LUMBERTON, Texas — Lumberton ISD trustees recognized a wide range of student, employee and community achievements during the district’s August regular board meeting. During the superintendent’s report, Superintendent John Mathews and trustees recognized Maintenance Director Chad Ard, who was named BELFOR Regional Facilities Professional of the Year. Band Director Jason Anderson and the Mighty Raider Band were honored after being named a state semifinalist in the 2026 Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band competition. Lumberton FFA students Saida Flanakin, Kailyn Hicks and Sophia Moreno were also recognized after earning Lone Star FFA degrees, one of the highest levels of membership awarded by the Texas FFA Association. Trustees also celebrated five Lumberton ISD employees honored in The Silsbee Bee’s Best of the Best awards. Kim Eaves was recognized as Middle School Counselor of the Year, Jason Morgan as Principal of the Year, Mandy Rowzee as Bus Driver of the Year, Rachael Scoggin as Assistant Coach of the Year and Matt Wedel as Boys Coach of the Year. The district also recognized community public safety partners for their work supporting school safety and security, including Shane Thomas and the Lumberton Fire Department, Police Chief Danny Sullins and the Lumberton Police Department, and Sheriff Mark Davis and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Superintendent Amanda Jenkins presented Lumberton ISD’s 2025-26 science results during the meeting. The presentation highlighted academic gains in fifth- and eighth-grade science as district officials reviewed student performance and instructional progress. The recognitions highlighted achievements across academics, fine arts, agriculture, athletics, facilities and public safety as Lumberton ISD begins the 2026-27 school year.