Buffalo ISD plans transition to new campus

The state-of-the-art gymnasium at the new Buffalo High School features both stadium and bench seating, a four-sided suspended scoreboard, and seating for approximately 1000. The hardwood flooring will be installed next, as the new facility nears completion. Van’Go’photo The Buffalo ISD school board meeting on February 22nd focused on progress, as the Board made decisions about the administrative staff and finalized details of the new school and plans for the transitions to the new campuses. The first order of business, however, was a long look BACK.

Orange A. Cunningham, 83, a former student here in Buffalo, failed to graduate due to enlisting in the service during WWII. He has applied for and qualified to receive an honorary diploma from Buffalo High School, having served in the armed services from 1944-46 and receiving an honorable discharge. Mr. Cunningham, now of Fort Worth, had a large group of well-wishers present in the gallery as BISD Superintendent Jackie Thomason and Board President Jim Scott presented him with his diploma. The meeting was then suspended for a brief reception in Cunningham’s honor.

More good news followed as BJHS student Marisol Lopez was honored with a cash award from the Buffalo Lions Club for winning a poster contest. Pat Ellison Williams made the presentation, and BJHS art teacher Lori Dudley was present to celebrate wtih Marisol.

Community National Bank representatives Chase Glick and Nancy McSwane presented the district with a check earmarked for an electronic sign to be placed at the entrance to the new high school.

Much of the rest of the meeting centered around the new school. Construction consultant Jim Hanks presented slides showing exciting progress in the gym, kitchen and auditorium. Architect Paul McCullough was present to answer questions and reported that the education wings were basically complete and in the "punch list" process. Superintendent Thomason handed out examples of suggested graphics for the gym and proposed a special meeting to discuss other additions like new athletic facilities and roads.

Mr. Thomason also presented a plan, proposed by committee, outlining the transitions to the new facilities. The Board approved the plan to move grades 6-8 to the present high school building, and move grades 4-5 to the present junior high building. This frees up space at the crowded elementary campus. The two buildings housing grades 4-8 would be considered a single "middle school" campus, with one principal and an assistant principal. Teachers would "stay in basically their same positions".

Academic Coordinator Tracy Gleghorn reported on technology hardware purchases using T3 Grant funds and building renovations using stimulus monies.

BHS Principal Don Elsom gave a State of the Campus report for the high school.

Reports and routine housekeeping matters filled the rest of the Board's agenda.

BISD School Board Positions 1, 2 and 3 (currently held by Dr. Russell Jonas, Jim Scott and Gene Pruitt, Jr., respectively) are expiring, and the Board officially called for a Trustee election on Saturday, May 8, 2010, with voting to be held jointly with the City of Buffalo at the Buffalo Civic Center. Monday, March 8 at 5:00 is the deadline to file an application for a place on the ballot. Lisa Hoepken was selected to serve as Early Voting Clerk and Election Judge, and early voting will be available at the BISD Administration Office from Monday, April 26 to Tuesday, May 4.

The meeting ended with a lengthy executive session as the Board reviewed the contracts of the district administrators. Reconvening in open session, the Board unanimously voted to renew the contracts of Business Manager Jeannine Myers and Principals Johnny Veretto (Buffalo Elementary), and Lacy Freeman (Buffalo Junior High). The contract of Principal Don Elsom (Buffalo High School) was also renewed in a split vote with Trustees Jack Helmcamp and Willie Gilliam casting opposing votes. Each administrator received a one step salary increase.

Finally, the Board was apprised of the retirements of Susan Wilder and Sylvia Garcia.