BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES $5.5 MILLION SCOPE OF WORK FOR PHASE ONE OF BOND PROJECT

  

The Brenham School Board voted unanimously on Monday to set the scope of work for the first phase of the maintenance bond project and establish a not-to-exceed budget.

The phase one budget of $5,579,860 accounts for 21 projects across seven Brenham ISD facilities, including six campuses and the central office.  The board’s action included authorizing the superintendent to execute contracts up to $1 million and change orders with phase contingency funds.

Rice & Gardner principal-in-charge Eric DiPasquale said the “lion’s share” of the first phase will focus on roofing.  Approximately $3,675,000 is allotted toward roofs, including $1.9 million for Brenham Middle School, $1 million for the Early Childhood Learning Center, and $775,000 for the Brenham Junior High School.  

Of note: the junior high campus’ cost increased significantly from the initial estimate of $75,000, after the recent heavy rains that DiPasquale said led to the discovery of new issues, but the cost is still below the $3.19 million it would take to fully replace the roof.

Other budgeted costs as part of the $5,579,860 include $779,000 for interior finishes, $480,100 for HVAC, $78,500 for electrical, $60,000 for plumbing and $507,260 in contingency funds. 

DiPasquale acknowledged that emergencies may occasionally require re-direction of immediate attention, but the team understands the importance of getting out of reactionary maintenance and into long-term planning for the projects outlined in the bond.

During Superintendent Clay Gillentine’s monthly report, he announced the beginning of a second round of strategic planning committee discussions starting this month.  The committee will consist of citizens, school parents, retirees, business leaders and educators, meeting once a month and presenting any recommendations to the board, particularly in reference to facility needs. 

Click here to view the bond project presentation from Monday's Brenham School Board meeting.

Also at Monday’s meeting, trustees:

• Approved district and campus improvement plans and targeted improvement plans for Brenham Middle School and Krause Elementary School.
• Held a public hearing on Brenham ISD’s annual school “FIRST” financial accountability rating.  The 2025-26 report, based on 2024-25 data, indicated a score of 78, up from 76 on the previous year’s report. 
• Approved a 403b restatement, pertaining to the district’s voluntary retirement savings plan for school district employees.  The restatement includes a formal update that confirms all newly hired employees can start saving immediately and an amendment for new federal retirement rules.
• Heard the annual bilingual and ESL program report.
• Received an update on the district’s delinquent tax collections and approved a contingent fee contract with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott, LLP for the collection of delinquent government receivables owed to Brenham ISD.
• Accepted a donation of United States and Texas flags for each Brenham ISD campus, provided by WoodmenLife.