Mineola school trustees viewed a proposal Monday that would expand the high school band hall, add parking in front of the adjacent elementary and make improvements to the existing band hall and the areas behind the auditorium stage.

Architect Perry Thompson stressed that the proposal is just that, and what comes from the plans will be decided by the school board, including how many of the projects are undertaken.

The new band hall would be located just east of the current one, which would allow for two ensembles to practice at once.

The plans also include additional practice areas and storage, as well as a trophy case, although Thompson noted that with the band’s recent successes, it needs to be much larger.

The additional parking would be added south of the parking lot in front of the elementary school and gain a net 50 additional spots, which would also help with crowds using the high school gym. It also redirects the traffic flow in front of the school.

The south facing entrance to the new band hall would also serve as all-weather loading for band equipment.

A portable building in the area would be removed.

One question was raised about the need to replace the elementary campus.

Superintendent Cody Mize said that district’s facility plans are complicated. The good news is that the board and district have been good stewards with the district’s money, putting it in good position to tackle this project, which does address some immediate student needs.

In his monthly report, Mize noted that summer school is off and running, but there are not many students on campus.

Summer workouts have drawn 150 to 160 students in high school and junior high.

Transportation has seen about 44 students transported on five buses, and Mize said he hopes restrictions on the number of students per bus can be relaxed.

Food service is offering hot meals to any child in the district up to age 18 Monday through Thursday from 11-12.

Mize is serving on the Texas Education Agency advisory team for the reopening of school in the fall. He said that the “verdict is still out” on whether TEA will require students to wear masks when school reopens.

MISD will stick with its schedule that was approved in the spring that includes a return to classes Aug. 13.

Mize said he is curious whether the restart of school will look different in urban areas than in rural.

There will be a lot of catch-up work to do when school returns, he said, and it will be important to identify students early-on that need assistance.

The district offices will reopen to the public on July 6.

The board approved hiring Joshua Snook as middle school assistant principal, Cecilia Moore for English language arts and Kayla Brewington as middle school coach.

Trustees agreed to feed all children in the elementary and primary campuses free of charge, after the district qualified for that benefit.

Meal prices at the middle and high schools and for adults will rise 25 cents, the first increase in five years.

The board approved a series of waivers necessitated by the closing of school in March, including a requirement that all graduating seniors be certified in CPR.

Trustees opened the pre-K program to the students of staff members. Mize said the district has the space to meet the need, and it is a great benefit for staffers.

Business Manager William Bjork noted that tax collections are 95.5%, a half percent behind last year. Total collections, including delinquents, are 96.1% compared to 98% a year ago.

It will be a push to get to the budgeted amount of 99%, Bjork said.