For at least a handful of monthly meetings, the Bullard Independent School District Board of Trustees has considered the inter-district transfer policy for students. Trustees considered the policy again at the regular monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 19, and were unable to agree on a final draft of the policy.

With the assistance of the Texas Association of School Boards, BISD Superintendent Keith Bryant submitted a draft of the transfer policy. Consideration was prioritized into a four categories, including children of BISD employees, children of business and/or property owners in Bullard and others.

“I have a problem with the pecking order,” said BISD Trustee Gary Roberts. “I have an opinion that it should be first-come, first-served.”

With limited personnel and facilities, BISD can accept only a limited number of transfer students in a given year. Board members expressed concern that anyone could purchase property in Bullard and request a transfer.

“I think it’s a complement to the district that we have people who want their kids to go to school here,” said BISD Board President John Alexander.

However, the abovementions limits require a policy that will address future transfer requests. The board requested another draft from Bryant that was more specific defining what constitutes a business or property owner who may wish to ask for a transfer.

“I really want to work with TASB on this,” Bryant said.

Alexander said the board will need to vote on a viable policy at the next regularly scheduled meeting so that the issue can be concluded.

In other business, trustees agreed to allow the Boys & Girls Club to use certain school facilities. Tyler Boys & Girls Club officials Ron Vickery, CPO of the Tyler club, and Red Brown, president of the Lindale Independent School Board and a Boys & Girls Club promotor, made the request along with Brenda Cannon and Jean Dark who have established a Bullard board to set up a Boys & Girls Club in Bullard.

“What we’re really asking from you is a donation of space,” Vickery said to the board.

Bryant said the district’s only costs will be in-kind donations, such as facilities.

“I do have experience working with Boys & Girls Clubs, and it’s been a very positive experience,” Bryant said.

Dark said applications were available at Bullard schools and that there were 354 responses and 143 applications delivered.

Vickers said the standard cost for each student will be $40 per week, and that some scholarships likely will be available. He also said the club is licensed and insured. Additionally, the club provides a homework program, athletic programs and more.

“It’s more than just a daycare,” he said.

Trustees also approved a nomination of the director for the Smith County Appraisal District.

Bryant also outlined the district goals to the board. The three primary goals include student performance, attract and retain highly qualified personnel and improve communication.

Bryant said to achieve the third goal, the district may institute future town-hall style meetings, it may include hiring an information officer and could include working with Facebook and Twitter.

Also, the district is financially on target with the budget and “doing fine, cash-flow wise,” according to Bryant. He also said the district will move about $2 million to a Texas National Bank depository to take advantage of a higher interest rate.

On the consent agenda, Trustees approved a technology plan for E-rate; a resolution for extracurricular activities with the Smith County 4-H; appointing a committee for Reading, ELA and Literature; a TASB update; a shared service arrangement for Nacogdoches Regional Day School Program; and advanced courses for University Interscholastic League purposes.