By George Slaughter
The Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees Monday renamed the district’s Agricultural Sciences Project Center to honor Gary Vos, a longtime agricultural sciences teacher. The center is now called the Gary A. Vos Project Center.
Vos began his teaching career with the district in 1981. He taught at both Taylor and Mayde Creek high schools before becoming an agricultural teacher at Katy High School in 1986. During his tenure, he was cited for teaching his students the importance of accountability, determination, leadership, and responsibility.
The district today enjoys one of the top FFA (Future Farmers of America) programs in Texas, with several state wins for their leadership and career development events teams.
Vos retired from teaching in 2006. He and his family continue to support the agricultural science program and have sponsored calves in the Katy ISD Rodeo Calf Scramble.
Board Appoints Principals, Other Officials
The board appointed three principals, an executive director of fine arts, and a deputy police chief. Appointed were:
- Damon Archer as executive director of Fine Arts.
- Frederick Black as principal for Morton Ranch Junior High School.
- Kelley Kirila as principal for the Miller Career and Technology Center.
- Kevin Tabor as deputy Katy ISD police chief.
- Amanda Weaver as principal for Mayde Creek Junior High School.
All appointees will begin their roles in January.
Other Actions Taken
In other action Monday, the board:
- Appointed Dawn Champagne to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors for Region 4, Position E.
- Heard a report regarding the district’s 2020 demographics.
- Heard a report on the Community Bond Advisory Committee–Bond 2021.
- Approved the October 2020 Financial Reports.
- Approved an interlocal agreement with Waller County for the distribution of CARES Act funds.
- Approved cyber insurance coverage for the district.
- Approved stop loss insurance for the district’s Health Plan Year 2021.
- Approved the December 2020 budget amendments.
- Approved the 2022-2023 Instructional Calendar.
- Approved a staff development waiver for the 2022-2023 Instructional Calendar.
- Designated Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski as having authority to execute a natural gas supply contract.
- Approved a contract for the construction of a new facility for Raines High School.
- Approved the November board meeting minutes.
Damon Archer (Katy ISD photo) Dr. Frederick Black (Katy ISD photo) Kelley Kirila (Katy ISD photo) Kevin Tabor (Katy ISD photo) Amanda Weaver (Katy ISD photo)
