The Houston board of education had made its first move to start the process of executing the $2.95 million bond measure that was passed by voters earlier in the month.
During Tuesday’s monthly meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution for the sale of Series 2026 General Obligation Bonds to L.J. Hart & Company. It’s the initial financial step after Proposition K.I.D.S. that features an eight-lane track, debt relief and minor building repairs on campus passed with 62.2% voter support on April 7.
Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent, said Thursday morning the district is awaiting signatures on the contract with project manager GeoSurfaces to announce a timeline and begin construction. He said the district will create a dashboard for patrons to follow.
“We are extremely excited by the election results and most importantly, what we believe will be the outcome for our students and the community. I’m thankful our community got out and voted.”
Dr. Justin Copley, Superintendent of Houston Schools
The centerpiece of the bond, which was the district’s second attempt after just failing in 2024, will bring the new track and accompanying assets to the school campus. The remaining roughly $1 million will be disbursed in three ways: $615,000 will fully retire existing lease financing on the Piney River Technical Center and H.A.L.O. buildings; $60,000 will install new siding on the fine arts building; and $40,000 will fund handrails, painting and stucco repair in the middle school gymnasium.
The bond extended the district’s existing levy from 2039 to 2046 without raising current taxes.
Three incumbents rejoin board, officers installed
The meeting also included the swearing in of three incumbents who were victorious in the race for three-year terms on the board. Darren Ice (903), Dusitn Hartman (876) and Tressie Neugebauer (869) received enough votes to top challenger Bob Wolfe (402).
After reconvening with its returning members, the board voted in officers for the upcoming year. They unanimously remained the same: Jennifer Scheets, president; Ice, vice president; Jeff Gettys, secretary/treasurer; Charlie Malam, MSBA delegate; Neugebauer, alternate MSBA delegate; and Tanya Bathon, executive board secretary.
Board member Marty Merckling was absent from the meeting.
District pursuing grant for before, after school programming
Board members gave their support of the district’s pursuit of the Missouri 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Copley said the district desires to add before and after school programming through the newly formed program ACE – “Tigers After-School Center for Exploration.”
The grant is non-matching up to $400,000 per year and renewable for five years.
“Based on preliminary survey information, as well as old surveys, this is perceived as a need,” Copley said, “so we are exploring it.”
Copley said the district is working with multiple community partners and organizations to rally support for its April 24 application submission. The program would be designed to provide students with additional academic support, enrichment opportunities and a safe, engaging place to learn beyond the school day. It will launch with a focus on elementary students, Copley said.
“Many communities around us have been part of 21st Century cohorts for a long time and it’s been a good service to their kids, school and community,” Copley said. “We’re excited about the potential benefit for our kids and families.”
Other board discussions, decisions
- Rachel Fishel, bookkeeper/payroll, shared a health insurance review and analysis of utilization by district employees. Fishel said 61% of the district’s subscribers incurred less than $500 in total out-of-pocket health care costs last year. She said 81% paid less than $2,500 toward their deductible, which is the current maximum for a majority of the district’s employees, with nearly half of the subscribers owing $0 of deductible-eligible health care costs.
- A proposal request for renovations at PRTC was reduced by $2,262.68 to reflect removing FRP panels from the project.
- The district’s teachers of the year were honored: Adam Vandiver, high school and districtwide; Micah Lee, middle school; Jessica Meier, elementary; and Tina Webber, classified.
- Three building specialists who provide support to their peers were recognized: Destiny Wilson, elementary; Lee, middle school; and Randi Wilson, high school.
- The review of job descriptions continued as “Building Principal” and “Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)” were approved. Provided to board members to consider for next month were “IT Director” and “Psychological Examiner.”
- A budget amendment was approved to reduce the district’s “fund balance” by about $190,000 to reflect a significantly lower student adequacy target at the state level.
- Copley told the board community surveys would be released that week to receive feedback to guide the district’s CSIP goals.
- The Career Ladder plan for the 2026-27 school year was approved following a presentation by Wytney Steelman.