Buna ISD Highlights Student Success, New STEM Lab, and Major Approvals at October Board Meeting

BUNA, Texas — The Buna Independent School District celebrated a night full of accomplishments and updates during its regular board meeting held Monday, October 6, 2025.

Rusty Mott of Central Baptist Church opened the meeting with prayer, followed by pledges led by eighth-grade students Thomas Jolivette and John Kaufman.

Student and Staff Recognitions

The district honored several standout students and employees for their achievements:

• Cougar Spotlight Students:

  • 6th Grade — Tate Peters and Freya Grillo

• Cougar Spotlight Staff:

  • Elementary — Autumn Unruh

  • Junior High — Keri Lopez

  • High School — Christy Stevens

  • District — Michael Golden

• Staff Certifications:

  • Hannah Campbell and Amanda Mayes were recognized for passing their certification exams.

• Instructional Coaches:

  • Teachers from each campus shared how instructional coaches are improving student success in classrooms.

  • Elementary — Brandi Moore and Kalie Blanda

  • Junior High — Mindy Marse and Dana Burke

  • High School — Mandy Menard and Dena Kelley

• Custodial Staff:

  • The district praised custodians for keeping campuses clean, safe, and healthy learning environments.

  • Elementary — Teresa Wells, Melissa Terracina, Kinley Terracina, Kylee Brown, Lisa Whitehead

  • Junior High — Diana Sanchez, Crystal Gaught, Maria Castillo, Rosana Moreno

  • High School — Becky Gray, Caitlyn McGuire, Marcie Church, Morgan Hoke

• Principals:

  • A proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott was shared, recognizing school principals across the state for their leadership.

  • Elementary — Karen Hebert

  • Junior High — Katy Hicks

  • High School — Kelley O’Bannion

    
    

Program Updates

STEM Lab (Junior High) — Principal Katy Hicks announced that Buna Junior High will host the TEA Mobile STEM Lab beginning Wednesday. Students will use the lab during the day Thursday and Friday, with parents invited to explore it during BJH Parent Night on Thursday evening.The lab promotes hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) using the Engineering Design Model. Only a few districts in Texas were selected to host the mobile lab.

Cafeteria Program — Since implementing two free meals daily for all students, participation has surged. In September alone, Buna ISD served 36,775 meals.

P-TECH Program — Director of Programs and Counseling Traci Sherman shared that Buna ISD is planning for Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) for the 2027–2028 school year. The 2026–2027 year will serve as the planning phase.P-TECH will create partnerships with Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) and local industries, giving students a pathway to earn certifications and workforce credentials before graduation.

Board Action Highlights

The board approved several key items, including:

• Construction Project Drawings: 90% complete with a tentative budget on target. Final costs will be determined after subcontractor bids are received.

• Reckless Driving Provision: A new rule in the Student Code of Conduct adds consequences for reckless driving and parking lot violations. Parents and student drivers will be notified.

• Campus and District Improvement Plans: New goals were set across five areas — academics, safety and security, teacher recruitment and retention, facilities, and fiscal responsibility.

• SHAC Membership Update: The School Health Advisory Committee roster was approved, with the only change being the addition of Chief of Police Mike Chase.

• Resolution for Defeasance: The board approved paying off some 2021 bond debt early, a move that reduces long-term interest costs without affecting instructional funds.

• Micro-Purchase Threshold: Approved to raise the district’s micro-purchase limit to $49,999, reflecting strong internal controls and low-risk audit status.

  
  

Superintendent’s Report

The district will add an energy drink prohibition to the Buna ISD Student Handbook for the high school campus. The rule is already in place for Elementary and Junior High students.

Looking Ahead

Buna ISD continues to focus on academic excellence, student support, and safe, well-maintained campuses. Superintendent and board members expressed appreciation for staff dedication and the community’s ongoing support for Buna schools.