Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Jan. 24, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www.taylorpress. net.
SCHOOL CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY
T. H. Johnson Elementary School invited former students and staff to return to its halls to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary Monday, Jan. 22.
The school was dedicated and opened in 1983, but organizers decided to host the festivities on what would have been the namesake’s 123rd birthday.
Thomas Heskill Johnson, the campus’ namesake, served at Taylor ISD for 40 years as a coach and teacher before later assuming the role as superintendent.
Johnson was described as a historian, a great mentor and someone who thought teachers were the most important part of the school district.
Besides listening to remarks by city and school leaders, attendees were acknowledged if they had a connection with the school. Guests also looked through photo albums of old pictures taken at the school.
The program concluded with a ribbon cutting organized by Rachael Westerman, membership and operations director for the Taylor Chamber of Commerce.
TRUSTEE NOT SEEKING RE- ELECTION
Anita Volek, who has held Place 2 on the school board since 2006, announced Tuesday, Jan. 23 that she will not be seeking re-election.
“It has been my pleasure and honor to serve the community in this capacity for the past 18 years,” Volek said. “I have worked with some incredible board members, district administrators and campus staff during my time on the board. We have accomplished a lot of amazing things, built some wonderful facilities and added some great programs in the district.”
Volek said she will still be connected to staff and students in her role as executive director of the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation.
TRUSTEES DECLINE CHAPLAIN COUNSELORS
Taylor Independent School District will not be participating in a state bill passed at the recent Texas Legislative session.
Senate Bill 763 allows public schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide support, services and programs to students.
The district’s school board unanimously voted a resolution that states Taylor ISD does not permit a district campus to use chaplains to perform the role of counselors during its Jan. 22 meeting. Trustees voted for the resolution after it was recommended by district staff.
B. B. Sanchez, a longtime T. H. Johnson teacher, cuts the ribbon during the school’s 40th anniversary ceremony Monday, Jan. 22 while current principal, Andy Basche, holds it. Photos by Hunter Dworaczyk
Trustee Anita Volek is recognized as part of School Board Appreciation Month during a Taylor Independent School District board meeting Monday, Jan. 22.
