Georgetown ISD school updates and renovations at Tippit Middle School will not be ready by the start of the school year, school officials say.
During a regular GISD board of trustee meeting Monday, David Biesheuvel, executive director of facilities and construction for the district, informed the board of ongoing construction projects as part of the 2015 school bond.
Work is still being done at Georgetown High School, East View High School, Richarte High School, Tippit Middle School, Forbes Middle School and Benold Middle School, as well as the new administration building. Most of the work will be completed before the start of the school year, but Tippit Middle School will likely see renovations through October, Biesheuvel said.
“What I want to assure (the board) is that we have worked with the contractor very hard,” Biesheuvel said.
Biesheuvel added the district has set a competition schedule with the contractor and have increased working days from six days a week to seven days a week, as well as extending work hours.
“(The contractors) have a commitment to us that it will be done, and the school(s) will be open and that kids will have total access to all the classrooms,” Biesheuvel said.
GISD Superintendent Fred Brent said three of the district’s major projects started late and is the reason why it is behind schedule. Nonetheless, Brent said falling behind schedule was unacceptable, and he will report back to the board as to why projects will not be completed in time to ensure it does not happen again.
“My regret is that this attention wasn’t placed on our project in their timeliness,” Brent said. “It’s going to be a challenge for us in the district.”
Brent added that as the district leadership discusses the possibility of another bond referendum in the fall, it is important they ensure the community that future projects will not fall behind schedule.
“Our community trusts us with these dollars and these projects, and we’re thankful for that trust,” Brent said. “Being behind schedule like this is not acceptable.”
In November 2015, voters approved the $160.6 million bond package, which would include construction of new district facilities, renovations and improvements to existing facilities, increased safety and security, technology upgrades, and other districtwide improvements, according to the district website.
In other business
Brent also informed the board the board committee for safety and security met for the first time Monday to discuss what the district needs to be doing in terms of school safety and procedures moving forward.
Several schools across the U.S. have faced active-school shooters where dozens of students and teachers were killed or injured. One of the most recent incidents occurred in May at Santa Fe High School, in Santa Fe, Texas, about 35 miles outside of Houston.
The board tasked Brent in May to create the committee, which includes board members, school principals, GISD staff and community officials. The committee was established in June and is charged with reviewing current procedures and their effectiveness while evaluating current best practices.
Brent said the committee began looking into radio systems and different door lock options.
“Bottom line—this meeting was about what are we doing now, what are implementing over the summer and where are the areas we hope to improve,” Brent said.
The 13 members are:
- GISD board member Scott Alarcon
- GISD board President Scott Stribling
- GISD Superintendent Fred Brent
- Assistant Superintendent of Operations and School Leadership Bryan Hallmark
- Executive Director of Facilities and Construction David Biesheuvel
- GISD Director of Guidance and Wellness Jennifer Porter
- Chief Techology and Innovation Officer Lannon Heflin
- Principal Wes Vanicek
- Principal Lindsay Harris
- Principal Meredith Gandy
- Executive Director for Campus Operations and School Leadership Courtney Acosta
- Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero
- Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan
On June 1, the district announced it would be creating single secure entrances at both East View and Georgetown high schools over the summer. Secured entrances serve as a single point of entry for visitors to sign in and provide identification before being granted access to the building, the district said in the announcement.
The contract was awarded to Braun & Butler Construction for $430,000 and is being funded with reserves from the 2015 bond.
Important dates to remember
Aug. 7: GISD Business Fair
Aug. 16: First day of school
Correction: This story has been updated from an earlier version that stated all schools currently being renovated will not be completed by the start of the school year. It is only Tippit Middle School that will still be completing renovations when school begins, according to the district's timeline.
