I want to start this message with how much we appreciate Preferred Beef and its positive impact on our community. Of course, we are all nervous when the largest employer in town suffers such a devastating blow as Preferred Beef is suffering this week with the fire. The implications have such a trickle-down effect when it comes to other businesses and even our school system.
I want to update our community on where our school stands. As of today, we have 168 students at each campus, or 336 total students. The families of 94 students, or 28% of our student population, are tied to families working at Preferred Beef. The immediate effects of this devastating event will be minimal for the current school year. Our revenue is based on tax collections and ADA, or Average Daily Attendance for the year starting in August, 2025. We are about to complete our fourth six-week period, or 67% of our school year. While our ADA might be reduced in the final two six-week periods, I do not anticipate a large reduction in ADA or revenue for this current school year.
Booker ISD has always been blessed with a strong Board of Trustees which has built a strong fund balance over many years in case of an emergency. The fund balance for Booker ISD is strong enough that our board does not have to make rash decisions, or what one might call a “knee jerk” reaction. We have plenty of time to plan accordingly and make decisions that will allow us to continue to deliver a strong education and many opportunities for our students.
What we need to do now is to minister to the families impacted in such a negative way. We have a moment to show the love of Christ to them and donate to the funds that can help these families better survive their immediate future over the next few weeks and months. Thank you, pastors, for making plans!
We also need to remember the ownership of Preferred Beef in our prayers as they work through this devastation. These folks have always been very generous and supportive of our students with their encouragement and donations to our events and to the Kiowa Pride Academic Scholarship Foundation. I believe I speak for the school board and our community when I say we will do our best to show the same support to help you build back this business that is so very important to our wonderful community. Thank you for all you do!
Go Kiowas!
Michael Lee
