Citizens’ Facilities Task Force

February16, 2006

 

The Citizens’ Facilities Study Committee met in the Board room of the Administration building with the following members present: Brian Arnold, Earl Behrends, Nancy Benham, Jason Box, David Brunson, Barry Cowart,  David Dominguez, Bob Finney, Debbie Gallman, Daniel Guzman, Cole Hawkins, Dani Heathington, Kenneth Henry, David Jenkins,  Phil Kent, Max King, Sergio Leal,  Linda Lewis, Trae McNeill, Todd Newberry,  Ed Nickels, Danna Perez, Adrienne Precure, Shawn Rejino, Gene Sheets, April Smith, Pam Thomason, David Tipps, Don Wood ,Robin Welch, Dawn Williams, Tadd Young.

           

Superintendent Gene Sheets called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.  Mr. Sheets gave a recap of the first three meetings.  First meeting we discussed the Facilities Evaluation Study and the conditions of the facilities.  At the second meeting, the architect gave the committee the first options to address the facilities needs.  Doug Whitt, Senior Vice President of Southwest Securities, came to the third meeting to inform the committee on the different programs available and how they could be of benefit.

 

Bob Finney led the discussion for the meeting.  Mr. Finney stated that the easy part was done.  He said “This is a monumental task, money needs to come first.  That dramatically affects the building side.”

 

Mr. Finney explained about the Bond issue.  For bond 1, we make an application for the $5M.  There is a window in time that the school has to apply to get a shot at it.  We get 10% brownie points because we don’t have any outstanding bonds.  If this is voted in, the state will match almost 2 to 1.  For every dollar the school puts in they will be able to do almost three dollars worth of work.  In both issues we would recommend that the school board put together a covenant with the voters.  If voters vote it in, and the school applies for state assistance and gets turned down, the bonds will not be issued.  If the bonds pass it would be more than 18 months before any projects could be started.  There would be a lot of planning to be done in the 18 months.

 

Mr. Finney stated that there are 30 people who really understand this project.  They are in this room.  Everyone needs to get out and market the project.  The committee members need to be committed to talk to friends and neighbors.  The biggest job will be getting voters out to vote.  After some discussion, motion was made by Kenneth Henry and seconded by Bruce Barrett to make a recommendation to the school board to call a bond election for $25 million contingent on bond issue passing.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Finney then told the committee they needed to prioritize the needs.  The principals from each campus gave a brief summary of the needs of their campus. The major growth in the district is at Dillman largely due to adding full day Pre-K and Head Start programs.  More space is needed and the cafeteria/kitchen needs to be enlarged to meet the needs. 

 

DeShazo has some fire safety issues concerning wall height and the hallway ramp.  It is otherwise in good condition. 

 

Watson Jr. High is in pretty good shape. Moving the entrance to the north side of the building would be helpful with traffic, student safety, and helping to define the entrance to the building. 

 

High School has many issues including plumbing and electrical problems.  With 2 portables, some teachers have to share classrooms now.  Approximately 5 more classrooms are needed to take the place of the portables.  There is overcrowding in the cafeteria with the new policies of a closed campus and limiting students taking food out of the lunchroom.  Gym space is needed.  The gym is shared with the Jr. High School so scheduling classes takes a lot of planning.  Jr. High students come to morning practice at 6:30 in order to have a practice time.  The students say that by coming to school that early they do not have a chance to eat breakfast before school starts.  9th grade boys basketball does not work out other than during their athletic period during the school day largely due to gym space. 

 

After some discussion it was suggested that the public be given several opportunities to tour the facilities.  Mr. Sheets said that he would be willing to do that.

 

Mr. Finney stated that the committee had accomplished a great deal and that he thought they would be able to come to a conclusion on the priorities next week.

 

Mr. Finney adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.  The next meeting will be Thursday, February 23, at 6:00 p.m.