SCHOOL NEWS
Bowie ISD reviews superior FIRST rating in hearing
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
For the 15th year in a row Bowie Independent School District has received a superior rating in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.
The board of trustees conducted the required public hearing during their Monday night meeting. Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Pastusek made the presentation noting the district received 90 out of 100 points in the review of the 2016-17 school year.
The purpose of FIRST is to ensure school districts will be held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and achieve improved performance in the management of their financial resources.
There are 15 indicators a district is scored on encompassing all aspects of financial practices from compliance with debt, cash on hand versus current investments, liabilities’ ratios, deficit budget and administrative cost ratios.
Pastusek said indicator 10 was the only one where BISD did not receive any points. It asks: “Was the debt service coverage ratio sufficient to meet the required debt service.”
He explained the district ratio was .9599 and BISD had a deficit budget in both the general fund and debt service fund which lowered the ratio.
Patusek said the board opted to not increase the debt service rate because for the past few years it has collected more than was needed.
Read the full story in the mid-week News.
SCHOOL NEWS
BISD trustees meet April 20
Bowie Independent School District Trustees will discuss personnel issues including possible action on hiring a new high school principal when it meets at 5:30 p.m. on April 20.
An executive session is scheduled for that topic and other personnel updates as the school nears its end.
Last month the high school principal and assistant superintendent resigned as did the head boy’s basketball coach. The new coach was named this week
The regular agenda opens with recognition of high school students and staff.
Superintendent Donna Hale will provide informational updates for enrollment and attendance, intruder detection and audit report, operations reports and parent and community forum meeting comments.
The Montague County Tax Appraisal District annual financial report will be reviewed. There also will be a discussion on open enrollment for pre-kindergarten for the 2026-27.
Under action items the board will determine the financial feasibility to comply with the Texas Transportation Code regarding school bus seat belt requirements. Possible action on applying for two waiver days for missed instructional days due to snow.
Monthly reports and financials wrap the agenda.
SCHOOL NEWS
Jackrabbit Preview on April 6
Mark your calendar for the mandatory Jackrabbit Preview at 5:30 p.m. on April 6 in the high school cafeteria for current eighth graders in the Bowie Independent School District.
This event is designed to help students and parents prepare for a successful transition to high school. You’ll learn about academic pathways, degree plans, course offerings, extracurricular activities and ways to stay involved through the high school journey.
Explore high school course options and academic opportunities.
Learn about graduation pathways and degree plans. Ask questions and connect with campus staff. Ensure your student is ready for scheduling.
SCHOOL NEWS
The Bowie Bands Cake Spin drew a big crowd
The Bowie schools music program hosted its annual cake spin on March 28. There was a live auction with caller Terry Gunter, along with the spin. All proceeds go back directly to the music students.A couple of guest conductors helped out Director German Torres. All bands, choir and color guard performed.

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