Trustees hear updates on 1st day of school attendance

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite Editor

The Slaton Independent School District Board of Trustees heard an update on the first day of school attendance and swore in an At-Large Trustee Tuesday evening (Aug. 12) during its regular meeting.

Kara Newcomb was sworn in as the second At-Large Trustee. Emily Hargrave, who replaced outgoing Trustee Justin Martin, was sworn in during the June meeting.

The High School saw 359 students its first day, up from last year’s 347. It was down slightly from end of year last year, which was 368, but some students were being enrolled day one.

The Junior High saw 266 students enter the halls Tuesday, up from 249 at the end of school last year and 44 up from first day 2024.

Cathelene Thomas Elementary saw 439 students its first day, up from 422 August 2024 and up six from 433 in May.

Stephen F. Austin Primary saw 214 students start out the year, up from last year’s 213 and just under May 2025’s 221.

The total first day was 1,278, but several schools were still enrolling students over the next few days.

There have been approximately 145 transfers, up from 131 last year. Superintendent Shelli Conkin said they were looking at the numbers possibly going up, and have turned away some students if they did not meet the criteria for enrollment.

For more information, including other topics discussed by the Board, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.