In Memoriam: Arturo V. Camargo

Arturo V. Camargo, formerly of Skidmore, died May 26, 2007, at age 84. Mr. Camargo was a Catholic and a veteran of World War II serving the United States Army. He was a retired painter, formerly employed at NAS Chase Field.

Mr. Camargo was preceded in death by his father, Emmanuel Camargo; mother, Florentina Villarreal Camargo; wife, Isabel Lara; son, Arturo Camargo, Jr.; and brother Enrique Cantu.

Mr. Camargo is survived by 3 brothers, Adolfo Camargo and Jose Garcia, both of Beeville, and Daniel Garcia of Bloomington; 7 sisters, Herminia Lara, Dora Gonzales, Sara Gonzales, and Guadalupe Gonzales, all of Skidmore, Lucia Garza and Lorenza Salinas, both of Beeville, and Baudelia Hanson of Corpus Christi; a daughter Angie Constante of Brookport, Illinois; step daughters Eliza Markham of Arkansas, and Elia Pruitt of Brookport, Illinois; and numerous grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, June 1, at 2:00 p.m. at Skidmore's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Guinea Gliding?

Papalote "guinea gliding" was mentioned in a recent Victoria Advocate story by Henry Wolff Jr.: Gliding guineas made for a strange event.

Support S-T Athletics by Joining the Booster Club

Congratulations to our graduating seniors, you have represented Skidmore-Tynan High School very well this year. As graduation begins to take its turn for our seniors, it marks the beginning of a new group of students for our High School. It also represents the beginning of a new year for the Skidmore-Tynan Athletic Booster Club. By all comments made, our annual athletic banquet was a huge success. Anthony's did a great job of serving all our students and parents in just a little over 30 minutes. Allowing someone else to serve meant that some very hard working parents also had a chance to enjoy the evening.

Many parents have great ideas and suggestions for events such as the banquet, but never make an attempt to voice their opinion. Well... your chance to speak up is coming around soon enough. The Athletic Booster Club is once again gearing up for a new and hopefully successful 2007-2008 school year. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, EVERYBODY has a chance to join the booster club and help us plan for the upcoming school year. Participation is necessary for the events sponsored by the booster club. The success of the events, in turn, provides items necessarry for our student athletes.

Meetings are the first Monday of every month in the annex between the old gym and the weight room. Meeting time is 7:00 p.m. and meetings seldom last more than one hour. Take time to show your athlete some support and come to the next meeting, Monday, June 4th. Hope to see many of you there! - Homer Solis, Booster Club President

Rix to Compete in THSRA Finals

The Victoria Advocate reports Skidmore's Wes Rix will compete in the Texas High School Rodeo Association finals: Area cowboys, cowgirls to compete in THSRA finals.

Pumas Take Down Cheetahs in 1st Annual Powderpuff Football Game

Speedy "Cheetah" Beth Gonzales returned the ball 80 yards on the first play of the game.

Skidmore-Tynan Freshman and Junior girls matched up against the Sophomore and Senior girls May 24th in the 1st Annual Bobcat Olympics Powderpuff Flag Football Game at Bobcat Stadium. The Pumas were coached by seniors Garrett Vandever, Chris Hall, Ben Mengers and Travis Berthold. The Cheetahs coaches were seniors Antoine Adkison, Jeremy Johnson, John Boscamp and Jared Kimball. The Cheetahs were the first to put points on the board but were defeated 12-6 by the Pumas in the end. Click here for Powderpuff game photos (sorry - mostly pregame since the photographer had a previous engagement). Special thanks to Stephanie Gain who organized the event and the S-T coaching staff who served as game officials.

Lions Club Donation Helps Fund "Grad Spree" Program

The Skidmore-Tynan Lions Club recently donated $100 to "Grad Spree." Grad Spree is a chemical free graduation party aimed at keeping seniors safe on graduation night. Graduation and prom night are statistically the most dangerous nights for students. Grad Spree organizers believe (and past participants agree) that seniors can have fun without alcohol and/or drugs.

Students have time to go home after graduation, change clothes and return to school where they board the bus for a trip to Corpus Christi's Fun Trackers and the YWCA for swimming and basketball. Parents are enlisted to serve as chaperones. Upon their return home, seniors receive gifts that have been donated as door prizes.

