The Brownfield Independent School District (ISD) school board convened on Monday night, April 14, 2025, with a full house in attendance. The meeting began with an invocation, followed by the pledges and a session for public comment; however, there were no comments from the public. Next on the agenda was the approval of a new principal for Oak Grove Elementary.
Vicki Hathaway, the current principal of Oak Grove Elementary, will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. During the hiring process, there were numerous applicants, and Superintendent Chris Smith, along with Assistant Superintendent Melissa Vera, recommended that the school board hire Christi Peck. Mrs. Peck is coming from South Elementary in Levelland ISD, where she served as assistant principal. The school board voted unanimously to appoint Mrs. Peck as the new principal of Oak Grove Elementary. Mrs. Peck said, “I am truly, truly honored to be the next principal at Oak Grove Elementary… It is a privilege to join Brownfield ISD, and I’m excited to contribute to the continued growth and success of the school.”
The Board moved on to the Superintendent’s Report, first recognizing the Civil Air Patrol cadets’ promotions, and the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) Middle School Championship Meet competitors. Mr. Smith then recognized the employees-of-the-month who are Pilar Carrillo: Colonial Heights; Myranda Baca: Oak Grove; Vonya Eudy: Brownfield Middle School; and Maria Arciniega: Brownfield High School. Student-of-the-month is Shem Guerra from BHS. Also, the Board recognized the faculty and staff at Brownfield Education Center and the STAR program.
During the Superintendent’s report, Athletic Director Art Ontiveros provided an update on the athletic program. He recognized Angel Guerra as the State Champion in powerlifting and highlighted the success of the powerlifting program this season. Ontiveros also mentioned that the BHS boys varsity track team is the District 3-3A Champions and that several athletes are heading to Abilene for the Region I-3A track meet. Currently, the BHS Lady Cubs softball team has clinched a playoff spot, while the BHS Cubs baseball team is tied for first in the district standings.
Smith discussed the progress on the new administration building. He mentioned that the installation of the sheetrock will soon begin, and after that, the taping and bedding process will start. Additionally, the contractors will be outlining the new gutter and pavement areas.
The next section of the report focuses on enrollment. The BISD district has experienced a decrease of 48 students, dropping from 1,673 last year to 1,625 this year. However, BHS has seen an increase of one student, bringing its total to 452. BEC has decreased by two students, with a current enrollment of 51. The middle school has lost 29 students, now totaling 325. Oak Grove has gained one student, reaching a total of 676. Colonial Heights, which serves only Pre-K students, is down by 19, decreasing from 140 to 121 students.
The Board then received a report from CFO Ronald Kuehler regarding the district’s finances. He informed the Board that the district has spent $17,031,396.02 of its total budget of $34,484,659.00, which amounts to 50.6% of the budget. Kuehler also presented the investment report, indicating that the district currently has $18,154,700.67 in its bank accounts.
Next the Board approved and adopted the 2025-2026 school calendar. (see it down below) The next items of business no action was necessary. However a list of new hires and resignation (retiring) were given to the Board.
New Hires:
- Lindsey Whittle, 4th Gr. Teacher, OG
- Abigail Leigh, 5th Gr. Teacher, OG
- Isla Unsinn, KG Teacher, OG
- Korie Lehnen, 1st Gr. Teacher, OG
- Kira Clubb, KG Teacher, OG
- Michael Stafford, Teacher, MS
- Jordan Criswell, Teacher/Coach, HS
- Carmen Contreras, Attendance/PEIMS Asst., HS
- Addie Farris, Speech Language Pathologist Asst., OG
- Bailey Garcia, Teacher/Coach, HS
Resignations (Retiring)
- Laura Oliver, Speech Language Path. Asst., OG
- Skylar Storey, Teacher, OG
- April Pier, Teacher, OG
- Jacob Perez, Teacher, HS
- Jennifer Arguellez, Aide, CH
- Mercedes Rodriguez, Aide, CH
- Gary Acebedo, Teacher, MS
- Thomas Gonzales, Teacher, HS
- Vonya Eudy, Teacher, MS Retiring
- Jane Pierce, Teacher, MS Retiring
- Herman Shirley, Teacher, BEC Retiring
- David Chasteen, Teacher, MS Retiring
- Sheri Chasteen, Attend./PEIMS Secretary, HS Retiring
- Amelia Garcia, Aide, CH Retiring
- De’Ann Burris, Teacher, HS Retiring
- Sylvia Zamora, Teacher, MS Retiring
The meeting was adjourned and all seven board member were present.
