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Glasscock County News
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.
County Buys Maintainer; Security System
At a special meeting Feb. 13, Glasscock County Commissioners (Michael Hoch absent) voted to buy a new Caterpillar maintainer for Jimmy Strube’s precinct, at a cost of $115,000 after trade-in. The machine, listed at $230,000, replaces a 2001 model. They also voted to buy a courthouse security camera system and a public address system for the courtroom at a combined cost of $21,000. A courthouse security fund currently holds $18,000, which can be used to help pay for the security system. The fund is built from fees charged by the clerk’s and justice of the peace offices. The security system will have motion-activated cameras over the three outside doors, two in the courtroom, two in the clerk’s office, and three in hallways. Two cameras may be put in the tax office at an additional charge, and four additional future cameras are possible with the system. For a small additional charge, the system is supposed to have buzzers on outside doors to alert clerk’s office personnel when someone enters the building, or when a handicapped person needs help with opening an outside door.
Board Narrows Improvements List
At a special meeting Feb. 20, the GCISD board narrowed the list of capital improvements it plans for the $12 million it hopes to raise in bond money. Discussions at the meeting were thorough and wide-ranging, but the board managed to come to a consensus. Working from construction company estimates, which it often changed, the board selected the items it and the citizens bond committee considered most important. At the top of everyone’s list were electrical and sewer updates, followed by lighting and a new sound system for the auditorium. Other priority items (not necessarily in this order) were: improved nursing facilities, K–2 restrooms, upgrading all classrooms, providing a science lab for the elementary school, replacing high school lockers with larger ones, overhead doors for the bus barn and a bus wash bay, concrete slabs for basketball and a tennis rebound wall for upper elementary outdoor play, re-keying all door locks to a master key and replacing doors as needed. Other items discussed, but not considered current top priorities were: new floor covering in the cafeteria, upgrades in corridors, upgrades in offices and a new intercom/telephone system. The board is including a new gymnasium, estimated at $7 million in their plans, citing the cost of essential repair and renovation to the present basement sewage system and dressing rooms (estimated at more than $1 million) and the need for more gym space.. The plan for the current gym is that all basement level plumbing will be capped and no longer used, and the gym will be a practice gym, which can also be used for tournaments. Basement-level space would be used for storage and storm safety space. The planned new gym would be built west of the existing one and connected to it. The board discussed the need for quality in a new gym, with several agreeing that the current facility is better than some new ones in the area. They decided that relocating the football field and/or replacing or resurfacing the track were not priority items at this time The board plans to replace two of the older school houses with new ones at an estimated cost of $300,000. The board disagreed about whether the school needs any new houses at all, and if so, how many. Some of the board felt that better housing would attract more applicants for teaching vacancies, while others said it is salaries, not houses, that attract quality teachers, and some said more and more teachers have their own homes here. Replacing two now was a compromise. The plan is for two, three-bedroom, two bath ready-build houses. Estimated costs include demolition of two existing houses. The board also discussed the need for busses, lawn care equipment, and tools and safety equipment for the vocational shop.
GCISD Hosts Open House; Health Fair
Mark your calendars for a fun-filled evening of health education and awareness. On Thursday, April 2, the whole community is invited to attend the activities scheduled at Garden City Schools.
1 – 6 p.m. United Blood Services Blood Drive 3 – 5:30 p.m. Community Wide Health Fair in the sports complex with over 25 exhibitors. Activities will include blood testing, eye exams, fingerprinting and more. Bring your old eyeglasses to donate to the Lions Club. 4 – 7 p.m. Open House & Book Fair. Visit teachers and buy a good book! From 5 – 7 p.m. there will be a homemade barbeque brisket sandwich meal including chips, beans, dessert and drink with proceeds benefiting the Glasscock 4-H Teen Leadership Tour. Plates will be $7 and homemade desserts may be purchased to take home. 5:30 – 6 p.m. First “Kat” Walk for Cancer, including a guest speaker, cancer survivor lap and community mile with proceeds to benefit the Glasscock 4-H Cancer Warrior Relay for Life team. 6:30 – 7 p.m. 2008 Shattered Dreams video will be shown in the auditorium. Childcare will be available in the band hall during the video presentation. There will also be informational presentations throughout the evening regarding the proposed school bond.
