The Houston school board reviewed a draft of proposed bond language at last week’s regular meeting.
The presentation came from L.J. Hart and Company, which has worked closely alongside the district with previous bond issues and other financial obligations. The $3 million project would connect the current high school and middle school buildings, build a new library, add restrooms, double the size of the cafeteria and include an elevator.
Superintendent Scott Dill said the board tabled any decisions and asked L.J. Hart to revise the proposed bond. Dill said a decision to potentially pursue the bond issue must be made at the January board meeting in time to file for the April election.
Two proposed school improvements measures presented by the district were defeated in recent years by voters.
In 2008, a $3.5 million bond issue seeking a new library, computer and science labs, as well as additional classrooms at the site of the Fine Arts Building, fell three votes short. A year later, a $5 million bond issue that would allow for construction of a new high school at the site of the former fine arts building was soundly defeated by voters. Another issue –– a $2.5 million lease purchase agreement to complete the financing for the new high school and improvements to the existing library and high school –– was also defeated on the same ballot.
Also at last week’s meeting, school board members:
––Heard and approved an audit of financial transactions from the 2011-’12 school year.
––Approved a proposal to construct a storage facility on campus. The district will advertise the proposal and present responses to the board at the January meeting.
During closed session of the meeting, board members:
––Accepted the resignation of Jennifer Swanson, a middle and high school paraprofessional.
––Approved hiring Megan Kell, Kimberly Heckman and Jo Williamson as substitute teachers for the remainder of the 2012-’13 school year.
––Heard an evaluation of fall sports programs from athletic director Brent Kell.
The board also met in executive session to discuss the annual superintendent evaluation. Dill’s contract will be voted on in January.
Minutes from the closed session of the school board.