School Plans $335,000 Building
Construction of a large, metal vocational arts building was discussed at length at the GCISD board meeting Oct. 11. Tentatively, the building is planned for the space immediately southeast of the entrance to the high school at a cost of approximately $335,000, without including new equipment, according to Superintendent Steve Long. Long said funds beyond the $150,000 in the new budget allocated for construction will come from the school’s reserves. Equipment from the existing voc-ag building will be used, and will be augmented over a period of several years, according to Long. As planned, the building will be 125 feet by 110 feet and high enough to accommodate 14-foot doors.
Board member Karla Hoelscher voiced concern regarding the planned location of the building, saying it will block any view of the high school, adding that years ago, she also opposed removing the columns in front of the high school.
Alternate Site Said ‘Too Far Away’
Board member Andy Wheeler mentioned the open area behind the “Complex” building and just west of the school’s track as another possible site, which he said offers more room, but some board members and administrators felt that site is too far from the high school for students to make timely changes between classes. Secondary Principal John Petree, however, said it would be possible to alter those change times. Board member Carl Hoelscher said the lot southeast of the school would be convenient for 18-wheelers delivering materials to the building, perhaps as often as weekly.
K. Hoelscher asked whether this building would be useful if the current vocational program ends up like the home economics program – set up and then abandoned. Vocational teacher Rusty Hollingsworth said 80 percent of his students come back each year. He said 42 percent of students in grades 9 – 12 (40 students) are taking at least one of his classes. He said the classes are different than in the past --- not just welding and woodworking.
K. Hoelscher asked what would happen to the vocational program if Hollingsworth leaves. In response, C. Hoelscher said it would be easier to recruit someone else if there is a good facility.
Input on Building, Site Welcome; Drawings Available
Board president Jimmy Eggemeyer appointed a board committee of Doug Schaefer, C. Hoelscher and Wheeler to look at the proposed lot (southeast of the high school) to determine if a building of the proposed size can fit on it. The committee will report to the board at the next meeting, at which time the building will be discussed again.
The board voted to take bids on the building at its November meeting.
Anyone with input regarding the proposed building or its placement should contact school board members prior to the November meeting. Drawings for the proposed building are available to the public in the superintendent’s office.
The board accepted a bid from James Schwartz in the amount of $10,920 (same as last year) for grounds maintenance. The other bid was from Frank Clifton, $11,258
GCISD will partner with Hico ISD for its WADA money this year; an estimated $2.7 million will be sent there.
Pre-K – 6 enrollment is 163; grades 7 – 12 enrollment is 146.