School Finance Expert Paints Grim Picture
Dr. Doug Karr, school finance specialist from Texas Tech, reviewed a financial trends analysis and projections he had done for GCISD and discussed living under House Bill 1 with the GCISD board at a board training session March 2. HB 1 took effect in the 2006-’07 school year, and is the primary regulation governing educational funding in Texas. Karr said GCISD is in better shape financially than many districts because of past conservative management, but its main problem is that “the kid count is gradually going away,” a problem common to West Texas schools today. The data shows that GCISD’s enrollment is declining by two percent per year, on average, since 2003-04, and he said that trend isn’t likely to reverse. Revenue comes from three primary sources: students, property values and tax effort. After HB1, he said school funding was pretty much capped, with no room for revenue growth and unless enrollment increases, GCISD cannot generate more dollars than in ’06-’07. He said even if property values go up, if there are fewer kids, there are fewer dollars to work with. GCISD: ‘Storm on the Horizon’ Karr said most ISD’s, especially in West Texas, are having to use more of their fund balances (savings) for operational costs because their yearly revenues aren’t enough. He said several are on the verge of insolvency, and will probably not survive as independent school districts, but will be forced to consolidate with other schools. He estimated that GCISD is only two years from having to use its fund balance to help with operational expenses. His projections show that beginning in 2011-12, costs will outrun revenues Board member Carl Hoelscher said, “You’re saying there’s a storm on the horizon,” and Karr answered, “Yes.” Difference in ‘Needs’ and ‘Wants’ School Superintendent Steve Long said, “If we do the right things like we did in 2003, we can survive (with a lower fund balance). We need to understand that there is a difference in ‘needs’ and ‘wants.’ “ Karr said that was a great comment, and an important distinction which everyone needs to remember. Karr said it’s going to require tight-fisted management, but “You’ve done a great job with your finances over the last few years. Continue to do that, and you will survive.” How to Survive HB1 Karr said there are a few guidelines to surviving HB1: 1) do a study of long-term trends and a financial analysis/projection (this is what he just completed for GCISD) 2) guard and protect your fund balance 3) control spending 4) shift facilities needs and capital improvements to bonded debt (which is not subject to recapture) 5) push technology courses and free lunches (the state pays more for these) and 6) be aggressive with delinquent tax collections. Karr said it is his opinion that the state wants each school district to have only enough fund balance to operate three or four months, to meet payrolls, etc., so that districts are not spending state money while sitting on (saving) their own. He also thinks the state wants to get rid of the smallest schools (by consolidation), and is unhappy that many have found ways to survive. Valuations Down 30 percent Karr’s financial analysis included a 30 percent drop in taxable values for 2009-10 and an increase of $181 million for wind turbine valuations. The district taxes at the maximum rate allowed. In school year 2008-09, the school’s revenues will be $12.8 million, with operational expenditures estimated at $12 million (including $8 million in recapture which must be sent out-of-district.) By 2010-11, revenues are projected at $12 million and operational costs at $14 million (including $7 million in recapture costs), creating a deficit of $1.7 million. He said because of declining oil and gas and agricultural revenues and ever-increasing costs, the state will someday have to pump in more dollars for education. But when that might be, how much it will be and where the dollars will be found is anyone’s guess. Karr said legislators are eyeing federal stimulus monies as a school funding source, but there are other plans for that money, as well.
