School Sets $12 Million Bond Election
On March 2, the Glasscock County ISD board voted to ask voters to approve $12 million in bonded indebtedness for several capital improvement projects. The election will be held May 9.
The board discussed presenting voters with two proposals, separating $7 million for a new gymnasium from $5 million for work on other parts of the school, including classroom renovations, a science lab, etc. The board ultimately chose to combine all the work into one proposal. One of the main reasons for that decision is that having all the dollars under one umbrella gives more flexibility with how the money can be spent – it could be used on any part of the total project as needed. If divided into two proposals, the specified money can be spent only on that particular project.
If the bond fails to pass, the board may chose to come back in November with a modified proposal(s) for voter approval.
The board also voted to hire Specialized Public Finance Inc. and the Underwood law firm, both of Lubbock, to handle the financial and legal details of the bond election and bond issuance, if voters approve the debt. School Superintendent Steve Long said SPF’s advisory fees should be roughly $37,000 and the contingency fees about $38,000.
Between now and the election in May, the board plans to provide detailed information to the public regarding why they believe the bond is in the school’s best interest.
The board also approved all teachers’ contracts and the 2009-2010 school calendar. There are six dual contracts (coaches), twenty-three term contracts (teachers and other professional staff) and two independent contracts (science and BPA). Copies of the school calendar are available at the school.
Enrollment stands at 129 in K – 6; grades 7 – 12 have 123 and there are 17 in Headstart.
In other matters, both school principals reported that use of the new student laptop computers is going well. Elementary School Principal Randy Gartman said kids now want to stay inside and compute before school begins rather than playing outside.