Board Approves $13 Million MHS Construction Project
    By Danielle Pardue, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News, November 24, 2008

Monte Hunter, architecture representative from Hunter Corral Associates, attended the Wednesday, Nov. 19, MWPISD School Board meeting to give construction updates and discuss scope of Monahans High School construction.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the $13,126,176 project.  The base proposal for new construction at the high school includes 26 classrooms, four labs with storage space, computer lab, student restrooms and storage area, and new administration area.

Renovations for the high school include bringing the current two science labs up to TEA science standards.  The addition of four new ones, will give MHS six labs up to current TEA science standards.

The construction will also include re-roofing the entire campus, replacing the air conditioning system, replacing the older lighting and old windows, and a few light safety items to bring up to safety code, according to Hunter.

Junior High Principal Jeff Jones and Cullender Kindergarten Principal Chad Smith presented goals to the board for their campuses.

Jones stated that out of 158 incoming 7th graders at the junior high, 135 participate in an extracurricular activity.  "That says a bunch for the kids in that they want to be involved," Jones said.

According to Jones, the junior high uses Data Maintenance for Academic Curriculum (DMAC).  "I think this will be very beneficial for teachers to gauge where their students are, and for the students to see where they are also," Jones said.

Math is being targeted this year at Cullender, according to Principal Chad Smith.  The last 20 minutes of the day, teachers aides at the school are pulled into kindergarten classrooms to work with the students on math.

In his superintendent report, Keith Richardson said enrollment is 1,989, which is up 48 from this time last year, and 15 from last month.  He said Pre-K, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and 6th grade are over the 22 to 1 ratio.

Assistant Superintendent Glenna Applewhite presented a report on the 2008 Gold Performance Acknowledgement, a state accountability rating.   There are 13 things for which a school can earn a gold performance, according to Applewhite.  High School, Monahans Education Center, Walker Jr. High and Tatom had one gold performance, and Sudderth Elementary had five.  Cullender is not eligible for gold performance because they do not take state tests, said Applewhite.

The Board voted unanimously to accept a bid of $12,000 from Quell Petroleum, David Cutbirth, for the 60' strip property of lot 870 behind Tatom Elementary.

The Board voted unanimously to accept Beard Tennis Court Construction's bid of $40,000 to resurface the tennis courts.  The company has been in business a long time and has a very good reputation, according to Richardson.  Construction is scheduled to start in late spring 2009.

The Board voted to accept a bid of $120 submitted by Brian Dodson for property at 806 East "D."  Property bid of $1100.50 at 412 N. Main submitted by Mary Garcia was also approved.  H. Jason Smith put in a bid of $300 for property at 808 East "B," which was approved.

In other business, Applewhite gave the Board reports on Adequate Yearly Progress and Highly Qualified Teacher.  Linda Schulz, MWPISD business manager presented financial reports and disbursements to the board along with TASB policy for compensation and benefits and 403b plan document on retirement plans.  Board approved all plans presented.

The Board convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters.

After resuming from closed session, the Board accepted the resignation of Pam Baker, home economics teacher at Monahans High School, effective at the end of the fall semester.

The Board also voted to have teaching certificate of Brandon Stephens sanctioned.  Stephens' resignation was not given in a timely matter, therefore, breaching his contract.  His certificate will be sanctioned by Texas Educator's Association (TEA) and not be valid for the amount of time determined by TEA.

In other business, the Board approved minutes of the previous meeting, discussed Tier II School Board training, and discussed financial reports and disbursements.

Those present at the meeting include school board Trustees Bobby Almanza, Kay Rankin, Raymond Reyes, Denny Latham and Donna Garcia, Board President Bo Rose and Superintendent Keith Richardson.