From paid leave of employees to discussion of the 2016 bond project, here are a couple highlights from the Pearland ISD board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

1. The school board added two more days of paid leave for staff
Surveys administered by the district showed roughly 8 percent of PISD staff were profoundly affected by Hurricane Harvey, which means retaining several inches of water in a home or a flooded vehicle, Superintendent John Kelly said. But the effects of Harvey were felt by all employees in one way or another, Kelly said. Because of this, the district has granted two additional days of paid leave. These days are in addition to the five days allotted by the state and the five days allotted by the district. The board approved the additional paid leave, 6-0, with trustee Jeff Barry absent.

2. Schematic design for campus security was approved
The improvements for campus security will be paid for through the 2016 bond. Due to safety reasons, the board did not share the security design with the public. “I was very impressed with what they put forth for us for districtwide schematic design,” trustee Lance Botkin said. The board approved the design, 6-0, with trustee Jeff Barry absent.

3. Overall cost of bond projects
The board received a current report of the construction costs for 2016 bond project. So far, the overall project is projected to fall under budget. “This should give the court reassurance that so far we are in good shape. I would also say that I would love to see us continue to be in good shape and come in under budget,” Kelly said. Construction costs are projected to increase 4-7 percent due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. The project's budget is $220 million.