The Houston school board will hold a special board meeting next week to discuss a potential bond issue.
The board tabled the decision at Tuesday night’s regular meeting after hearing from an architect who presented possible construction plans. Among them are connecting the current middle and high school, new cafeteria, new library, elevator and upstairs restrooms. A new high school gymnasium was also discussed.
If approved by voters, all the additions would be made without a tax increase. The district has a $7.5 million bonding capacity without raising taxes.
Superintendent Scott Dill told board members connecting the middle and high school buildings would be the first step in much-needed improvements for the district.
“I need the board and the public to understand that this is not an isolated project,” Dill said during Tuesday night’s meeting. “This is part of a much larger plan that whether I’m superintendent or someone who comes after me, I think we’ve laid out a solid plan to consolidate the school district, meet energy-efficient needs for the future and do so in a way that is responsible and worthy of taxpayer dollars.”
The board will meet in special session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the superintendent’s office to make a final decision. The bond issue must be authorized by Jan. 22 to meet the deadline for the April 2 election.
“We have a whole series of people who want this bond to pass,” Dill said, “and I’m right in front of the pack.”
A motion to partner with The CTS Group of St. Louis as the district’s project manager was defeated by a 4-3 vote. It will be discussed further during the special meeting.
On its website, CTS describes itself as “an energy services company that is the best in developing and implementing turn-key, comprehensive energy efficiency projects. We’re a team of professionals dedicated to providing innovative energy efficient solutions that lead to a more comfortable and healthy environment.”
Dill said he is a proponent of the partnership to keep the district focused on needs and projects, including roofs and other energy deficient areas in every building.
“Where can we get the most leverage for taxpayer dollars? Where can we get the most leverage that will benefit our kids in classrooms the most?” Dill asked the board. “At the end of the day, that’s what this comes down to every time: How can we help kids learn?”
Also at the meeting, Dill announced the district will be removing two large trees in front of the middle school building. Dill said the gumballs produced by the trees were a potential hazard for anyone walking on the sidewalks. He also said custodians must spend time collecting the gumballs and disposing of them. Dill said the trees will be replaced.
Dill also told the board the district has purchased a scissor lift for projects and jobs in high areas around the campus that previously required waiting until the summer or holiday breaks to complete.
Watch a replay of Tuesday night’s board meeting or view next week’s special session at www.houstonherald.com/live.