BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD HEARS INTRODUCTORY REPORT ON BOND PROJECT
Brenham ISD trustees on Monday heard their first update on the work to come as part of the November bond measure.
$4,000 donation from Chris and Laurie Chilelli (front
row, second from left and in middle) for the Brenham
Junior High School Science Department. The donation
will support two teachers' participation in the Conference
for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) in
Houston.
Eric DiPasquale, principal-in-charge for Brenham ISD’s project manager, Rice & Gardner, provided an introductory overview of the capital improvement projects targeted around the district through the $39 million bond and the steps being taken to implement the upgrades in coordination with district leaders.
Since signing its contract last month, DiPasquale said Rice & Gardner has held a kickoff meeting with Brenham ISD administrators, maintenance officials and design consultants to review the current state of facilities, discuss priorities and lay out communication plans. He said it is important to keep in mind that some projects may lead to the discovery of other problems that need to be addressed, so understanding the scope and having a structured approach will be critical to rolling out improvements effectively.
Focus areas for the upgrades will include ADA compliance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, waterproofing and interiors.
recognized by the Brenham School Board on Monday.
DiPasquale said Rice & Gardner will put together a plan with a schedule and costs to present to the board, along with recommendations. He said his team will look for the best opportunities to be good stewards of the district’s finances and help spread funding as far as it can.
Board President Jared Krenek said the district wants to go fast but also wants to be thorough. He said the community is looking forward to seeing some progress and hopes to get some work done this summer.
Also at Monday’s meeting, trustees accepted a $4,000 donation from Chris and Laurie Chilelli for the Brenham Junior High School Science Department. The donation will support two teachers’ attendance of the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) in Houston.
The board also approved budget amendments to make the tax office budget its own dedicated fund, rather than part of Brenham ISD’s general fund, and put funding from the Tom Green County school land revenue toward the district’s 2016 maintenance tax notes.