BISD to build new stadium

The BISD school board was unanimous in their decision to proceed with negotiations for new athletic facilities. Van’Go’photo A decision on building a new track and field facility was the most significant item on the agenda when the BISD School Board met on April 19th for their regularly scheduled session. It was late in the meeting when the Board addressed the need for a track and field at the new high school campus. The district's current cinder track is in sad disrepair. Improvements and even routine maintenance have been lacking in recent years since the campus was being moved. There are no lane lines on the track, nor high jump, long jump or pole vault pits for the competitors to practice those events.

During the oil and gas well boom in this area, the school district accumulated funds which were designated for construction projects. The Board has been researching all-weather track and field facilities, and a Kansas firm, ATG Sports, has made several presentations. Superintendent Jackie Thomason suggested, "We put money back to do this and we want to get it done. If I get your approval, I will put it out to start receiving proposals." After further discussion, wherein the Board seemed to be in agreement on the need to move forward, Trustee Ron Goodwyn made a motion to authorize the superintendent to proceed with negotiations with Buy Board vendor ATG Sports and solicit the proposal for a track and field stadium. The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Personnel matters were also addressed late in the meeting. Following an executive session, the Board voted to employ Jessica Beard, Alisia Folsom, April Lathrop and Gaila Tollett to probationary contracts. They also voted to non-renew the contract of Jerry Russ. Each motion passed unanimously. It was also announced that JR3 Retire/Rehire teacher Margarita Reeder will not be returning next year and Cindy Epps will be resigning because of health reasons. Finally, all atwill employee contracts were approved as presented.

In other agenda items, Board President Jim Scott reminded the Board that early voting for the school board election begins April 26. Scott, Gene Pruitt, Jr. and Russell Jonas are up for reelection and face Scott Glick, Jerrod Jones and Jeff Jones, respectively, on the ballot. The election date is May 8th.

During the superintendent's report, Mr. Thomason shared an article on proper grievance procedures which the Board is bound to uphold.

The facilities report included a slide show presentation showing the new school's now-completed classrooms and furnishings, library and gym, coaches' offices, locker rooms and sodded grounds. Still lacking are some door hardware, clocks and other technology. Construction consultant Jim Hanks noted that the contractor wants to achieve substantial completion by the end of the month. Asked when he hopes to move in, Principal Don Elsom responded, "When I'm told I can." Pressed for a date, Hanks concluded, "(The contractor) is right at the end of any imaginable extension date he has. He needs to fire up."

The Board unanimously approved Hank's Engineering Service's bid to build a road from the new high school to Highway 164. Hanks pointed out that he received no responses from local companies interested in the "time and equipment" bid, and he solicited suggestions and contact numbers.

Academic Coordinator Tracy Gleghorn reported on the current exit level TAKS results and reminded the Board that "the big week of TAKS testing is next week." She also gave a UIL update, including the fact that the high school won the academic district championship for thethirdyearnarow. Buftreated falo Elementary was also district champion, and the junior high was second.

BJHS Principal Lacy Freeman's State of the Campus report focused on spring events including upcoming tests and 8th grade graduation on May 28th. His staff is working on plans for the transition to the divided campus (4th and 5th grades at the current junior high building and 6th through 8th moving to the current high school building.) Freeman also reported on the junior high's success at UIL events and summed up, "We've been first or second in everything we do... They know when Buffalo shows up, it's 'Game On' !"

In other business, the Board: - Set a date of Monday, May 17th to canvass the election results. - Heard from Jeannine Myers regarding plans for a $26,300 grant for equipment for the elementary cafeteria. - Approved student travel to the National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. Travel logistics have yet to be worked out. - Voted on their response to a notice of intent for a charter school in Brazos County.