Alpine ISD nears the 1,000 mark

Just five more students and Alpine ISD will hit the magic number - 1,000.

That's the good news that Superintendent Mike Davis reported to school trustees at last week's board meeting, that enrollment stands at 995.

"That's a good thing," he said.

Adding to the good news is the fact that ADA (average daily attendance) is at 939, up 20 from last year, Davis said.

Trustees also heard reports ranging from construction to transportation and from food service to delinquent tax collections.

Davis said construction on campuses and at the administration building is finished except for small details, such as erecting a flagpole and some lettering at Alpine High. He said gymnasium floor repairs cost about $66,000 but the district hasn't collected from its insurance carrier yet.

Two new school buses are expected next month, Davis said, adding to the district's fleet of eight route buses and seven travel buses. "We try not to let our buses get over 200,000 to 250,000 miles," he told the board. "That way we have few breakdowns." And although he said the district doesn't have a specific vehicle replacement plan, it makes sense to retire one or two hard-driven buses every year or so.

"We try to budget each year for a bus," he said, "although we don't buy a bus each year. But we don't want to get caught in a panic with a lot of old buses."

But budget considerations, and lack of state contributions, tend to crimp the bus replacement plan, Davis noted.

"On transportation, we're spending $300,000, and we get only $50,000 or $51,000 from the state. ...There has been no [state] formula change since 1984!" he exclaimed. "I've complained about it, to no avail."

Davis added, with a hint of sarcasm, "I think there's been a little change in fuel costs since 1984."

Liz Rayburn, food service director, gave the board an update on food costs and menu choices at the district's three campuses. She added that she uses input from the AHS Student Council to determine what items to keep and what to eliminate from the menus.

Currently, Rayburn said, cafeteria customers total 200 at the high school, around 200 at the middle school and 350 at Alpine Elementary.

Trustees also heard that tax attorneys are trying to collect an estimated $250,000 in delinquent taxes, $62,000 of which is subject to lawsuits. The district's lawyers are working with the tax appraisal district and the 911 dispatchers to consolidate data and addresses of delinquent taxpayers.

The board also recognized Sara Tandy and Alpine Elementary School. Tandy was chosen as the Region 18 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Region 18 encompasses 19 counties and 33 school districts.

West Fest at the Post

There were the guys from Lampasas and a Marathonian crew full of craziness that set up the Long Branch Saloon - not just for drinks but also for cookin' and showing off. Then there were the Alpine women who set up two camps, one to focus on brisket and cabrito, the other dedicated to beans and a dessert.

WT national parks are topic at meeting

Two members of the U.S. House and the four superintendents of West Texas' national park treasures had an informal sit-down Saturday at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, a follow-up to the congressmen's tour of San Antonio's historic missions, Amistad National Recreation Area, Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.

Alpine ISD nears the 1,000 mark

Just five more students and Alpine ISD will hit the magic number - 1,000.

Rain varies from yard to yard

Avalanche staff