My life will take a new turn as I travel and learn about other states and the history of this country and the culture.” The trip is scheduled for June 7 -14 and is a part of the Close Up Program in the MEP.
In other business, the Board approved a raise to the state base salary for teachers from $3,000 above to $3,500 above. They also approved the purchase of 15 75″ Smart Boards for classrooms for $54,000.
Brown told the board that Elementary Benchmarks looked good and they were anticipating a good testing season. Prowell stated that College and Career Day would be on February 21. Coach Sep also gave a report on the athletic program and stated that his track numbers were looking good and he was looking forward to a great track season.
Foote told the Board that attendance percentage was sitting at about 96% for the year. The next Board meeting will be on Monday, March 10th at 7 p.m.
