Monticello — The boys and girls athletics departments at Monticello Independent School will receive additional funds, following action taken by board members during their regular monthly meeting Monday evening, November 16.

The board voted to give a total of $5,000 to athletics, with $2,500 going to boys athletics and $2,500 designated for girls athletics, for this year only. This issue will be revisited each school year.

For the past couple of months the board has been discussing the possibility of allocating money for meals for middle school athletes. Last month, board members asked that a budget of the athletic funds be presented to the board.

During Monday's meeting, the board once again discussed the issue. It was noted that all athletic programs get a portion of the money that is in the athletics fund. The money is also used to cover the expense of meals for student athletes. However, since the cost of everything has increased, the board voted to give more money to the athletics department. The total of $5,000 will be divided equally between the boys and girls athletics and will be for this year only. The board did not designate how the money was to be spent.

In other action, the board:

€ heard a presentation from Barry Dalton on the audit for the 2008-09 school year. Dalton noted that the Monticello School District received an unqualified opinion, which is the highest he can issue. He also noted that receiving an unqualified opinion on the audit is what the school district strives for each year.

€ approved the senior trip for April 18-30.

€ set ticket prices for the 2009-2010 school year. Tickets for varsity games are: $5 at the door; student price is $3 if purchased at school on game day and purchased for student only. Tickets for middle school games

are: $4 at the door; student price is $2 if purchased at the school on game day and purchased for the student only. Girls season passes and boys season passes are $30 each.

€ approved two individuals as emergency substitute teachers for the remainder of this school year and heard a personnel report.

€ was informed that the LED sign on the 90 Bypass is now up. It is working and transmitting messages. It is hoped that Monticello staff members will be able to program the sign from school and slow the messages down because they are currently changing too quickly.