Citizens’ Facilities Task Force
The Citizens’ Facilities Study Committee met in the Board
room of the Administration building with the following members present:
Visitors: Andy Chandler, Melanie Sechrist, Stephen Faulk, Larry Thornton
Bob Finney, Chairman of the Committee called the meeting to
order at
Mr. Finney gave a recap of last weeks meeting. He reminded the members that last week we
voted to recommend to the
Dillman – approx. $4,000,000
Add a new wing/cafeteria/kitchen
High School – approx. $15,000,000
Additions/Renovation
There was discussion concerning the pros and cons of building a new high school at a new site rather than renovation. How much would the cost difference be? The plans for renovation do not include a new cafeteria, auditorium or band hall. If a new building was built on another piece of property that would have to be addressed and the cost would be more that the $15,000,000. The group was also reminded that the High School and Jr. High share several of the facilities and also share several of the staff.
Jr. High – approx. $780,000
Replace portable with new classrooms/change entrance to help with traffic flow
Deshazo – approx. $1,000,000
5 new classrooms/new restroom/fix hallway ramp
Major renovation of systems – approx. $4,000,000
There was a discussion of the fact that these amounts may change as plans are finalized.
Mr. Finney stated that it will take everyone doing something in a short amount of time to make this work. He told the group that the object of the game is not trying to change the mind of the public. It is to get the voters who are for the issue to vote. Mr. Finney stated that this is how the last bond issue failed—apathy. Those who were against the bond issue got out and voted, and those who were for it didn’t vote.
Mr. Finney told the group that he had brochures from other districts to use as examples to get the information to the people. He also said that committees needed to be formed and sign up sheets were passed around for members to volunteer for these committees. Mr. Finney told the group that the Superintendent and Business Manager are prohibited by law to promote the issue but they are allowed to state factual information. Teachers, school board members, and other school employees are allowed to promote the issue as long as it is not on school time. They are not allowed to use school equipment in the promotion of the effort.
Mr. Finney said that the key to victory is to get the people who are positive to vote. He also stated that many schools have early voting at school functions such as athletic banquets, games and concerts. The group was skeptical about how the voters would receive this. It was suggested that we contact schools who have used this method before and see what their response was.
The statement was made that we need to impress on the people that this is not optional. This is a need. We need to take advantage of the fact that the state will pay for 60% of the bond and the construction projects while we have the opportunity. It was suggested again that we provide an opportunity for voters to tour the campuses, preferably while school was in session in order for them to get the full picture of the over crowding.
Mr. Finney asked for volunteers for the committees. The following people signed up:
Coordinating
Committee:
Barry Cowart
Robert Lepard
Janet Claborn
Advertising
Committee:
Sergio Leal
Cole Hawkins
David Tipps
Finance Committee:
Bruce Barrett
David Tipps
David Brunson
Phil Kent
Jason Box
Max King
Presentation
Committee:
Janice Pacheco
Barry Cowart
Robert Lepard
Janet Claborn
Shawn Rejino
Kenneth Henry
Daneil Guzman
Cole Hawkins
Michael Del Toro
Telephone Committee:
Danna Perez
Jim Ella Clemmons
Cindy Barrett
Adena Johnson
Dieter Issacson
Voter Registration
Committee:
Danna Perez
Jim Ella Clemmons
Adena Johnson
Mr. Finney stated that Phil Kent would serve as treasurer for the committee.
Mr. Finney adjourned the meeting at