In the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school shootings, plans are underway to make the entrances of all three campuses of the Blanco Independent School District more secure. Trustees approved a Professional Services Supplemental Authorization for architect Randy Fromberg to design new entrances, including modifications of walls and entrance doors and an automatic locking system to prevent access by dangerous persons beyond a vestibule area. Based on input from campus and district personnel, Fromberg showed plans to trustees and said they will go out to bid in about two weeks. Trustees approved the competitive sealed proposals delivery method as the best method of evaluating bidders, promoting competition, and allowing the district to negotiate before the contract is awarded. Vanguard Contractors representative Joel Benjegerdes expressed the hope that the district would allow his company to bid since they are already completing construction and renovation work at the elementary school campus. Fromberg said that work will be done in the summer preparatory to the opening of school next fall.
Technology Director Tom Cozzi reported that the district has purchased an AlphaCard Badge Maker device which will print identification badges for all personnel and eventually for students. These pictured ID’s will be issued first to central office staff, then to teachers, and finally to students, who can scan them for purchasing lunches in the cafeteria. The system comes with materials to make 1200 cards. In the event that a card is lost, the photo is kept on record to make a replacement badge. The badge system will go into effect in the 2013-14 school year.
Joel Benjegerdes gave his monthly report to trustees on construction progress at the elementary school campus, including photos of the commemorative wall in front of the original Alamo-style school building. The two classroom wings are “basically done,” he said, except for floor tile in the halls, which will be installed along with carpet as the final step in construction. He showed a large photo of the 1934 fiftieth reunion of the school, eight feet high by 30 feet long, which will be the main feature of the gallery. There will also be display cases, with their pedestals made of old doors from the school. Some of the flooring will also use reclaimed wood from the original building. In answer to trustee Troy Immel’s question, “How are we doing on the budget,” Benjegerdes responded, “We’re still there.”
As part of the monthly recognition of students and personnel, Blanco Middle School principal Bill Luna recognized office aide Juan Pablo Guajardo. “I have watched him become a young man,” said Luna. “My money is on him to do great things,” he continued, praising Juan Pablo for his sense of duty and attention to detail.
Elementary school principal Linda Romano recognized the pre-school team of teachers—Marilyn Bowman, Sharon Cox, and Tammy San Miguel. “The effort they put forth does amazing things,” said Romano, citing the team’s efforts in putting together a “Year of the Young Child” celebration, which drew on community and high school support. “They live every day celebrating young kids,” she concluded as she presented them with certificates.
Looking toward next year, Dr. Buck Ford presented tentative staffing plans for 2013-14, and trustees approved the Instructional Materials Allotment and TEKS Certification for 2013-14, which must be submitted to TEA by the end of April. Trustees were also presented with District and Campus Improvement Plans. Director of Curriculum and Special Programs Kathy Anderson explained that the district first did a comprehensive needs assessment, then developed priorities to “sustain excellence” that the district has already achieved. The plans are developed as a cooperative effort among faculty, staff, parents, and community and business representatives “to improve student performance and to meet the specific identified needs of students.” Trustees approved the plans unanimously. President Matt Herden referred to some e-mails he had received questioning the effectiveness of the C-Scope program and referred anyone with questions to Kathy Anderson.
Finally, trustees approved a resolution to extend the depository contract with Blanco National Bank to August 31, 2015. The resolution states, “Blanco National Bank has provided excellent service to the district. The administration desires to extend and continue its relationship with Blanco National Bank.” In other financial business, trustees voted to approve budget amendments increasing Title and IDEA-B federal grants to maximum entitlement per approval from TEA.
The following candidates have filed for candidacy for the Board of Trustees Election on May 11, 2013: Place 5, Matt Herden, unopposed; Place 6: Charles Riley, incumbent, and Libbey Aly; Place 7, Bernie San Miguel, unopposed. Trustees voted to set the date for canvassing votes as Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 8 a.m. at the superintendent’s office. Only two board members are required to be present to canvass the votes.
Following Executive Session trustees voted to accept the resignation of the following teachers: Megan Davis, elementary art, and Natalie Jurischk, eighth grade science.
2 photos attached to this article.
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