The Hays CISD celebrated the opening of the Ernest Kimbro Multipurpose Building at Kyle Elementary School last Friday, coinciding with the bi-annual Kyle High School reunion.

The Hays CISD Board of Trustees set a tax rate for 2009-10 of $1.4613 per $100 valuation, the same rate as last year. Additionally, the school district’s assessment coordinator said the district is on the road to “recognized” status by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

The Hays CISD trustees approved a pay raise for district employees, provided federal stimulus funds match up with legislative mandates.

The Hays CISD Board of Trustees set a maximum price for its new elementary school and received an update on bilingual education in the district.

Hays CISD Trustees approved the purchase of new light poles at Bob Shelton Stadium, replacing those damaged in a March 6 windstorm, in order for Hays and Lehman High Schools to keep their graduation schedules.

Hays CISD is looking for a new Hays High School principal after Shriley Reich asked to be re-assigned.

Hays CISD officials declared Oran Bales Gymnasium at Hays High School structurally sound after a light pole snapped at Bob Shelton Stadium last Friday night and punctured the gym’s roof. However, the gym remains closed and crews have taken down the remaining three light poles at the stadium.

Hays CISD officials say housing starts in the school district dropped to only 892 in 2008, a 43.3 percent fall from two years earlier. But school officials say there’s a silver lining, from their standpoint.