School Board meeting focuses on new campus

Architect Paul McCullough argues his point of view before the BISD School Board. Van’Go’photo The BISD School Board heard the most recent updates on the new construction project at Monday evening's November meeting. Consultant Jim Hanks described the building as "pretty much ready to acclimatize" and gave a slide show detailing the progress. An above-ceiling inspection is coming up and cabinetry is being installed. The gym goals are in and lights are being hung. Drainage concerns in one roadway area were addressed. The General Contractor's newest estimate for completion is now in late February, due to rain delays.

Construction change orders and omissions were the main issues that the board members struggled with at the meeting. President Jim Scott and Superintendent Jackie Thomason guided them, Hanks and ACI architect Paul McCullough through sometimes heated debates on which party will be responsible for the additional costs incurred. Ultimately, the board determined which parts of the proposed list they would approve, with Ron Goodwyn and Gene Pruitt casting negative votes.

During the opportunity for public forum Mike Pickens, representing the Buffalo Ex-Students Association, repeated last year's request to name the new campus or one of the buildings after Louise Baker. "We have not gotten an answer, and this honorable request is still there. We still want it to be considered," he concluded. Mr. Scott promised to research the date that the decision as made and get back with the Ex-Students with an answer.

During the superintendent's comments, Mr. Thomason suggested checking into an E-Rated maintenance agreement for the district's internet satellite towers.

Academic Coordinator Tracy Gleghorn reported on: Gold Performance Acknowledgements, TAKS retest results for upper classmen testing for graduation requirements; the UIL calendar update, and the District Improvement Plan. That plan focused on things to get students achievement up, help teachers perform optimally, improve parent participation, and provide programs and physical activities to improve the health and safety of students. Gleghorn also explained that the District is rewriting their technology plan as required by the State, and she announced a new district website (www.buffaloisd. NET)

BHS Principal Don Elsom offered the State of the Campus Report for the high school, pointing out that the Project Graduation rafflle dinner is coming up this Saturday Night (November 21). He described increased participation in ag science projects and explained UIL activities. He also outlined steps being taken to strengthen the high school students' math and science scores, including weekly benchmark tests, daily 20-minute tutorials where indicated, a program called Math for English Language Learners, software-driven TAKS practice programs, and other interventions for individual help. "We're monitoring, talking, tweeking and changing -- not waiting until a problem builds up," Elsom concluded.

In routine 'housekeeping' items, the Board approved the consent agenda items and changed several upcoming meeting dates to avoid holiday conflicts. Addressing other agenda items: - The District Plan Objectives for 2009-10 were approved. - The Board voted to cast their ballots for Teresa Vandiver to serve on the Board of Directors of the Freestone Central Appraisal District. - The Board approved a waiver from TEA for low attendance days. - The Board extended their electricity procurement agreement with Energy for Schools. - After discussing several proposals for a new ag trailer, the board selected a 24' aluminum trailer from Cattle Country Equipment. - Action on Local Policy Update #86 was tabled at this time.

Additional decisions and selections for the new high school were made. - Upon the recommendation of BHS Principal Don Elsom, the Board approved the proposal from Lantana for the new school's digital/VOIP phone system. - The final furniture quote for the new high school was approved. - The proposal from Cabling and Wireless Solutions of Texas was chosen to provide security cameras for the facility. - G&K Services' contract for custodial supply service was approved.