New Junior High Options: Trustees Explore Possible Up-Grades, Replacement

now is the prime time to take out a new bond for funding the Junior High Project,” says Fairfield ISD Interim Superintendent Tony Price. “Our current bond is about to be complete. We can get a $21 million bond without causing a tax increase for the public. To do this, the board will need to call a bond election no later than August 20, 2018.”

Prior to the June 7, 2018 meeting of the FISD Board of Trustees, board members attended an hour-long training workshop presented by David Hansen of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Mehl, P.C. regarding Education Construction Law.

During their meeting, they viewed a presentation related to preliminary plans for possible up-grades, renovations, and replacement on the Junior High campus given by Project Manager George DeJohn and Education Consultant Mike Rhodes of Claycomb Associates.

DeJohn and Rhodes informed the board that the most cost efficient method of updating the Junior High would be to keep and update the two-story portion of the building that includes the gym, locker rooms, band halls, commons area, and cafeteria; and constructing a new building to house the classrooms, media center, labs, and administrative offices. The new area would be roughly a 55,000 square foot build.

Following both presentations, the board voted to use the Construction Manager – At Risk method of delivery for the Junior High project. If approved, the school would be completed in time for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

New to the Board of Trustees, Kirby Capps Flandry, and returning to the Board, Eric Chavers, were both sworn in during this meeting.

Following the swearing-in, members voted to restructure the Board. However, all offices stayed the same: President – Tracey Ezell, Vice-President – Eric Chavers, and Secretary – Kim Whitaker.

Some reassignments in the district include Sheila Ransom as Elementary Principal, Shetonia Scires as Intermediate Principal, and Joseph Owens as the Junior High Assistant Principal.

Hired and given probationary contracts are Brittany McDowell – FIS – Math; Brittany Sanders – FIS – Reading; Kaitlyn Sardaneta – FJH – Reading; Jared Grubbs – FJH – History/Coach; Bobby Arrington – FJH – Science/Coach; Kari Ivey – LPC for Co-Op; and Mary Elezabeth Collier – FHS – Science.

Resignations were accepted from Shirley Lott (Co-Op) and Jennifer Hagler – FJH – Math.

After reviewing the compensation plan for the 2017-2018 year, the board approved a 3% raise for employees that are not eligible for the step-program; and added a 24-year step as well.

Head Band Director, Bill Large, informed the board that there are 249 students signed up for High School Band this next year. Due to the very large number, there will be 4 drum-majors, 8 twirlers, 12 in the flag corps, and 18 on the drum-line. They are also in need of a bigger van for transporting all of the instruments and band gear, as the current band van is just too small to carry everything needed.

Board members voted to approve the trade in of the 14-foot van for a 26-foot van. They will repaint and apply the school logo to be similar to the look of the old van.

In regard to school meals for the 2018-2019 school year, breakfast will increase by one nickel and lunch by one dime. These are the minimal increases required by the state of Texas.

After receiving requests for use of the Dogan Campus’ kitchen and gym, the board has approved to let the City of Fairfield control the rental of the facility. According to the agreement, which has not be approved by the City of Fairfield as yet, the City would be responsible for providing security for any events held at the campus and FISD would be responsible for cleaning and utilities. The two parties would split rental costs.

“We aren’t looking to make money on this,” says Price. “We just want to allow this historical building to be utilized and not remain vacant.”

Mr. Price also reported on the maintenance and various projects going on around the district, to include:

–Repainting the HS Cafeteria and Eagle logo

–Concrete is being poured at the new training facility

–Lots of painting going on in the High School, Elementary School, and Intermediate School

–Elementary will be getting new carpet at the end of June

–Dogan Cafeteria is having flooring replaced

–High School Homemaking kitchen is being demoed, making room for a new commercial grade kitchen

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2018. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Nicole Schaefer reporting