"I started helping with the first ones in Beeville when I worked there and wanted to start that tradition here," said Grad Spree sponsor Barbara Seger. "With the help of administration, staff and parents we had our first "Grad Spree in 93." The event was hailed as a success and has continued since.

Grad Spree funding comes solely from donations from the community. Donations are very much welcome as the senior class has grown from 30 to 60 since the program began. The Skidmore-Tynan Lion's Club has been a faithful donor for many years. Their continued support is much appreciated by Grad Spree organizers.

AT&T Offers Satellite Broadband Internet Service

Expansion of Satellite Broadband Service Provides Key Alternative to Dial-Up Service for Millions of Consumers

AT&T Inc. announces the expansion of AT&T Yahoo! ® Broadband via Satellite (provided by WildBlue) to homes and businesses across the company’s 22-state landline footprint, including Texas, with a focus on areas that otherwise have little or no access to a broadband connection.

“All consumers in Texas deserve the advantages of broadband Internet access — and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to completely fulfilling this goal,” said James Epperson, president of AT&T Texas. “Access to a fast Internet connection opens up a whole new world to consumers — for both personal and business use. We maintain our commitment to making this happen for consumers right here in south Texas.”

AT&T Yahoo! Broadband via Satellite (provided by WildBlue) customers can select from three service packages, starting as low as $54.95 a month, and broadband speed options of up to 1.5 Mbps downstream and up to 256 Kbps upstream.

“In remote communities across Texas, we have found that consumers are anxious to sign up for broadband and to migrate from their current dial-up connection. We have seen a demand for a satellite-based broadband Internet service in the past, and our ongoing priority is to deliver on this demand and to provide access to high speed Internet as widely as possible — especially in areas where DSL or cable-modem service may not be available,” said Ed Cholerton, vice president and general manager for AT&T in south Texas.

Rural, satellite-based broadband subscribers will receive direct access to the AT&T Yahoo! portal and the leading service features available with AT&T’s broadband service. Customers will benefit from a unique online experience, including differentiated entertainment-related video content; virtually unlimited e-mail storage; an award-winning parental controls offering; industry-leading safety and security features built into an online protection suite; multiple e-mail addresses; and a core offering of customer-driven features, such as online marketing tools, to further customize the online experience.

“This is a big step forward for rural Texas,” said Rep. Robby Cook, chairman of the Rural Caucus of the Texas Legislature. “We’ve worked hard to bring high-speed Internet to the smallest towns and the most rural communities, because we know how important this technology is in our schools, our homes and our businesses.”

Customers can receive additional service information and can confirm availability in their area by calling (800) ATT-2020.

Find More Information Online:
AT&T Web Site: www.att.com
WildBlue Web Site: www.wildblue.com

S-T ISD Trustees Canvas Successful Bond Election

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Skidmore-Tynan School District Event Center Board Room.

The Board recognized Regional Track Qualifiers, Simone Adkinson, Amanda Boscamp, Matt Brown, Alex Gonzales, Clint Isaacks, Jeremy Johnson, Victoria Lopez, Cory Markham, Elizabeth Torres, Courtney Vandever, and Jairus Yzaguirre; Tennis Regional & District Qualifiers, Meghan Bloemer, Chris Patrova, Zach Petrus, and Alexis Schmidt; FFA District President, Trevor Dragon, District Talent 1st place winner Victoria O'Brien.

Answering a request for information from Trustee Ysrael Salinas, Superintendent Dr. Brett Belmarez outlined the general topics discussed in the June 2006 after-hours meeting between himself, the Board president, and two other Board members. Discussion items included the relationship between Board president and Superintendent, differences of opinion on the effectiveness of specific administrative employees, and questions regarding the motives of those who attend board meetings.

