Bids for the construction of a new primary school campus in Mineola are now expected in March.

Mineola ISD Superintendent Cody Mize said that school officials met with contractor Jackson Construction and architect Perry Thompson last week.

Construction costs have been going up, with inflation running about 7.7%, Mize noted at Monday’s school board meeting. But prices are starting to level out.

The final drawings are being worked up for a new primary campus, which voters approved last May for just under $20 million, along with converting the elementary into a career and technology center and other upgrades totaling $10 million.

The district has also received a favorable report from the Texas Dept. of Transportation concering the traffic study of the expected impact along Northeast Loop 564 adjacent to the planned new campus site.

Trustees heard a detailed study of MISD staffing from Texas Association of School Boards consultant Cheryl Hoover.

Combining all the recommendations for added and reduced staffing resulted in a savings of almost $450,000.

Hoover stressed that they are recommendations only.

One recommendation showing staffing in the elementary grades could be lowered by four teachers drew a strong reaction.

Trustee Jill Quiambao simply stated, “Negative.”

The recommendations are based on statewide averages as well as peer districts with similar populations and characteristics.

The challenge for some of the recommendations for reduced staffing would be developing a master schedule that is more efficient.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” she said.

She noted that some categories, such as transportation, can be difficult to compare, as two districts with similar populations may require additional bus routes to serve students spread over a wide area.

The middle school and high school teaching and coaching staffs also showed more personnel than the average. Areas where the district had fewer staff included educational aides, central office, maintenance and grounds.

Technology, custodial and police were among areas where the district is at or near the expected levels.

Trustees approved two requests to the Meredith Foundation, $50,000 for student scholarships (10 at $5,000 each) and $275,000 to upgrade stadium lights at Meredith Memorial Stadium to LEDs.

A bid of $400 was accepted from a student for a 1988 GMC pickup the district has had in service for more than 30 years and would be too expensive to repair.

Parent Gayle Griffin asked the board to consider adding high school choir and culinary programs. She recently moved to the district and said her high school daughter and friends had expressed interest in the programs.