Board Briefs: Regular Meeting (Jan. 28)

Spring Break Week Revision for 2013-2014 Calendar Year

Trustees approved a revision to the calendar for the 2013-14 school year to change spring break from March 17-21 to March 10-14, 2014. No other changes to the 2013-14 calendar were made.

Garcia and Pearce Middle Schools Program Design, District 1

Trustees approved the establishment of two single-sex schools in the combined attendance area for Garcia and Pearce middle schools for the 2014-15 school year, with a five-year commitment to the program. Students who live in these attendance areas and do not wish to attend these middle schools will be assigned to Dobie, Lamar, Martin or Webb middle school.

School for Young Men

Trustees approved moving forward with plans to establish a School for Young Men during the 2014-15 school year. The school would start with 230 students in sixth and seventh grades, and add one grade of up to 115 students each year until the school serves students in sixth through 12th grade. If a proposal to renovate the Alternative Learning Center, currently being considered for inclusion in a potential May 2013 bond program, is not approved, the administration will seek other sources of funding and may need to postpone the opening of the school.

2004 and 2008 Bond Program Contingency Funds Use

The Board approved the use of projected contingency funds from the 2004 and 2008 bond programs, which are estimated to total $9.1 million. Approximately $5.1 million in bond program contingency funds will be used for renovation projects at 24 different schools across the district. Repairs include projects related to health and safety and the preservation of existing building systems; improvements to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and roofing, electrical and plumbing work. The board approved the use of approximately $2 million in contingency funds for expenses related to the School for Young Men, including possible relocation costs for the Alternative Learning Center, which is housed at the proposed site for the School for Young Men.