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Address
301 W. Brazoswood Dr.
Clute, TX 77531
Mailing Address
P.O. Drawer Z
Freeport, TX
77542-1926
Phone
979-730-7000
Fax
979-266-2486 |
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Board Highlights
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Board Highlight Archives |
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March 1, 2005 |
Public Comments
Several members of the audience addressed the Board concerning their
interest in seeing the former Freeport High School (former Freeport
Intermediate School) building in Freeport restored. The Board of
Trustees had previously deeded the property to the City of Freeport
with the understanding that at least $1 million dollars would be
raised within one year for the building’s renovation. Fund-raising
efforts fell far short of the $1 million goal, prompting the
audience members to request additional time to raise the necessary
funds.
Final Design for
Lanier Middle School
Van Franks, with PBK Architects, Inc., presented Board members with
a final design for additions and renovations at Lanier Middle
School. Mr. Franks reported that the additions and renovations are
designed to accommodate a student capacity of 620 students. The
campus addition will feature a new library, a new commons/cafeteria
and stage, a new food service area, an expansion of the
administrative areas, and new student restrooms. In addition, the
existing 6th Grade Wing will be renovated to convert the existing
library into a new classroom, a science classroom, and a special
education classroom. The Brazosview Wing’s interior will be
completely “gutted” and reconstructed to accommodate fifteen new
classrooms, two resource classrooms, a science classroom, an art
classroom, a new CEI lab and computer lab, a band room, an orchestra
room, and three ensemble rooms. Additionally, Mr. Franks reported
that the Brazosview Wing’s existing brick exterior will be removed
and replaced with matching brick. The project also includes a new
bus drive, a new staff parking lot, a new student drop-off area, and
new visitor parking in front of the facility’s new entrance on
McNeil Street. Mr. Franks reported that work on the $5.3 million
project is scheduled to begin by June 2005, with substantial
completion scheduled by July 2006. Mr. Frank concluded his
presentation by thanking Lanier Middle School Principal, Mary Vann,
and her entire staff for their cooperation and invaluable input
during the design development process. Following Mr. Frank’s
presentation, Board members voted unanimously to approve the
project’s final design.
Final Design
for Brazosport Baseball Field
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the final layout and design
for a new Brazosport High School baseball field. Van Franks, with
PBK Architects, Inc., stated that the final plan is very similar to
the one presented to the Board in February; featuring bleacher
seating for up to 500 spectators, a new entrance and ticket office,
a press box/concession/restroom facility, a team locker
room/restroom/storage facility, parking and drainage improvements,
and new lighting. The new baseball field will be sited east of the
Brazosport High School campus and south of the existing softball
facility on property owned by the City of Freeport. Mr. Franks
shared drawings of the new facility with the Board and responded to
numerous questions regarding the plan. Mr. Franks concluded his
presentation by expressing his hope that construction of the new
$595,000 baseball facility can begin in May 2005, with completion
scheduled by year-end.
2005 Extended Year Program
The Board of Trustees approved extended year (summer school)
programs for summer 2005. Under the approved plan, the District will
again provide extended year opportunities at both the elementary and
secondary school levels, as well as community-sponsored programs,
such as Safety Town and the Boys and Girls Club “Connections”
program. For 2005, the extended year program has been consolidated
at six (6) campuses and the Special Progams/Even Start offices to
facilitate the many construction projects planned or underway in the
District. A schedule of the approved programs and the sponsoring
campuses has been included with this month’s Highlights.
Textbook Adoption
The Board approved the selection of new state-adopted textbooks and
selections recommended by the Official Textbook Selection Committee.
The Committee was appointed by the Board in October 2004 to do an
in-depth study of textbooks and materials on the conforming and
nonconforming lists and to recommend textbooks and materials for use
in the District.
Waiver of Tuition Fee for
Nonresident Students
Board members approved waiving tuition fees for non-resident
transfer students for the 2005-2006 school year. The action serves
to increase the District’s enrollment and weighted average daily
attendance (WADA); thereby reducing the District’s calculated wealth
per student and associated wealth equalization payments. Current law
only allows the District to include non-resident students who are
not charged tuition in its calculation of WADA and associated “Robin
Hood” payments.
TASB Policy Update 74
The Board of Trustees reviewed legal policy changes and voted to
add, modify, or delete local policies, as included in Localized
Policy Manual Update 74, and as recommended by the Texas Association
of School Boards (TASB).
Change Order for
Rasco Middle School
The Board of Trustees voted to approve a change order associated
with the recently completed Rasco Middle School additions and
renovations project. The change order was recommended by the
District’s architects, PBK Architects, Inc., in response to scope
modifications incidental to the project’s construction.
Summer Construction Projects
Van Franks, with PBK Architects, Inc., reported that construction
documents are nearly complete for the upcoming summer construction
projects included in the District’s “Primary Bond” program. Mr.
Franks stated that this summer’s projects are less extensive than
last year’s, with new flooring and finishes planned for Bess Brannen
and S. F. Austin Elementary, cafeteria upgrades at O. A. Fleming
Elementary, water line repair at S. F. Austin Elementary, and
restroom upgrades at Jane Long Elementary. Mr. Franks stated that
contracts for the projects should be awarded in May, with
construction beginning by June 1 and substantial completion
scheduled for August 1.
2005-2006 Budget Workshop
The Board of Trustees held a workshop to discuss the 2005-2006
budget. Michael Abild, Executive Director of Business and Support
Services, reviewed the many budget variables that must be considered
in developing a budget, and presented the results of a Board survey
taken to identify budget parameters for 2005-2006. Mr. Abild
reported that Board members again identified granting a pay
increase, maintaining the existing tax rate, and developing a
balanced budget as important budget parameters for 2005-2006. Mr.
Abild also reviewed “no-growth,” “good,” and “bad” budget scenarios
for the upcoming year and discussed the resulting budget shortfalls
associated with each scenario. Mr. Abild explained that minor
adjustments to property values, student enrollment counts, and
legislative activity can all have a dramatic effect on budget
projections. Superintendent Okruhlik shared the results of a budget
prioritization exercise completed by the District’s administrative
staff and an informal budget survey taken at the last District
Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC) meeting with the Board, and
stated that the District’s revenue projections for the upcoming year
will depend largely on the results of the current session of the
Texas Legislature. Mr. Okruhlik closed the workshop by inviting
Board members to contact his office with any additional input they
might have concerning the 2005-2006 budget and reminded the Board
that additional budget workshops will be held in June and July, with
final approval of the budget scheduled for August.
Other Actions
In other actions, the Board approved the official minutes of the
January 18, February 8, and February 15, 2005, Board meetings;
approved the financial statements for December 2005; and awarded bid
contracts for athletic supplies & equipment (football, volleyball,
and cross country) and property and casualty insurance.
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