Action items appearing on the agenda included:

Consideration and Approval of an Order to Canvass Returns of the May 12, 2007, Bond Election. Election judges reported a total of 138 validated votes with 99 casting affirmative votes and 39 opposing the sale of bonds.
Consideration of Appeal for the Dismissal of an Untimely Filed Grievance by Mr. Sid Arismendez c/o Mr. & Mrs. R.S. (Agenda item 8A). With the representative for the appealing party absent, Trustees voted 3-2 to table the appeal with Keith Petrus and Ken Haggard dissenting.
Action Regarding the Student/Parent Complaint of R.S., as Discussed in Closed Session (Mr. Rick Olivares) (If the Appeal at Item 8A is Successful). This item was stricken from the agenda along with a related closed session discussion.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s). By a 5-1 vote, with Mr. Rick Olivares dissenting, Trustees approved the hiring of Junior High math teacher Norberto Ponce, Special Education Life Skills teacher Adrienne Strong, High School Intervention teacher Darrell Hesseltine, Secondary Band Director Jose Flores, High School Spanish teacher Jonna Lomenick, High School Counselor Sherri Brown, High School Science teacher Toni Alford, Junior High History/Coach Sam Rodriguez, Junior High Math & Science teacher Regan Pape, and Junior High English teacher Carissa Dial.
Consideration and Possible Approval of District Contribution for Health Insurance. Trustees approved a simplified $279 per month per employee health insurance plan.

Plan now for College

Members of the community who are planning to attend Coastal Bend in the fall should begin the admission and financial process as soon as possible. Prospective students may be required to complete the Accuplacer test which is a computerized reading, writing and math assessment. In addition to a variety of vocational programs, Coastal Bend College offers Associate in Arts and Science Degrees that include 45 semester hours of core curriculum. State law ensures that all academic courses offered by CBC are fully transferable to any public institution in Texas.

Fight "Big Oil" Price Gouging

We're all tired of paying high prices at the pump, but is anybody doing anything about it? We've learned from recent local history that boycotting individual gas stations doesn't work. Now it appears a group of Republicans senators have teamed up with their Democratic counterparts to fight back against "Big Oil's" powerful corporate lobby.

"In April, more than two-thirds of Americans reported that their gas bills were causing financial crunches, with a full third saying it was having a "serious" impact on their families. That same month, the top two US companies, Exxon-Mobil and Chevron-Texaco, announced a combined $14 billion in first quarter profits. It seems like even the oil industry has gone too far this time, and it's time to balance the scales. The Senate passed a price-gouging measure out of committee last week, and the House bill now has over 100 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle." - MoveOn.org

Click here to sign the MoveOn.org petition asking your representative to make gasoline price gouging a federal crime.

Chisholm Trail Cafe New Hours

In an update to our earlier announcement, the Old Chisholm Trail Cafe's new hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Arroyo's East Team Wins Shrine Classic Football Game

Congratulations to S-T's Coach Adam Arroyo who, with the help of the Bobcat and Taft coaching staff, led the "East" team to victory in the Saturday, May 19, Shrine Classic All Star Football Game.

The East team won 20 - 9 in the game played at Corpus Christi's Miller High School Buccaneer Stadium. "Garrett Vandever made a field goal and an extra point," said Arroyo, adding "all the S-T players did really well." A second Vandever field goal was negated by a "roughing the kicker" call that allowed the team to gain personal-foul yardage and a subsequent touchdown. S-T's John Boscamp was credited with two tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Also representing Skidmore-Tynan on the playing field were Center/Defensive End Travis Berthold, Offensive Tackle/Defensive End Ben Mengers, and Defensive Tackle David Barrientes.

O'Brien Named "All Around Ag Student" at Annual FFA Banquet

Senior Tori O'Brien receives her award from FFA President Jessica Stephenson. Click here to view more FFA Banquet photos.

Two weeks after winning the District FFA Talent Competition, Tori O'Brien was recognized as the "All Around Ag Student" at the 2006-07 Skidmore-Tynan FFA Banquet & Special Awards Ceremony. Also receiving top honors at the ceremony were "Star Chapter Farmer" Jessica Stephenson, and "Star Greenhand" Trevor Dragon. Hollis Stubenthal and Shauna Stephenson shared the award for "Outstanding Participation." A complete list of award recipients follows:

All Around Ag Student
Tori O'Brien
Star Chapter Farmer
Jessica Stephenson
Star Greenhand
Trevor Dragon
Outstanding Participation
Hollis Stubenthal & Shauna Stephenson

Small Animal Production and Care: Jared Wilkinson
Swine Production: Eryka Thomas
Beef Production: Garret Vandever
Sheep Production: Kaitlyn Cortez
Diversified Livestock Production: Amanda Doubrava
Agricultural Mechanics: DJ Mendez & Kevin Lussier
Agricultural Services: Devon Dittmer
Creed Speaking: Rachel Mengers

In addition to the special awards, thirty FFA members were awarded their Greenhand FFA Certificates and Pins. Twenty members were awarded their Chapter Farmer Certificates and Pins.

