Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom was at Wichita Falls Independent School District’s board meeting Monday night, as he swore in the new district five representative, Tom Bursey.
Bursey was all smiles as he settled in to his new seat.
“I’m very excited about being on the board, and I’m looking forward to making some good contributions,” said Bursey.
Michael Kurht, the WFISD Superintendent, said Bursey was eager to fill the role.
“Mr. Bursey came to us seeking the position and about his interest in the district. We’re really excited about him coming on to the board,” said Superintendent Kuhrt.
Bursey’s main concern is the students. “I just want to be positive about helping the school board move forward and to help the community move forward. Basically, I just want to help the kids,” said Bursey.
His goal is to help students not just get an education, but a career. Bursey himself retired from the Air Force and the United States Postal Service, and his three kids graduated from Hirschi High School.
Superintendent Kurht said he will be a great asset to the board, and he is glad to fill the empty seat.
“It gives representation to the members of District 5. So, should they have questions or concerns in that district they now have somebody to go to, since Mr. Sralla has been out for the last couple months,” said Superintendent Kuhrt.
Superintendent Kuhrt said this will also eliminate the chance of a tie when board members vote and give Bursey a three month test drive to see if he wants to run for the position in November. Officials say candidates can file those positions July 25th.
WFISD officials will be hosting a joint election with the county and the city, providing more voting locations and possibly save the district some money.
“We have not finalized an agreement between the three of us, but there will be some sort of three-way split between us. It just depends upon polling locations and several factors,” said Superintendent Kurht.
Board members also decided to stay with four year terms for trustees, and they accepted more than 15 new hires, making the district 96-percent staffed. The meeting included the appointment of Dale Harvey as board president and Bob Payton as board vice president. District officials also approved cleaning and re-testing the hardness of the turf at Memorial Stadium. In addition, the tennis courts at Hirschi and McNiel will be resurfaced. Those projects will cost about $155,000.
– Newschannel 6
