Finding enough qualified therapists has always been a struggle for school district officials throughout Texas.

“The coursework and certification process for speech pathologists is very difficult,” BSISD Superintendent Michael Downes said. “In addition, therapists have opportunities outside of education ... that offer higher salaries.”

To combat that shortage, trustees approved a “grow your own” program in 2006. In short, the program pays a significant portion of a person's college fees if he or she in turn agrees to three years of service as a therapist for the district.

Downes said the district will pay up to $21,000 in tuition, fees and books for persons participating in the program.

On Thursday, the board will consider the first two candidates — both currently classroom instructors — for the project.

In other business, trustees will learn that recent trends in increased enrollment in the district are continuing.

Downes said that 3,799 students were enrolled in BSISD classes as of Friday, an increase of 55 from this time last year. That increase reverses almost three decades of steady declines in enrollment and is the biggest increase for the district since 1991.

Also Thursday, trustees will consider:

• Policy changes and bids for athletic equipment.

• A proposal to cede property currently held by the district to Howard County so that the county can then sell the property at auction.

• Personnel matters.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it