County Gets Vehicle Impoundment Yard
At the request of Sheriff Keith Burnett, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court (Michael Hoch absent) on March 9 voted to create a vehicle impoundment yard for the county sheriff’s department use. The secured, three-acre facility will be located at the site of the old dump ground northeast of Garden City. A two-car carport and a chain link fence will be installed there as soon as possible. Until then, the department will temporarily use the north side of the county barn area for impoundment purposes. Burnett said only abandoned vehicles or those seized as part of an arrest will be housed at the facility. He said the sheriff’s department will charge a per vehicle administrative fee of $30 plus $20 per day for impoundment. The county will pay wrecker towing fees, which must be repaid by the vehicle’s owner if the vehicle is retrieved from impoundment. If the vehicle is not retrieved by the owner within 40 days and receipt of proper notification, it becomes the property of the county and can be sold at a sheriff’s sale, and if not sold, can be crushed and sold for scrap metal. Title to vehicles at a sheriff’s sale is given by virtue of the sheriff’s sale itself. Burnett said he doesn’t want a junkyard; he plans to move any impounded cars as quickly as possible, and will probably never have more than five or six on hand during any one period prior to disposition. Abandoned vehicles now are taken to Cypert’s storage yard. Currently, Burnett said there are more than thirty vehicles there, having accumulated from 1999 to the present. He said James Cypert wants there to be a sheriff’s sale of them so he can recoup some of the money owed him for towing and storage. Seidenberger, Jost Given Raises The county court voted to raise Emergency Program Director Christy Seidenberger’s salary from $500 to $750 per month. Alan Dierschke told the court that the volunteer Emergency Medical Service group had asked that she be given the raise because of the increased hours now necessary for the job, and the overall good job she’s doing for the group. Burnett added, “She’s doing way more than a good job.” The court also voted to give Marilee Jost a $550 per month raise in her job as County Judge Wilburn Bednar’s secretary, bringing that salary to $15,600. According to County Treasurer Alan Dierschke, Oscar Trevino has resigned his job as custodian/grounds keeper, but is still working as the water system manager at a salary of $13,200 plus county benefits. The court has not hired anyone to fill the vacated job. The commissioners’ court approved a road use maintenance agreement with CPV for their Rattlesnake Den Wind Turbine Project after a change in wording. The project, encompassing 33,000 acres located approximately eight miles south of Garden City on both sides of Highway 33, may not start until 2012, according to Michael Resca of CPV, due to congested transmission lines. The court agreed with Dierschke that the county should look at alternate sources of risk management insurance due to “financial issues” with its provider, West Texas Rural Counties. He is to gather information so a decision can be made by July 1.
In the Spotlight
• The robotics teams participated in the area robotics competition in San Angelo Feb. 16. The team of Michael Clarke, Jake Schwartz, and Levi Schaefer placed first and will advance to state competition in May, Also competing were Marcus Dalton, Marcus Cook, and Quinton Havlak.
• Lane Halfmann captured the Breed Champion Award at the 2009 San Antonio Livestock Show with his 268-pound barrow, “Polinski.” Lane is the son of Terri and Mark Halfmann.
Briefly
• THANK YOU – I don’t think there are enough words to express our gratitude to all the wonderful people in this community and to the Lion’s Club, 4-H Club, Garden City School and the student body for all the support that you have given us. We are so fortunate and blessed to live in such a caring and supportive community. Your kindness through this hard battle and in our time of sorrow was so deeply appreciated. Many thanks for all the visits, phone calls, cards, food, monetary gifts and prayers. The memory of your thoughtfulness will always be in our hearts. God Bless All of You, Tina, Anna and Jason Flores and all of our family
• Glasscock County Senior Citizens will meet Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m. Bring snacks and finger foods. The regular schedule of two monthly meetings has been resumed. At the April 7 meeting, the fare will be potluck. A nurse from Accolade Nursing Service will be here to take blood pressures. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the food, games and fellowship.
• Apply now to work on the 2010 U.S. Census in Glasscock County by calling 1/866-861-2010. Testing for various jobs will be at the Glasscock County Community Center in Garden City March 13 at 10 a.m.
• Large numbers of people are expected at the murder trial that begins in Garden City March 23. Some 200 jury summonses have been issued, and large numbers of witnesses, character and other, are expected. Extra security is being hired, and the community center will be used for overflow people waiting their time on the stand. According to Glasscock County Sheriff Keith Burnett, the defendant has refused the state’s plea bargain offer.
