Longtime board president honored for years of service
(Geronimo) – The Navarro ISD is welcoming new leadership on its board of trustees. Among the most notable changes will be the position of board president. Elected to the seat during Monday’s school board meeting was Melissa Sartain, who was re-elected to the board on Nov. 5.
Sartain tells the Seguin Daily News that she is excited to continue the district’s momentum.
“I am honored and humbled that this board has entrusted me with its leadership. The role comes with its challenges, and I know that I can count on the trustees to support what is best for Navarro’s students, teachers, and staff. I look forward to working with Mrs. (Mandy) Epley in the initiatives that we have in process to address the growth of the district as well as student academic achievement. I would like to personally thank Dr. Lacey Gosch for the nomination and her support of me in this role. I also look forward to working with our newest trustees, Joel Frederick and Becki Stephenson,” said Sartain.
The change in board president was no doubt a celebrated and pivotal moment in the district’s history as it also honored outgoing Board President Renee Rehfeld who chose not to seek reelection.
During the meeting, the district honored her “exceptional service” after serving 16 years (2008-2024)
Noting the district’s accomplishments while under her guidance were Navarro ISD officials.
They said Rehfeld’s “tenure saw enrollment increase over 50 percent, three bond passages for the construction of the current high school, intermediate school, construction of a new high school and future elementary which will add a second campus for grades 2-5 in 2027.”
They also noted that her leadership was instrumental in stabilizing the district’s finances, advocating for competitive staff salaries and improving the quality of education and opportunities for students. Rehfeld says she has enjoyed her role over the years and looks forward to continuing to support the district in any way she can.
“Navarro is very lucky. We are in a great financial position. We are one of the only districts in our area that is working with a balanced budget. So, there are so many positive things that we’ve got going on. If we weren’t in that place, I don’t know that I could have just walked away and said, ‘you know, the district is struggling but here you go,’” said Rehfeld.
Monday’s meeting also marked the swearing-in of new and returning board members. Becki Stephenson and Joel Frederick took the oath of office as newly elected trustees, while Clint Scheib, a returning member, was sworn in for another term.
The reorganization of leadership also announces Clint Scheib as Vice-President, Donna Gilliam as Secretary, and Dan Reinhard as Assistant Secretary for the 2024-2025 term.
