Athens —
CORSICANA — The Corsicana Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to put a $54 million bond proposal before voters May 11.
The bond would provide funding for a new middle school campus, safety and technology upgrades to every campus in the district, extensive renovation at several campuses, and a renovation to the high school baseball field.
The proposal, if approved by voters, will also eliminate the 19 portable buildings now in use across the district.
The board took action Monday after reviewing final plans submitted by Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost Monday night. Trustees had considered several scenarios, including whether to construct a new middle school or intermediate school. They ultimately decided to go with a new middle school campus, to be built on district-owned land adjacent to Tiger Stadium.
Safety and security were main considerations for all the planning by the Facilities Review committee, Frost said. Each campus will be configured with a secured entryway allowing campus administrators to control who has access to student areas. Technology also gets a boost district-wide, along with upgrades and additions to campus libraries as well, Frost said, creating “media centers” at each campus. Some improvements to the high school auditorium’s stage and sound and lighting systems is also included, Frost said Monday.
Corsicana High School will also see a change, with the addition and expansion of the passing hallway, one that today is somewhat crowded during passing periods.
As well, $1.3 million in the bond proposal would go toward improving the district’s administration headquarters, which could include the possibility of selling the existing buildings on North 13th Street and constructing or purchasing a facility that could house all of the district’s administrators, currently spread out over four locations. Plans for the administration facilities and the future use of the Drane Intermediate campus are still being studied, Frost said Monday.
Trustees decided to purchase new band uniforms and instruments and new busses for the district from fund balance, instead of incorporating them in the bond package. The purchase of the uniforms was approved Monday — band instruments and busses will be on the board’s March agenda.
“We are so excited to be able to provide such a positive improvement to our school district,” said Kerri Anderson-Donica, school board president. “Of course, the safety and security of our students and staff is foremost to us. What a blessing to be able to live in a community where every campus can be positively impacted.
“I hope the voters are thankful for the opportunity,” she added.
The cost to taxpayers for the proposal works out to approximately $135.20 annually for a home valued at $100,000 — about $11.27 per month, according to figures provided by the district and confirmed by the district’s financial advisor, Jeff Robert of First Southwest. Robert told trustees that the district could easily handle the additional debt based on First Southwest’s analysis of the proposal, and still have room for future funding needs for the district.
“This still leaves some capacity for the future,” he told trustees.
The measure will appear on the May 11 municipal and school district ballot, along with three positions on the CISD Board of Trustees currently held by Terry Seth, Scott Watkins and the Rev. Ed Monk.
Local News
A monster project
Corsicana trustees call $54 million bond
- Local News
-
-
Don’t let the fire die
Brownsboro Junior High eighth-grader Yasmine Mendez lights one of the candles during Thursday's induction ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society. Mendez and this year's NJHS class helped to officially welcome 36 new members who will be in eighth grade next year.
-
‘Click it or Ticket’
The Athens Police Department is part of a nationwide effort to cut down on traffic injuries and deaths by getting motorists to buckle their seat belts. It’s part of the Click It or Ticket campaign underway through June 2.
-
WWII vets visit Washington, D.C.
Two Athens men who served in World War II are part of a veteran’s visit to the nation’s capital this week.
J.C. Garrett and Doug Tanner join 28 others being escorted by Brookshires Grocery Co. who will tour the WWII Memorial and other sites. The veterans were set to leave Texas on Thursday and return at 9 a.m., Saturday. -
Taking a break, just like you
Henderson County offices will close Friday through Monday for the Memorial Day weekend.
The courthouse and other county locations have traditionally closed on a Friday in May for Fiddlers Day. County employees were given May 24 as a holiday this year in anticipation of the event. The county’s 2013 holiday schedule was already set when the organizers of Fiddlers Day decided to make it a Friday night and Saturday affair on May 31 and June 1. -
Great ability, not debatable
BROWNSBORO — Brownsboro senior Caleb Cade earned a state championship in persuasive speaking at the 2013 UIL State Speech and Debate Meet in Austin on May 22.
-
Wet and wild
A line of severe thunderstorms roared throughout Henderson County on Tuesday afternoon, dropping significant rainfall and taking down trees and power lines.
The storm produced heavy rains in Athens, where the National Weather Service reports 2.16 inches fell. Residents in the county were seeing three or more inches in their rain gauges. -
Strong message
A Henderson County jury delivered a strong message to a 37-year-old Kemp man in the sentencing phase of a child sexual-abuse trial on Tuesday.
The jury, in Judge Mark Calhoon’s 3rd District Court, handed Danny Ray Lusk four life sentences and one 20-year sentence, the maximum jail time on each count. -
Going to ‘WAR’
A program termed “We Are Responsible” was generated this year at South Athens Elementary School by its principal, Eugene Buford.
At first reading, the slogan appears to be for the school’s students. But, after looking at the slogan and noting that the abbreviation is WAR, Buford says the slogan is for educators. -
A need that’s very easy to see
The Greater Athens Lions Club is asking for used eyeglasses, lenses, glass cases and hearing aids for the annual Lions Club White Cane Day this Saturday.
-
Too close to home
It was the kind of moment any parent would dread.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
