Georgetown ISD moves May elections to November for two board seats

The Georgetown ISD board of trustees approved moving its May elections to November due to coronavirus concerns during a March 24 meeting.

The trustees voted to move the elections following a March 18 Williamson County Elections announcement that said it is recommending all elections within the county be postponed. The elections department stated that if an entity chooses to continue with a May election, they will have to fund the election themselves.

"We do not have means to have an election [on our own]," GISD Superintendent Fred Brent said. "I never thought this would be a recommendation I would be making to the board, but this is the situation we are in right now."

Brent added that this change means those currently holding the position up for re-election will continue to do so until the November general election, and the person elected to serve in November will have a shorter term. Brent also said even with the extension, the filing period is closed, and no other individuals will be allowed to file.

"I have emailed every candidate, and every candidate whose name is in this election was very gracious and understanding and displayed a ton of patience and appreciation for our work," Brent said.

Two trustee positions—Place 4 and Place 5—were up for re-election in May.

Place 4 incumbent David Phillips is running against Stephanie Blanck and Francis Jackson, and Place 5 incumbent Melanie Dunham is running again Eric Robinson.

The elections were supposed to be held May 2. They will now be held Nov. 3.

In other business:

• The board approved the maximum price for the Georgetown High School walkway for improved safety and security at $1,373,946. David Biesheuvel, GISD executive director of construction and development, said the walkway would be between the GHS main building and the annex building, which also houses Richarte High School. While slightly above the estimated cost, Biesheuvel said savings in other bond projects will cover the cost without going over budget. Biesheuvel added there is a $100,000 contingency, which will be returned to the bond if not used. Voters approved the project as part of the 2018 school bond program.
• The board approved the maximum price for improvements to the Klett Performing Arts Center at $2,840,620. The 22-year-old building will get new audio and light systems and a curtain, among other improvements, Biesheuvel said. While also slightly above the estimated cost, Biesheuvel said savings in other bond projects will cover the cost without going over budget. Biesheuvel added there is a $154,000 contingency, which will be returned to the bond if not used. Voters approved the project as part of the 2018 school bond program.