Thanks to FFA Sponsor and S-T ISD Agricultural Science Instructor Domingo Garcia for providing the Signal with this list of awardees and for bringing out the best in his students.

Lions Club 4th of July Raffle

The Skidmore-Tynan Lions Club is holding a 4th of July Raffle featuring a BBQ Pit loaded with lots of goodies. Tickets are $1.00 and may be purchased from your waitress or cashier at the Old Chisholm Trail Cafe. The drawing will be held July 3rd. Need not be present to win. All proceeds go to Lions Local Charities. Actual BBQ Pit pictured in photo.

In Memoriam - Manuel P. Olivares

Manuel P. Olivares, of Skidmore, died May 14, 2007, at age 66. He was the owner and operator of a local service station.

Mr. Olivares is survived by two sons, Michael Olivares of Edinburg and Orlando Olivares of Skidmore; three daughters, Brenda Cruz of Houston, Belinda Arrisola of Victoria and Raquel Garcia of Beeville; four sisters, Elia Alvarado, Marcela Flores and Yolanda Silvas, all of Beeville, and Anna Castillo of Lubbock; three brothers, Fermin Olivares of Skidmore, Margarito Olivares of Louisiana and Paul Olivares of Beeville; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Olivares was laid to rest in Skidmore's Evergreen Cemetery.

Area Students Earn CBC Degrees

The Signal congratulates the following Skidmore and Tynan students earning Spring 2007 Coastal Bend College Academic and Workforce Education degrees:

James D. Henshall,
Skidmore - Associate in Arts with High Honor, Associate in Science with High Honor (Fall 2006)
Patrick D. Campbell
Skidmore - Associate in Science
Amanda Shawn Kovar
Skidmore - Associate in Science
Darcy Marie Curnutte
Tynan - Associate in Science
Kaycee M. Flores
Tynan - Associate in Science
Tim T. Johnson
Skidmore - Associate in Applied Science in Child Development
Jennifer G. Fields
Skidmore - Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Lisa Kristen Lautenschlaeger
Skidmore - Associate in Applied Science in Drafting and Design Technology with High Honor
Valarie A. Landgrebe
Skidmore - Associate in Applied Science in General Office Management with Honor

S-T Well Represented at Annual Shrine Classic Football Game

It's time for the 12th Annual East-West Coastal Bend Shrine Classic High School All Star Football Game. The game will be played May 19th, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at Miller High School Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi.

Representing Skidmore-Tynan on the playing field will be Quarterback/Kicker Garrett Vandever, Fullback/Inside Linebacker John Boscamp, Center/Defensive End Travis Berthold, Offensive Tackle/Defensive End Ben Mengers, and Defensive Tackle David Barrientes.

Skidmore-Tynan Athletics Director Adam Arroyo earned the honor of coaching the East team along with Taft's Pete Guajardo and the rest of the S-T and Taft coaching staffs.

There will be a "Meet the Players and Coaches Fish Fry" on Friday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Al Amin Center (exit 7 off Highway 37). Tickets are $6.00 for the fish fry and $5.00 for the All Star Game.

S-T Bond Election a Success

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Skidmore-Tynan was one of many area schools holding successful bond elections. Read Robstown, London schools among those getting voters' OK by Israel Saenz.

Barnhart Scholarships Given to Coastal Bend College Grads

From left to right are, Jacob Gomez; Darcy Curnutte; Dr. John Brockman, CBC president; Patsy Freeman, director of financial aid; and Lisa Lautenschlaeger. Ada Casey is not pictured.

Four Coastal Bend College graduates were recently awarded Joe Barnhart Foundation Scholarship Awards. Each scholarship will apply to university programs.

Darcy Curnutte of Tynan received a $7000 scholarship. She earned an associate of sciences degree at CBC and will transfer to Texas A&M – Corpus Christi in the fall to study biomedical science.

Jacob Gomez, a drafting and design program graduate, received a $7000 scholarship. He is a Beeville native. Gomez will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio this fall to study architecture.

