By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Speciailst
The Athens ISD Board of Trustees awarded contracts during its regular monthly meeting this week to begin work on the Bruce Field improvements, which will include a new field house, public bathrooms, concession stand and a parking lot on the south side of the stadium. The Bruce Field contracts addressed three components: excavation, which was awarded to Holbrook Company out of Grand Prairie for $621,489; site utilities, which was awarded to Crockett Construction of Crockett, Texas, for $580,000; and concrete, which was awarded to Miller Sierra Contractors out of Euless for $2,126,878.
The school district received competitive sealed proposals on June 14. The district awards contracts to businesses offering the best value based on selection criteria which includes, among other considerations, purchase price, ability of vendor to provide adequate manpower and resources, reputation, quality of past work, and long-term cost to the district.
Trustees also approved the Local Maintenance Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Child Nutrition Fund budgets for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, which begins July 1. The Maintenance Fund budget was approved at $25,520,980, the Debt Service Fund at $5,036,459, and the Child Nutrition Fund at $1,844,389.
The board approved proposed budget amendments for the 2015-2016 fiscal year and related funds transfer of $430,000 from Maintenance and Operations Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. Athens ISD reviews its revenue and expenditure budget categories and amounts routinely. The uses for the funds transferred may include purchase of an additional school bus and other facilities matters that will be presented in the near future.
The board also approved a small increase to school meal prices for the coming school year. Under the approved change, the price of a paid lunch for elementary and secondary students will increase 5 cents, bringing the totals to $2.60 for elementary lunches and $2.85 for secondary lunches. Adjusting the prices complies with the U.S. and Texas departments of agriculture regulations.
Just like every other school, spend millions on the stupid football field. When will we wake up. Kids graduating that can’t spell their name but they could sure play ball.