MISD trustees choose method for construction

By Phil Major
publisher@wood.cm
Posted 6/9/22

Mineola school trustees selected the construction manager at-risk (CMAR) method for five building projects approved by voters in May.

CMAR is one of six possible methods to get the projects …

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MISD trustees choose method for construction

Posted

Mineola school trustees selected the construction manager at-risk (CMAR) method for five building projects approved by voters in May.

CMAR is one of six possible methods to get the projects constructed and was recommended by Superintendent Cody Mize and architect Perry Thompson.

The district is advertising for qualifications from potential CMAR firms the next two weeks with plans to open the proposals June 23.

Thompson said he has already been contacted by several quality firms interested in the projects.

Several special board meetings are planned during the summer to handle matters related to the construction projects, which will kick off with a new primary campus on district land on NE Loop 564.

The district construction bonds are scheduled to be sold July 18. Voters approved $29.855 million in bonds, with two-thirds of that dedicated to the new school.

Construction is expected to start in December and be completed in June 2024.

Mize said interest rates have been trending down in recent weeks after rising since the first of the year.

Coupled with increased property values in the district, Mize said the projected 24-cent rise in property taxes could be less, at 21-22 cents.

The district will receive its final property values in mid-July.

The bonds will also pay to convert the elementary school into a career and technical education center, renovate other CTE facilities, construct a new auto mechanics shop and upgrade covered walkway canopies.

Mize reported that several maintenance projects are underway during the summer, including new flooring, painting and new surfaces for the high school track and football field.

Trustees learned that board member Jay McGough is stepping aside so that his wife may be considered for a nurse position at the primary/middle school.

State law does not allow family members of school trustees to be hired, though it does not prevent family members of employees from then seeking election.

The following positions were approved by the board:

Monica Loggins - 4th grade English language arts (probationary contract)

Chris Veach - middle school teacher/coach (probationary dual contract)

Brenna Gournay - high school/middle school band (probationary contract)

Mason Wintters - high school agriculture mechanics teacher (locally certified)

Michael Bennett - high school U.S. history teacher (probationary contract) 

Sheri Peterson - ARD facilitator - Wood County Co-Op

Lana Rhodes - educational diagnostician - Wood County Co-Op

Dennis Cavitt - licensed school psychologist - Wood County Co-Op

The board approved the following resignations:

Camron Frazier (high school U.S. history teacher)

Carolyn Standford (high school English teacher)

Callie Swaner (1st grade teacher).