Lisa Lautenschlaeger of Skidmore received a $1000 scholarship. She is also a graduate of CBC’s drafting and design program. Lautenschlaeger will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to study architecture.

Ada Casey of Beeville received a $1000 Barnhart scholarship. She will transfer to Texas A&M – Corpus Christi this fall.

CBC graduates who received $7000 awards will get allotments of $3500 for two years while enrolled in a four-year university.

Kids Camp Begins in June

Remember setting up a lemonade stand on the corner? The theme of this year’s Kids College is Kids & Co. The focus is on free enterprise and entrepreneurship or owning your own business. Kids always like to make their own money and this curriculum called “Youth Entrepreneurship – YE$” will focus on business ideas, investigating local businesses, making a business plan, marketing, and cash flow.

Coastal Bend College Kids College 2007 is Monday – Thursday, June 4-28 in Beeville. Camp is from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with additional classes from 1-5:15 p.m. Students can take art, guitar, karate, dance or sports. Kids, ages 6 to 12, build their own business as they enjoy four weeks of crafts, music, computers, and fun together with one another and our outstanding instructors. Kids will come up with an idea for their business and learn how to implement it at their level.

All segments of Kids College will be lead by qualified and creative instructors and supervised by the Continuing Education Department. Parents and family members are invited to a final day presentation by the kids. For additional information, contact Continuing Education at 361-354-COED (2633) or by e-mail to: ghstraus@coastalbend.edu

S-T ISD Trustees to Canvas Bond Election, Consider Grievance Appeal

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Skidmore-Tynan School District Event Center Board Room.

Action items appearing on the agenda include:

• Consideration and Approval of an Order to Canvass Returns of the May 12, 2007, Bond Election
• Consideration of Appeal for the Dismissal of an Untimely Filed Grievance by Mr. Sid Arismendez c/o Mr. & Mrs. R.S. (Agenda item 8A)
• Action Regarding the Student/Parent Complaint of R.S., as Discussed in Closed Session (Mr. Rick Olivares) (If the Appeal at Item 8A is Successful)
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s)
• Consideration and Possible Approval of District Contribution for Health Insurance

Outstanding Athletes Recognized at Annual S-T Sports Banquet

Bobcat and Ladycat of the Year, Ben and Emily Mengers.

Skidmore-Tynan student athletes were honored at the annual Sports Banquet and Awards Ceremony, Monday, May 7th, in the S-T ISD Events Center auditorium.

Senior Ben Mengers, son of Thomas & Mary Mengers, and senior Emily Mengers; daughter of Tryne & Senecia Mengers, were named Bobcat and Ladycat of the Year respectively. Senior Scott Hale was recognized with the "Fighting Heart" award. "There were many deserving recipients for these awards among the seniors," said Athletics Director Adam Arroyo, "but when it came down to hard work, dedication, never missing a practice, and always being there for the team, the choice was clear."

Current Booster Club President Tryne Mengers welcomed parents and faculty to the banquet, featuring a hearty meal of brisket, sausage, and chicken catered by Anthony's Barbecue of Beeville. S-T ISD Senior Lee Jaurez led the assembly in a pre-meal prayer. Following the presentation of awards, Coach Arroyo offered special recognition to the outgoing senior class. Thanks also to Nancy Weaver who put together the sports highlights photo presentation.

Click here to view Sports Banquet photos via Shutterfly.com

Bobcat of the Year
Ben Mengers

Ladycat of the Year
Emily Mengers

Fighting Heart Award
Scott Hale


Most common comment from the coaches: "This year's senior athletes will be missed!"


2006-2007 Individual Sport "Player of the Year" Awards:

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Football Offensive Player of the Year
John Boscamp and Travis Berthold

Football Defensive Player of the Year
Noel Solis and Cory Markham

Volleyball Player of the Year
Emily Mengers

Boys Basketball Player of the Year
Ben Mengers

Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Emily Mengers

Baseball Player of the Year
Ben Mengers

Softball Player of the Year
Nicole Hudson

Boys Golf Player of the Year
Wes Rix

Girls Golf Player of the Year
Courtney Vandever

Powerlifting Player of the Year
Liz Torres

Boys Tennis Player of the Year
Chris Patrova and Zach Petrus

Girls Tennis Player of the Year
Alexis Schmidt and Megan Bloemer

Boys Track Player of the Year
Matt Brown and Jeremy Johnson

Girls Track Player of the Year
Simone Adkison, Amanda Boscamp, Victoria Lopez, and Courtney Vandever

Cross-Country Player of the Year
Jairus Yzaguirre

S-T Grads Receive CBC Awards

Congratulations to the Signal's own J.D. Henshall who recently received Academic Success Awards in Mathematics & Physics and Computer Science at Coastal Bend College.

