A heartfelt tribute to Gina Bays, a beloved educator, highlighted the Gatesville ISD Board Meeting on June 16, 2025. After dedicating nearly three decades to teaching children how to read, Bays was honored as a "Hornet Legend," with colleagues praising her positive impact on students and her humble nature. Marsha Worthington, a fellow educator, lauded Bays for her ability to boost students' self-confidence and her caring demeanor, emphasizing that teaching reading unlocks countless opportunities for children.

In addition to the tribute, the board discussed plans to apply for several federal grants, including the ESSA consolidated grant and the Perkins 5 grant, which support various educational programs. Notably, the district is also pursuing the 2025 COPS School Violence Prevention Program grant, aimed at upgrading communication systems. This grant requires a 25% match from the district, potentially costing between $30,000 and $40,000, but could yield up to $150,000 in funding.

The meeting also addressed the concerning attendance rates among seniors, which dropped to 85% during the last reporting period. Board members discussed strategies to improve attendance, particularly as students approach graduation and become more distracted by end-of-year activities.

Lastly, the board reviewed the increase in health insurance premiums for staff, which rose by 14%, resulting in an additional $360,000 cost for the district. Despite the financial strain, the district remains committed to covering employee premiums, a significant perk that aids in recruitment and retention.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's dedication to honoring its educators, securing essential funding, and addressing challenges in student attendance and staff welfare.