Rucker Preston was sworn in as a newly-elected member of the Belton ISD Board of Trustees, alongside Janet Leigh who was re-elected during the May 6, 2023, election. Both will serve in at-large positions.
Preston replaces Ty Taggart on the Board. Taggart has served on the Board since 2017 and retired this spring.
“I’m going to really miss Ty Taggart,” Trustee Suzanne McDonald said. “He’s the real deal. I don’t think you will find anyone more dedicated to this community than Ty.”
“Ty’s legacy will be his passion for Belton ISD,” Superintendent Matt Smith said.
Following the administration of the oath of office, the Board took action and reorganized. The Board appointed Manuel Alcozer as president of the Board of Trustees; Chris Flor as vice president, and Erin Bass as secretary.
In other news, the Board approved the second guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) for its three upcoming construction projects. A GMP #2 in the amount of $18,648,992 was approved for the Belton High School additions and renovations project. A GMP #2 in the amount of $7,852,796 was approved for the Lake Belton Middle School additions, and a GMP #2 in the amount of $4,152,838 was approved for the Southwest Elementary additions. Construction at all three locations will begin at the end of the current school year.
Three projects were funded by the 2022 Bond to address growth and equitable facilities across the district.
The Board of Trustees also passed a resolution demonstrating support for military-connected students and families.
“We want to show our continued support for military families,” Mike Morgan, assistant superintendent of operations, said. “The number of military-connected families is growing in our community, and our goal is to be great partners with them. We are very pleased that the Board has shown their support by publicly passing this resolution.”
The resolution is a part of the district’s efforts to ensure that our military families feel valued and supported. It is also one of the requirements to apply for the Purple Star Designation.
“This resolution is an important piece of the Purple Star Designation application, which symbolizes that we are equipped to meet the needs of our military families,” Morgan said.
Updated: May 15, 2023
