Schools

The Orangefield Independent School District (OISD) Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Ronald Risinger to fill a vacant board position following Jude Graffagnino’s resignation earlier this year. Instead of calling a special election, the board appointed Dr. Risinger, who will serve the remainder of the unexpired term until the next election in November 2024.

Dr. Risinger is no stranger to the Orangefield ISD community. He previously served two terms on the school board and recently led the facility steering committee, which assessed the district’s buildings and facilities. His experience, leadership, and dedication to the district make him a valuable addition to the board.

The board also expressed appreciation to all community members who inquired about the vacancy and engaged with board members throughout the selection process.

For more information about Orangefield ISD and upcoming school board meetings, visit www.orangefieldisd.com.

Lamar State College-Orange (LSCO) is expanding its maritime program with the addition of a 39-foot training vessel. The new vessel, T.V. Margie, will provide students with enhanced hands-on learning experiences and serve as a key resource for maritime operations training, reinforcing LSCO’s commitment to workforce development in the growing maritime industry.

Funded through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education Grant, the T.V. Margie includes a barge for on-the-water training, allowing students to develop essential skills in safe maritime operations. The vessel is named in honor of President Thomas Johnson’s mother, reflecting LSCO’s dedication to both educational excellence and community heritage.

LSCO’s maritime program offers U.S. Coast Guard and Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping-approved courses, catering to individuals entering the industry as well as those seeking recertification. As maritime job demand rises—with the Texas Workforce Commission projecting a 14% increase statewide and similar national growth, according to the Department of Labor—LSCO’s program ensures students are well-prepared for careers in the field.

The college’s maritime training facility features Transas Simulators, allowing mariners to practice vessel operations across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond. Positioned between Houston and New Orleans, LSCO provides a cost-effective alternative to other maritime training centers while maintaining high-quality education and industry-aligned certifications.

For more information about LSCO’s maritime program, visit www.lsco.edu.

Orangefield Independent School District (ISD) Board Member Marc Wernig has officially resigned following his arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) on February 14, 2025. His resignation was submitted on Monday, February 26, 2025, just hours before the school board was scheduled to censure him during its regular meeting.

Board President Laura Clark confirmed Wernig’s resignation, noting that the censure, a formal statement of disapproval, was intended as a public reprimand rather than a step toward removal from office.

Wernig, 55, has served on the Orangefield ISD Board of Trustees since 2014, representing Place 4. A 1988 graduate of Orangefield High School, he was previously arrested for DWI in 2023 and was still out on bond for that offense at the time of his latest arrest.

The Orangefield ISD Board of Trustees is set to meet in early March to determine a replacement to serve the remainder of Wernig’s term.

Texas State University System (TSUS) Chancellor Brian McCall has appointed Dr. Wendy Elmore as the next president of Lamar State College Orange (LSCO), pending approval of the Board of Regents. Dr. Elmore, currently executive vice president and provost of LSCO, would succeed President Tom Johnson, who announced he will retire at the end of the current academic year. With the board’s consent at its May 2025 meeting and after the state-required waiting period, Elmore would begin her new role as president on June 1.

Dr. Elmore has served as LSCO’s chief academic officer since April 2020, where she has played a key role in efforts to expand degree and credential offerings, enhance the quality of instructional programs, and open new academic centers in Lumberton and Livingston.

“Dr. Elmore has played an integral role in virtually every major college initiative since 2020,” said Chancellor McCall. “As we look to build upon the successes achieved during President Johnson’s tenure, we are fortunate to have a strong leader in place with an intimate understanding of LSCO and the communities it serves, ensuring the college maintains forward momentum.”

Before arriving at LSCO, Dr. Elmore served as vice president of instruction and chief academic officer, associate vice president of academic affairs, director of distance learning, and director of testing at Trinity Valley Community College. She previously worked as a counselor, district assessment coordinator, and math teacher at Elkhart Independent School District.

Elmore earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.

She has served on several boards and committees, including the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, the American Technical Educator Association Board, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on Dual Credit and Academic Institutions Formula Advisory Committee.

Dr. Elmore will succeed Dr. Tom Johnson, who has served as president of LSCO since 2018. During Johnson’s tenure the college has experienced unprecedented growth, as enrollment increased more than 50% between 2018 and 2024. Johnson’s major accomplishments include initiating a 10-year Campus Master Plan, guiding the college through a 10-year reaccreditation process, adding new facilities and enhancing existing buildings, and opening new academic centers in Lumberton and Livingston.

After over 100 years of educating students, St. Mary Catholic School in Orange has announced it will close at the end of the current academic year. The difficult decision was shared with the community on February 17, 2025, marking the end of a century-long legacy of faith-based education in Orange, Texas.

In a statement to the St. Mary community, Bishop David Toups expressed his deep sorrow over the closure while reaffirming the Diocese’s commitment to supporting students, families, and staff through the transition.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I write to share this news of our school’s closure at the end of this academic year,” said Bishop Toups. “The parents of St. Mary Catholic School have placed their trust in our school, and to you, I am most especially grateful, and with you, I grieve over this news. I remain proud of the 100-year history of St. Mary and rejoice in each student who had the privilege to study here.”

To assist families, the Diocese of Beaumont will offer a half-tuition scholarship for students who transfer to another Catholic school within the Diocese for the remainder of their elementary education. Additionally, teachers and staff will receive priority consideration for open positions in Catholic schools throughout the region.

A Legacy of Faith and Learning

Following the announcement, Principal Sister Mary Benedicta Maier released a heartfelt letter reflecting on St. Mary’s rich history and expressing gratitude for the students, families, faculty, and community members who have supported the school over the years.

“We are so grateful for the hundredfold of blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon our school community during these 100 years of education in Orange, Texas,” said Sister Mary Benedicta. “While there may be 100 strong emotions swirling in all who have known and know the school, we are peaceful in knowing that our faculty and staff have worked incredibly hard to push St. Mary School to this milestone 100th year.”

Despite the school’s closure, Sister Mary Benedicta emphasized that the St. Mary spirit will endure, as students continue their academic journeys in Catholic and public schools. The school remains committed to supporting students and families through this transition, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success.

Moving Forward

For the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year, St. Mary Catholic School will continue offering its full academic and extracurricular programs, including core subjects, faith-based learning, clubs, and field trips, allowing students to celebrate their final year to the fullest.

As the school approaches its final months, Bishop Toups encouraged the community to remember St. Mary’s legacy with gratitude:

“Shout for joy and be glad forever in what I am creating” (Is 65:18). Our Lord continues to create us ever anew.”