OISD searching for the “right man for the job”

At the regularly scheduled OISD school board meeting this month, the board members voted to push on ahead with the necessary preparations for building the new Elementary facilities. Superintendent Richard Scoggin spoke to the Board about finding the "right man for the job". He was referring to the position of construction management at risk. Scoggin assured the Board that they would want someone who knew what they were doing to oversee the construction project and that person was not him. The process of acquiring bids for that position will take place over the next few weeks.

Financial Adviser Brian Grubbs reported to the Board that OISD had received an A+ underline rating. He told them that although there is room for improvement, this is a "very solid rating" and it was "good news for lenders".

Grubbs went on to speak to the Board about the bond financing. The Board is now searching for a buyer for the bonds. He said all $4.5 million will be issued. "You will be well under budget from what you told tax payers to expect. You locked in a 0.5% rate at 17.5 cents [INS tax rate] and will be able to get the debt down to pay off in 15 1/2 years." He also said that because they had obtained the Qualified Construction School Bond they are "going to save about $1,000,000 in the long run."

Scoggin brought up another topic for discussion. The 1st and 2nd grade portable building needs to be moved as soon as possible to not only prepare for the new construction but also to be ready in time for school to start on August 23. The Board voted in agreement to have Kingham Construction oversee the move. When the project is complete, the building will be placed between the large swing set and the 3rd and 4th grade building. It will include the re-plumb, ramp, and electric. The total cost will be $10,571 with a possible $280 reduction.

Soil testing will begin soon as well. Alpha Testing will be performing the testing at a cost of $6,400.

Other items the Board voted on were necessary for the start of the school year. Ryder Oil will be retaining their contract with OISD for the oil and gas bid. US Foods will also be coming back to provide the food. As Borden is the only milk bid, they too will be back this year. Flowers Bakery will also be retaining their contract for the bread.

The Board adopted a nearly identical Student Handbook/Student Code of Conduct for the 2010-2011 school year. The only changes were in wording for clarity. Scoggin said, "There are no major changes."

Although not official, Scoggin reported that OISD had received a preliminary report on the school's results from the Taks testing. According to that report, both the Elementary and High School campuses received an academically recognized rating. The district received an academically acceptable rating.