KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 27, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
Last night, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved a one-time lump payment to Katy staff members and appointed two people to leadership positions in the District.
Last Meeting Before Election Day
The current Katy ISD Board of Trustees met last night for the last time before the May 1 general election. Two seats are up for grabs and residents will vote on a Bond package that includes new schools, improvements, and more, to the rapidly growing area.
Katy ISD Staff Rewarded with One-Time Lump Payment
The Board of Trustees discussed and approved a one-time lump payment for all Katy ISD staff at last night’s meeting. The payment will serve as a ‘thank you’ as the Board and District recognizes the challenging year this has been.
“From our operations staff, to food services employees, to our teachers, principals and support staff, the Board and I want to personally thank employees for everything they have done this year to help our students continue learning and stay motivated, amidst the circumstances and challenges presented,” says Ashley Vann, Katy ISD Board President.
Full-time staff will get a one-time payment of $500, while part-time staff will get $250. To be eligible, employees had to start their employment with Katy ISD by January 4, 2021. Substitutes who have worked at least 70 days during this pandemic year will also receive the payment for part-time employees.
“A global pandemic, coupled with the recent winter freeze, has made this an extremely challenging school year for Katy ISD families and our staff members,” says Vann. “I am in awe of everyone who has gone above and beyond during these trying times.”
Excellence in Financial Management
The Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) recognized Katy ISD’s financial efforts with the Award of Excellence in Financial Management at its recent annual conference. Only 10 school districts across Texas received the award.
The District earned the distinction because of its ability to adapt throughout the pandemic in unparalleled learning experienced that had to expand far beyond the classroom.
“This is a rigorous process, but it illustrates the quality of work done every day by some talented employees throughout the Financial Services Department,” says Chief Financial Officer Christopher Smith. “More than 85,000 students, their parents and the thousands of staff members across the District are counting on our department to ensure that the resources they need are going to be available.”
“In Texas, there are high expectations for public education to properly manage finances and report them clearly,” says Tracy Ginsburg, TASBO Executive Director. “This new awards program reflects efforts to adopt best practices and go above and beyond minimum standards,” added Ginsburg.
New Leaders with Familiar Faces
At last night’s Board of Trustees meeting, two new leaders were appointed - Nathan Fuchs as Executive Director of the Maintenance & Operations Department and Richard Merriman as the new principal for Raines Academy.
Fuchs is no stranger to the District. In 2003, he began his Katy career as Assistant Project Manager. The next year, he was promoted to Construction Project Manager and remained in that position until 2016. At that time, he was selected to be the Director of Maintenance and Special Projects.
Prior to coming to Katy ISD, Fuchs was a Specialist in the United States Army and later employed by the Drymalla Construction Company. Fuchs is a graduate with a Bachelor’s in Industrial Supervision from the University of Houston
Another familiar face at Katy ISD, as well as at Raines Academy, is that of Richard Merriman. Merriman has worked at Katy ISD since 2007 when he began his educational career as a teacher and coach at both Mayde Creek Junior High and Cardiff Junior High from 2007 to 2012.
Later in 2012, he was named Assistant Principal at Raines High School, and he remained there for three years. In 2015, he moved to Katy High School (KHS) where he served as the ninth-grade Assistant Principal for one year. The following year he was named Associate Principal at KHS, and he has held that title since 2016.
Mr. Merriman holds two bachelor's degrees from Saginaw State University in History and Public Administration and a master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University.
Last Day of Early Voting
Today is the last day of Early Voting.
Polls are open today from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. at the Merrell Center, Taylor High School, Cinco Ranch High School, Morton Ranch High School, and Seven Lakes High School.
Election Day is May 1. Five candidates are running for Position 6 and two are running for Position 7. Learn more about the candidates here. Learn more about the Bond, which will not increase the tax rate, here.