001Hello, Melissa [music] Dd community. I am Quentyn Thomasson, one of your board of trustees. I want to welcome you to our board meeting highlights from January 12th, 2026. Before the meeting [music] started, we recognized our new elementary principles for the coming school year. Assistant [music] Principal Angie Slicker was named the inaugural principal of the new Cardinal Renaissance Academy, and assistant principal [music] Julie Armstrong will take the reigns at Willowwood Elementary. Congratulations to both of those outstanding [music] leaders. We can't wait to see how they will impact their campus and community in this new role. We began the [music] meeting with pledges led by our students from Harry McKelp Elementary, Drew and Cali Tomkins. Next, we [music] recognized individuals with cardinal accommodations. From Harry McKelp Elementary, students like Male [music] Wade and Vivian Coats were recognized
002for the positive example they set for others. While staff members Coach D and Maria Panetto were honored for their dedication to students in campus culture, sixth grade [music] center students Adeline Marcus and Elijah Trainer were honored for their leadership and integrity, while staff [music] members Marissa Pru and Coach Colobby McKay were recognized [music] for their dedication to students and the meaningful influence they have each day. The counseling [music] department recognized elementary counselors Tammy Brand, Natalie Schuker, and Deanna Hester, whose recent state crest award reflects their exceptional work in supporting student well-being [music] and growth. We also celebrated East Cardinal Middle School teacher Brandon Dunn, recipient of the Daughters [music] of the American Revolution Outstanding Teacher of American History Award for excellence [music] in instruction and a strong commitment to student learning. And January is board
003[music] recognition month and on behalf of all the trustees, I want to extend our special gratitude. It's a gift for [music] us to serve this community and watch out for the best of all of our students. Next, we heard several important reports and updates. [music] Principal Erica Parker gave a principal report sharing how the students finished the [music] semester strong, celebrating their music programs and fun learning at field trips. [music] Students and staff returned energized and ready for a successful start to the year. We also received construction updates including progress at the Melissa High School Arena and renovations at what will be the new Cardinal Renaissance Academy. The board approved [music] several action items including the list of library materials recommended by the school library advisory committee and approval for the MHS choir [music] to
004attend the American Coral Directors Association conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And that wraps up our board meeting highlights. For the full board minutes, which [music] will be approved in post at our next board meeting, head to the Melissa ISD Board of Trustees website. We [music] invite you to our February board meeting on Monday, February 9th at 6 p.m. in the Melissa [music] ISD boardroom. And as always, it's an honor to partner with you as we work together in the best interests of all of our students. Go [music] Cardinals.