On Aug. 15, the GISD board unanimously called for a 2018 bond election that would include the building of a $15.5 million swimming facility.
If passed, GISD will likely partner with the YMCA to help with building costs of “dry areas” as well as operating the facility.
“This idea is of a YMCA-GISD co-design, co-funding center that would expand the use of the center,” said YMCA of Greater Williamson County CEO and President Jeff Andresen, who presented the plan to the board. “It would be a joint facility.”
The YMCA would use the GISD aquatic center during non-ISD use times selling memberships that would, in time, cover the cost of the building, Andresen said.
GISD would design the building to its needs, which typically includes a swimming pool, bleachers, lobby area, locker rooms and possibly diving boards and learning swimming pool. The YMCA would offer a fitness center, a child care area and a gymnasium.
GISD Director of Communications Melinda Brasher said the district is working on sorting out the details with the YMCA before the Nov. 6 election so voters will know the possibilities the GISD-YMCA partnership could offer.
In other business:
Completion of 2015 bond projects
David Biesheuvel, GISD executive director of facilities and construction, updated the board on the progress of the 2015 bond project. Tippit Middle School, which is receiving upgrades, will be completed by mid-October, which includes a demolition of the former kitchen and cafeteria in December. Renovations at the Williams Campus, which will become the new central office for the district, are still underway with floor work currently under construction and furniture arriving in November, Biesheuvel said.
Community bond presentations
GISD has scheduled five community bond presentation to inform voters and answer questions on the 2018 bond election. The meetings will be held:
- Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Pickett Elementary School, cafeteria
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Spanish presentation - Monday, Oct. 8 at Carver Elementary School, cafeteria
6-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct.9 at Benold Middle School, cafeteria
6-7 p.m. - Monday, Oct. 22 at Purl Elementary School, cafeteria
6-7 p.m.
Spanish presentation - Tuesday, Oct. 23 at Ford Elementary School, cafeteria
6-7 p.m.
Targeted improvement plans
The board approved the targeted improvement plans for Mitchell Elementary School along with Forbes and Wagner middle schools. The three campuses were the only schools in the district to receive an Improvement Required accountability rating by the Texas Education Agency, which released scores in August.
The plans include short-term, intermediate and long-term goals of teacher training, observation protocols and regular feedback.
“Any campuses that are deemed to be Improvement Required by the state are also required to do a target improvement plan,” said Melinda Golden, GISD assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. “Our three campus principals have worked with their improvement teams as well as with our district provider and district staff.”
