Board Highlights

Student Recognitions
Board members recognized the 2003 Brazoria County Fair Art Show winners.  Each year the District submits a designated number of entries from each campus and grade level.  From across Brazoria County, a Best of Class for each grade level and a Best of Show for Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 is selected.  Senior portfolios are also submitted for scholarship competition.  Three $600 corporate scholarships were awarded this year.  A complete listing of the award winners is included with this issue of Highlights.

Proposals for a New Lake Jackson Intermediate School
Ron Bailey, with PBK Architects, Inc., reviewed the results of a recent opening of proposals from sub-contractors to construct a new Lake Jackson Intermediate School.  Mr. Bailey reported that sub-contractor proposals had come in approximately $1.2 million under the $18,040,000 budget for the project, and recommended that the Board approve a contract for the new school, covering the base bid, and grant authority for his firm to issue a notice to proceed with construction.  Mr. Bailey stated that a recommendation concerning the alternate project (teaching forum) would be presented at a later meeting.  Earl Pitchford, with the District’s construction managers for the project, Drymalla Construction Company, LTD, discussed the proposal process and the efforts made to encourage local contractors to participate.  Board members approved Mr. Bailey’s recommendation and thanked PBK and Drymalla for their efforts in securing the attractive pricing for the project.  Mr. Bailey concluded his presentation by presenting Board members with a slightly revised elevation drawing for the new school, featuring a modification to the front entrance.

Construction Update
Van Franks, with PBK Architects, Inc., presented an update on the many construction projects underway across the District.  Mr. Franks reviewed the status of the Rasco Middle School and Roberts and Ney Elementary School additions and the new Velasco Elementary School, as well as storm sewer and track repairs at Slade Field and athletic improvements at Wilson Field.  Mr. Franks stated that several of the projects have fallen behind schedule, due to the frequent and heavy rains this summer, but that the respective contractors have expressed optimism that lost time can be made up over the next several weeks and that the projects will be completed on time.

Master Plan for Lion’s/Hopper/Slade Fields
Superintendent Okruhlik presented Board members with options available for the relocation of Lion’s Field from its current location in Freeport and considerations associated with the construction of football practice field improvements and a running track at Freeport Intermediate School and the installation of an artificial playing surface at Hopper and Slade Fields.  Mr. Okruhlik shared an additional option with Board members involving a “land swap” with the City of Freeport, allowing Lion’s Field to be relocated to land adjacent to the Brazosport High School campus.  Mr. Okruhlik stated that the next step for the District would depend on whether the City of Freeport comes forward with a proposal to allow Lion’s Field to be moved to Brazosport High School.  Further decisions involving practice field improvements and track construction at Freeport Intermediate School and the installation of artificial playing surfaces on Hopper and Slade Fields will be made following the City’s decision.  Board President, Jay Luce, stated that he was committed to moving Lion’s Field to Brazosport High School, and asked Superintendent Okruhlik to consider another site on the Brazosport High School campus as an additional option.  Board members had previously requested that a “master plan,” incorporating improvements to Lion’s Field at its present location, construction of a new all weather track and improvements to the football practice field at Freeport Intermediate School, and the installation of an artificial playing surface at Hopper and Slade Fields, be developed in cooperation with the District’s architects.

Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Brazoria County
The Board of Trustees approved authorizing the Superintendent to enter into an interlocal agreement with Brazoria County to cooperatively fund an additional Deputy Constable position for the current school year.  The District frequently calls on the Constable’s office to assist campuses with locating students who have excessive absences or who are deemed truant.  The County had requested an additional Deputy Constable position to better respond to the frequency of these requests and the time-intensive nature of the associated home visits.

Appointment of Textbook Selection Committee
Board members approved the following individuals to serve on the Official Textbook Selection Committee for 2003-2004:

Jackie Brewer and Karla Christman will also serve on the Committee as ex-officio members.

New Clute Middle/Intermediate School Design
The District’s architects presented an update on design plans currently being developed for a new Clute middle and intermediate school campus.  Scott Brady, with PBK Architects, Inc., reviewed the existing site and the proposed layout for the new school.  Mr. Brady explained that the new campus would continue to front Main Street, with a two-story, 5th/6th classroom wing on the east side of the site and a two-story, 7th/8th wing on the west side of the property facing Shanks Street.  Separate drop-offs and parking areas would be provided for each wing, with a common bus drop-off and parking area in front of the school.  The central part of the campus would also be a two-story structure containing the library, cafeteria, and administrative areas, as well as band, choir, and orchestra facilities.  The kitchen and gymnasium areas, featuring a new performance gym, would extend south from the central campus area.  Mr. Brady explained that the project would be constructed in two phases; with the west wing and central campus areas being constructed first, followed by the 5th/6th grade wing and the remainder of the commons areas.  Mr. Brady concluded by stating that the new 170,000 sq. ft. school would accommodate 1,100 students, with a construction budget of approximately $18.7 million.  Construction of the project is currently scheduled to begin in July 2004, with substantial completion of the project by April 2006.  Board members thanked PBK and Clute Intermediate School’s staff for their participation in the development of the design and voted to approve the design update.

Jane Long Elementary School Addition/Master Plan
Scott Brady, with PBK Architects, Inc., continued his presentation by reviewing current plans for a classroom addition at Jane Long Elementary School.  Superintendent Okruhlik prefaced Mr. Brady’s presentation by explaining that the replacement of the existing “B-wing” with the new addition is part of a master plan for future improvements to the Jane Long Elementary School campus.  Mr. Brady stated that the new addition would be situated to the southeast of the existing campus, with an enclosed walkway joining it to the main campus.  Additionally, a new play area is planned directly south of the campus, with new parking located on the west side of the campus near Pecan Street.  The new classroom addition will house 12 new classrooms and a music and resource room.  Board members thanked Mrs. Gaona and her staff for their involvement in the design and for the development of a master plan for the campus, and voted unanimously to approve the design update.

Technology Update
Bob Daughrity and Technology Department staff members, Nancy Hoffman, Brian Morales, and Monty Burger, presented Board members with an update on completed and ongoing technology projects in the District.  Nancy Hoffman, Network Services Manager, reported that over 1,000 teacher and administrative workstations were installed this past summer, with over 400 other computers relocated and repurposed for student use.  Mrs. Hoffman also reported that over 1,600 telephones were placed throughout the District, with user training provided, in connection with the District’s new IP telephone system.  Brian Morales, LAN Administrator, briefed the Board on the District’s recently completed network/server upgrade, and compared the new, state-of-the-art “enterprise system” with the outdated and antiquated system it replaced.  Mr. Morales stated that it was a “large, large” job to complete in approximately three months and congratulated the entire technology team for their hard work and determination.  Board members and the audience joined in congratulating the Technology Department with a “standing ovation.”  Following the presentation, Board members were invited to view the new equipment and tour the newly remodeled technology facilities.