4-H News
• San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo: Placements for Glasscock 4-H’ers whose animals were entered are: Sydney Halfmann-2nd Light weight Berkshire; Macy Schwartz-1st Middle weight Hampshire and Reserve Middle Division Champion; Hope Halfmann-3rd Heavy weight Spot Swine; Bryson Batla-8th Heavy weight Duroc; Cassie Hirt-4th Finewool Cross lamb; Chapman Royall-4th Heavy weight Chester; Kamie Halfmann-7th Heavy weight Crossbred Swine; Rafe Royall-3rd Middle weight Yorkshire and Texas Bred Champion; Cassie Hirt-5th Light weight Shorthorn steer; Lane Halfmann-1st Poland China and Champion Poland China; Kadden Kothmann-4th Meat Goat Wether.
• San Angelo Rodeo Calf Scramble: Glasscock 4-H participants and earning placings were: Feb. 21: Ian Schaefer-1st; Levi Schaefer-5th; Feb. 22: Cassie Hirt-3rd; Reggie Halfmann-5th; Feb. 25: Jake Schwartz-1st; Chapman Royall-7th; Peyton Schaefer-10th. SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Everyone catching a calf earned a certificate towards an animal purchase next year. Scramblers who placed in the top four qualified to compete in the scholarship round on Feb. 26. Ian Schaefer placed 4th, earning a $600 scholarship and Jake Schwartz placed 5th, winning a $500 scholarship. Cassie Hirt also participated.
• 2009 San Angelo Stock Livestock Show results: Cassie Hirt-2nd light weight meat goat; Samantha Kellermeier-10th Heavy European Steer; Blayne Batla-5th Class 1 Hampshire; Levi Schaefer-1st Class 2 Hampshire; Lauren Schwartz-5th Light Weight Cross; Cole Schwartz-8th Class 2 Cross & 1st Class 3 Cross; Holly Halfmann-9th Class 5 Cross; Blayne Batla-3rd Light Weight Duroc; Brooklyn Batla-8th Light Weight Duroc; Jake Schwartz-10th Light Weight Duroc; Macy Schwartz-Champion Black OPB and 6th Light Weight Yorkshire; Morgan Schwartz-12th Light Weight Yorkshire; Ian Schaefer-7th Middle Weight Yorkshire; M’Call Schaefer-4th Middle Weight Yorkshire; Bryson Batla-10th Middle Weight Yorkshire; Kadden Kothmann-10th Meat Goat Doe.
• Odessa Sandhills Stock Show: Kadden Kothmann placed his meat goats 6th and 9th, plus two 15th places.
From the Schoolhouse
Scheduled Events: March 9 – 13 Spring Break; March 19 State Powerlifting @Corpus Christi; March 20-21 GC Tennis Tournament; March 21 HS State TMSCA; March 23 GC Golf Tournament @Big Spring; March 27 FFA Judging @WTAMU; March 27 – 28 Big Lake Tennis Tournament; March 31 District OAP @Sterling City; April 1 Band Festival @Wink; April 2 Health Fair and Open House; April 3 District Academic UIL meet @Water Valley; April 6 District Golf @Baird; April 7 TAKS Math – grades 5 and 8; April 7 – 8 District Tennis @GC; April 9 District Track @Roby; April 10 and 13 bad weather days.
Check the school website at: http://www.gckats.net for a schedule of current events.
There are numerous sporting events (tennis, golf, track, power lifting) taking place in March and April. For up-to-date schedules and locations, check the school’s website at: http://classroom.gckats.net/webs/athletics/home.htm
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be April 11, 2009. The deadline for that issue is April 9, but earlier material is helpful. Send information to: P.O. Box 98, Garden City, TX 79739; phone or fax: 432/354-2221; e-mail: gcnews201@aol.com. The Glasscock County News is published by Joe Melanie Calverley, P. O. Box 98, Garden City, TX, 79739. Phone or fax: 432/354-2221; e-mail: gcnews201@aol.com; web site: glasscockcountynews.com
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