Tag: School Board

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Athens ISD took another step forward last week with its $4.3 million $4.7 million improvement and expansion plan.

Thursday, the board accepted a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $4,351,571 for projects at Athens Intermediate School and Athens High School. The district has contracted with HGR General Contractors out of Tyler for the work on both campuses. With the GMP in place, the contractor is responsible for any cost overruns. Additionally, any savings resulting from coming in under budget will be returned to the school district.

The project total for the district is estimated at $4,766,276. This amount is the sum of the GMP, plus $348,126 in architect and engineerings costs, plus other direct costs to the district (such as survey work, possible asbestos abatement, and equipment or furniture purchases). It’s so important to bring in a Gresham asbestos testing service, or a service closer to you, to make sure that no one will suffer any tumors which might impact your breathing for example. The effects of asbestos can be damaging, so it’s especially important that Athens Intermediate and High School get it checked out before starting any work. Continue reading “AISD Sets Maximum Price on $4.7 Million Improvement Project”

Note: This is the final installment in a series by Athens ISD profiling the seven members of the Board of Trustees.

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Athens ISD School Board member Ginger Kirk has a heart for people in need, which is evident in the choices she has made.

Kirk grew up in Athens and graduated from Athens High School on a Friday night in 1972. By Sunday afternoon, she was at Texas Women’s University ready to go to work toward earning a degree in nursing.

“My friends made fun of me for choosing to go to an all-girl school. So I thought I’d go to TWU in the summer just to see if I liked it,” said Kirk. “I absolutely fell in love with it.” Continue reading “Kirk Has a Desire to Serve Those in Need”

Note: This is the fourth in a series by Athens ISD profiling the seven members of the Board of Trustees.

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Serving as the vice president of the Athens ISD board of trustees isn’t about politics for Steve McElhany. It’s about answering what he describes as a calling in his life — and continuing a family tradition in education.

McElhany’s grandfather was one of the first agriculture teachers at Henderson County Junior College (now TVCC). His two great-aunts, Lucy and Florence McElhany, both taught at West Athens Elementary school, which is now the home of the District Support Center. His great-uncle, Mastin Stover, was the principal at West Athens. And Stover’s wife, Carolyn Stover, was a longtime government teacher at Athens High School.

“She was a pistol,” said McElhany, who had his great-aunt in class before he graduated in 1975. “She had a passion for history and government, and she lit that in me.” Continue reading “McElhany’s Roots Run Deep in Education”

Note: This is the first story in a series from Athens ISD profiling the seven members of the Board of Trustees.

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

It’s quite possible Rob Risko has never met a stranger. Gregarious even as a youngster, Risko fittingly makes his living as a professor of history. And as president of the Athens ISD Board of Trustees, he handles procedural matters with polished aplomb.

Risko graduated from Athens High School in 1989 with a full football scholarship from Southern Methodist University to play on their offensive line. After graduating from SMU, he earned his master’s degree in history and political science from UT Tyler. His first job in education was at Brownsboro ISD, where he taught all the social sciences during his tenure — history, government, geography, economics — to students ranging from seventh graders to seniors. Then, in 2001, Risko was hired as a history professor by Trinity Valley Community College, where he happily remains. Continue reading “School Board President Risko Finds Service ‘Gratifying’”