Congratulations also to S-T ISD graduate Darcy Curnutte, who earned a listing in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.

Bobcat Band via YouTube

Videos posted to YouTube courtesy of Abylene Bohac. Brilliant!

Faculty and Students Run Wild at Annual Elementary Field Day

Chaos reigned at Bobcat Stadium Friday as S-T ISD elementary students descended on the playing field for a day of fun in the sun (thankfully mostly cloudy). The annual "Elementary Field Day" event featured lots of just-for-fun competitions including a softball toss, relays, and a standing long-jump competition. In between events, the kids had a great time just running around in circles and generally letting loose on a school day. Click here for Elementary Field Day photos at Shutterfly.com

Dragon Elected FFA District President - O'Brien 1st in Talent

Twenty Skidmore-Tynan FFA members attended the annual Gateway District FFA Convention Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Gregory Portland High School. District FFA officers for 2007-08 were elected at the convention. S-T ISD freshman Trevor Dragon was elected President and will preside over next years District activities including the FFA Leadership Conference and FFA Convention - both of which will be held at Skidmore-Tynan High School.

In the Talent Competition, S-T ISD senior Tori O'Brien placed 1st and will advance to Area competition at the Area X FFA Convention May 10, 2007 at Texas A&M University Kingsville. Tori's talent is singing.

"The Skidmore-Tynan FFA Chapter was represented very well at this years Gateway District FFA Convention," said Agrigulture Science teacher and FFA Sponsor Domingo Garcia.

Bobcat Band Rocks at Annual Spring Concert

Yes, the mighty Bobcat band always puts on a great show. Parents enjoyed an evening of fine music Thursday, May 3rd, courtesy of the S-T ISD 6th Grade, 7th Grade, and High School Band, led by instructor and director Florencio Lara. Click here for Spring Concert photos at Shutterfly.com


Seniors Mary Jane Vega and Maria Molina lead the band in an encore performance of "Hot Stuff."

Bobcat Regional Track Results

Results are in on the District 31-2A Regional Track Meet and while no one made it to State, Coach Anthony Ray reports "We are in a very tough region, and the guys realize how much harder they have to work next year. Seniors Jeremy Johnson, Matt Brown, and Jairus Yzaguirre will be missed terribly but we have some young guns ready to step in and fill their shoes."

Ladycat runners Courtney Vandever, Simone Adkison, Amanda Boscamp, and Victoria Lopez, ran their best time of the year in the 800 Meter Relay (1:53:44) according to Coach Ray who noted that although none of the girls advanced to State this year, "the whole group will be back next year to compete again."

Boys 400 Meter Relay
3rd in Heat, 9th Overall - Matt Brown, Clint Isaacks, Cory Markham, and Jeremy Johnson

100 Meter Run
8th Place - Matt Brown

200 Meter Run
5th Place - Jeremy Johnson

1600 Meter Run
13th Place - Jairus Yzaguirre

Also competing in the Regional Meet were Alex Gonzales and Elizabeth Torres. The Signal congratulates all S-T Athletes who represented S-T ISD in post-season competition.

Area Church Rebuilt Thanks to Generous Donors

The South Texas Catholic recognized Carol Griffith and others who were instrumental in the rebuilding of the St. Paul Catholic Church: Less than a year after fire, new church opens in St. Paul.

Vote Early in S-T ISD Bond Election

On May 12, 2007, voters will be asked to cast their ballot in a $3,900,000 Bond Election, the results of which, if positive, would lead to campus-wide improvements to the Skidmore-Tynan school system. Early voting is already underway and will continue weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the S-T ISD Central Office through Tuesday, May 8th. Voting on election day, May 12th, will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the S-T ISD elementary school.

