The Cooper ISD Board of Trustees recently renewed the principal and administration contracts during a regular meeting while also approving the “hybrid” calendar for the 2016-17 school year. Cooper ISD Superintendent Denicia Hohenberger said they did a direct email to parents for input and few responses were received but of those most were favorable. She said the staff “overwhelmingly preferred” this calendar as it makes the “best use of new minute requirements.” It was passed unanimously by the Board and is believed it corresponds with Texas A&M University-Commerce’s proposed schedule.
The Board also approved the election notice for May 7, 2016. Early voting will be available in the Central Office of the Administration building for Cooper ISD.
The main topic of the evening was the presentation of the Ag Building Project given by Welton Pickering. He gave a thorough proposal on the plans for the addition to the shop which he would like to include a paint booth and a wet lab (for animal science). He intends on consulting with Pat Erwin, a certified in structural steel buildings and pipes.
“We would like to teach the students how to do it and do it safely,” said Pickering on making this a student-participation project. He said this would also help in the competition angle for his growing number of participants. He plans on incorporating this into the Ag Structures Class. Pickering also has experience in the building as his job following college.
He gave a computer aided design which included the three proposed phases along with detailed estimates. He is prepared to try to have the structure framed-out by the end of school this year, if approved. Phase 1 was estimated at $7,359.20, Phase 2 at $15,490.04 and Phase 3 at $7,900.00 to equal $30,749.25 plus the $16,000 for the paint booth kit. Pickering gave the dimensions of the paint booth and the specifics of the ventilation.
The Trustees were very encouraged with the very ambitious endeavor and the cost was not as big as a factor as meeting specific requirements to comply.
“We just want to keep it in line with other projects and make it esthetically pleasing with the current building,” said Board President Thomas Darden. “It is our responsibility to make sure it will be up to safety standards and etc. We also appreciate the support of the community.”
Pickering said this addition will also make the curb appeal better at the back of the building. The Board agreed to readdress the item at the next meeting set for Tuesday, April 12 (as it will be better after the County Fair which is April 9). In addition Pickering said his students placed at two major stock shows this year.
During the Directors’ reports slideshows were viewed from each of the campuses.
Director of School Operations Doug Wicks received approval for a bid from Paris Air Conditioning for the replacement of the heating and air conditioning units. Of the five bids received this one was believed to be the best “quality product, quality installer at the most reasonable price.”
The Trustees also approved the Head Start grant and T&TA (training and technical assistance) plan with a 6-0 vote. Janet Walker, Head Start Director, said most of this money is applies to salaries.
The budget amendment for the science lab and field house renovation was granted. Before entering closed session at 7:36 p.m. the Board was given information regarding revenue predictions in regards to the smaller graduating class this year.
