BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS WORKSHOP MEETING
The Brenham School Board held a workshop session at noon Monday to hear updates on various school projects. Superintendent Dr. Tylor Chaplin and Director of Facilities and Maintenance Paul Aschenbeck, explained the various projects to the trustees. They said there is no money budgeted for these projects and they are tired of using the maintenance fund money for what really should be a capital expense. Dr. Chaplin explained that most of the money has been used for staff funding, to get the teacher’s pay up, instead of maintenance. He said with the State Legislature in session this spring, he hoped that they would allocate some money for school districts without so many restrictions, so that local school boards can use it where they see fit. Bonds for the School District failed twice last year with local voters.
The priority items on the list included the Junior High School but also most of the schools in the District. The heavy duty chillers were first on the list with new ones costing $370,000 each. Other items on the list include downspouts and sidewalks at the Jr. High School, weight equipment and a new gym floor also at the Jr. High School. Paul Aschenbeck explained he is hesitant about putting down a new wood floor until he is certain the water problem is fixed. He said he is researching what other synthetic floors are available. Others items are HVAC units spread throughout the District, and the tar and gravel roof and downspouts at the High School. Since this was only a workshop meeting, no action was taken on the items, but several will be placed on the agenda for the next school board meeting scheduled for January 17th.
