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A playscape at RJ Richey Elementary is one of the 2021 bond projects that has reached completion at BCISD. Contributed/BCISD -
The Burnet Christmas on the Square on Saturday, Dec. 11 delighted hundreds of visitors, who also enjoyed a parade, bike giveaway and snow day event. Contributed/Martelle Luedecke
Burnet Consolidated Independent School District officials provided the board of trustees with up-to-date information on several pressing issues before the students and staff head off to Christmas break.
At the Dec. 13 meeting, administrators talked about construction related to the 2021 bond package, finances and the latest virus mitigation efforts in the district.
The board approved the construction documents for Bertram Elementary additions.
At the 95 precent review of the construction documents, it is estimated that the project is exceeding the original $8,500,000 construction budget due to significant inflation in materials and labor.
To address the budget concerns, the district’s con struction manager at-risk, Satterfield & Pontikes, is investigating potential alternates and cost-saving measures. Final decisions on any changes or alternates will be made in February when the board will consider approving the “Guaranteed Maximum Price” for the project.
Charlie Goble, director of facilities and operations provided a status report on the other projects being coordi nated by the district currently and projects planned for the summer.
He reported that the swing set at Shady Grove Elementary was scheduled to be completed on Dec. 15; the new playscape at RJ Richey Elementary was completed on Dec. 9; the tennis court parking lot is scheduled to be completed on Dec. 16; and work on the sports fields, including baseball water lines and the press box at the football stadium are advacing in the planning stages.
The board also held a public hearing for the annual financial and compliance report for 2020-21.
The audit was conducted by EideBailly, and the audit firm provided an unmodified opinion on the district’s financial statements which is the highest opinion possible.
Clay Goehring, chief financial officer, provided an overview of the monthly financial reports. In addition, he reviewed the 2022-2023 budget development calendar with the board.
The first budget workshop will be held on March 7.
Rachel Jones, assistant superintendent of curricu lum and instruction, provided an update on issues related to COVID-19, including a discussion of case counts.
Since August, the district has reported fewer than 10 cases in each week with the exception of Oct. 11 through 17. For Dec. 6 through 12, seven cases were reported.
In addition, members of the public were invited to provide comments on the district’s “Return to In-Person Instruction and Continu ity of Services” plan currently posted on the web page.
In other actions:
• BHS Principal Casey Burkhart reported to the board the feedback and rationale behind the decision to transition from a block schedule to a “straight-8” schedule at school for the 2022-23 school year;
• The board approved jazz band as a new high school course offering;
• The board approved providing the superintendent the authority to hire professional personnel for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year and for the upcoming 2022-23 school year through August 31, 2022.
“The district needs the ability to hire candidates quickly due to the low supply and high demand for teachers,” McBurnett explained. “This will allow Burnet CISD to compete with surrounding districts for the most qualified candidates available;” and
• The board approved Lauren Nelson as the assistant principal at RJ Richey Elementary.
Nelson has 16 years of experience in education and has taught fourth grade for three years at RJRES. Previously, she served as a dyslexia specialist, middle school teacher, instructional coach, and fourth grade teacher in Pflugerville ISD.
