NFISD names Jones acting superintendent, upgrades technology at Smiley

By BOBBY HORN JR.
Last week the North Forest ISD Board of Trustees voted to name William Jones as acting superintendent of the district.
Jones, who previously served as assistant superintendent, was moved into the district’s top administrative position after the board fired Dr. James Simpson earlier this month.
Board President Barbara Gaston said that the district is not ready to begin their search for a new superintendent and that the board felt confident in Jones’ ability to lead the district until that time when they are ready to begin the search. Since the board terminated Simpson’s contract he still has the option to appeal the board’s ruling. Gaston said that once the issue of due process is resolved then the board would look at a permanent replacement.
The school district is conducting an investigation into its police department after theft allegations were leveled against then-interim Police Chief Tyrone Walker. Walker is currently on suspension from the district. While the board met behind closed doors to discuss the investigation, they took no action in open session.
In other issues before the board, trustees approved a contract with Dell Computers for $38,024.36. The district is buying 44 Dell computers for the Career & Technology Education Department at Smiley High School.
The board also looked at a contract for $24,939 with HSM Electronics for a protection security and surveillance system at Forest Brook High School. Gaston said that the board needed more information so they chose to postpone their decision on the contact until a future undetermined meeting.
The board recognized Forest Brook High students Ashley Taylor and Deshea Stevens and Smiley student Zsathala Williams. The three will compete at the State UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest on May 26 in Austin.