What Factors Led to the Capital Improvement Program?
Most of the District’s current facilities were designed many years ago. The S-T ISD Board of Trustees, administration and a facilities committee determined that many improvements, replacements and repairs are needed to provide our students with proper learning facilities. The proposed improvements would resolve these items. Additionally, the District has deferred maintenance and upgrades to several district buildings over the years. Maintenance issues, the age of the structures, and an enrollment increase of more than 100 students in the last three years, have caused a tremendous strain on existing school facilities. Finally, there is a facilities gap in the area of vocational careers. The proposed new Career & Technology Center will provide the proper facilities to meet those needs.

What are the Improvements?
• A new Career & Technology Center which will house a agriculture shop and classroom, business computer lab, vocation business area and support space.
• New science classroom and lab, health classroom, and nurse’s clinic at the Middle School.
• P.E. Pavilion at the Elementary School.
• District wide covered walkways at the spine of campus and across the front of campus.
• General Improvements ranging from roofing, flooring, ceiling, lighting and rest room upgrades district wide.
• New Bus Parking.

What is the Taxpayer’s Cost of this Bond Program?
The Board of Trustees have called this bond election for $3.9 million. The tax rate requirement for the proposed bond issue is approximately 37¢/$100 valuation.

What Will it Cost Me?
Due to State mandated reductions in school operating tax rates, the District’s taxpayer will receive an overall TAX RATE REDUCTION for next year even after the issuance of the proposed bonds. The District’s Total Tax Rate is currently $1.45 per $100 valuation. With the issuance of the proposed bonds, the Total Tax Rate for next year will be approximately $1.41 per $100 valuation or lower. This means a reduction of your taxes of approximately 4 cents per $100 valuation. If your property is valued at $27,000 after exemptions, you would have a tax payment decrease of approximately $11 with the issuance of the proposed bonds.

I’m over 65. Will my taxes increase?
No. For those persons receiving the “Senior Citizen” exemption on their homestead, their tax bill cannot exceed the “frozen ceiling” if the new bonds are issued. If substantial improvements are made on the property, the property may be reappraised and a new ceiling set.

What ever happened with the successful 2004 bond proposal?
In 2004, the District had hoped to qualify for State Assistance to help pay for the 2004 bond proposition that was approved by the community. During the bond campaign, the District promised the voters the 2004 Bonds would only be sold if State Assistance was available. Unfortunately, the District has not qualified for State Assistance since 2004. Therefore, the District has resolved to meet its facilities needs by requesting the $3.9 million bond package without relying on State Assistance. If the $3.9 million Bond proposition passes, the District will consider the 2004 bond authorization null.

For More Information Contact:
Office of the Superintendent
Skidmore-Tynan Independent School District
Skidmore, Texas
(361) 287-3426

Elementary "All A" Honor Roll

Congratulations to the following students making the Skidmore-Tynan Elementary "All A" honor roll for the 5th six weeks.

Kindergarten (All E’s)

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Alyssa Arroyo
Samuel Benavidez
Brendan Boales
Clarissa Chavarria
Samantha Crawley
Madeline Dougherty
JT Edmiston
Bryan Gonzalez
Megan Haggard
Monica Landaverde
Cotton Loya
Bubba Moreno
Laikyn Lopez,
Anavey Rodriguez
Jesse Sabala
Tyler Salinas
Storm Toelken

1st Grade

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Katriena Ables
Bryce Baker
Alyssa Bennett
Antonio Chockair
Wyatt Daughtry
Michelle Flores
Taylor Gallagher
Shannon Hall
L.C. Hennig
Timothy Leafty
Joseph Medrano
Alyssa Olivarez
McKayla Rocha
Jonathan Serrano
Kristian Sims
Vanessa Vega
Chesi Vial
Logan Williams
Kennon Wishert
Melanie Wolf

2nd Grade

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Grace Calvert
Ana Casas
Rush Hoelscher
Amber Moreno
Felicia Ortiz
Randi Pace
Jette Polasek
Kylie Wallace

3rd Grade

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Sydney Baker
Sarah Colle
Josh Lopez
Melanie Martinez
Kati Stroman
Nicholas Wagner

4th Grade

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Sarah Casas
Rebekah Colle
Kyle Gabbert
Cody Leonard
Simon Perez
Alex Rocha
Marcus Sepulveda
Sal Soto
Sierra Young

5th Grade

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India Aguilar
Caleb Davis

Submitted to the Signal by Jennifer Chambers.