The Houston board of education heard last Tuesday that drawings for a new school gymnasium and other improvements are about 75 percent complete.
Ground is expected to turn early next year.
The board, its superintendent, Dr. Allen Moss, and the construction manager, Gary Gentry of Gentry Construction, discussed the $6 million project’s progress at the meeting.
Among the topics:
•Dirt from the construction site might be moved to the east side of a track at Tiger Stadium. The track, long in despair and not in use, is targeted for possible improvements. The dirt could be used to expand the existing track. Some trees might need to be removed.
•Discussed possible styles of scoreboards and a masonry wall rather than tile for some restrooms.
•Mentioned that discussions are underway with the City of Houston related to relocation of some utilities from the gym project site.
In other matters, members:
•Approved a 2021 trip for the Houston High School band to Nashville. Wayne Brown, band instructor, made a presentation on costs and fundraising. The band tries to take a trip every four years, he said.
•Heard Moss report on repairs to a school bus that has nearly 300,000 miles on it. He said the district may want to develop a plan related to some of its aging fleet.
•Learned that progress is being made on completion of a building trades class home. Praise was extended to the instructor. It may be done by year’s end.
•Recognized Houston Middle School student of the month nominees Lilly Kincaid, Kaden Wilson and Noah Johnson.
•Decided to meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 for its next meeting in the media center at the high school.