BCISD moves bond forward

The Burnet CISD Board of Trustees approved multiple items to advance the 2021 bond projects, including bids received for the high school auditorium upgrades.

The board reviewed several aspects of the bond package at the Monday, Jan. 17 meeting. Actions included:

• The board approved the construction documents for RJ Richey Elementary and Shady Grove Elementary. This will allow the district’s general contractor, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. (S&P) to begin bidding this project and developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP);

• In an effort to control the budget and schedule given the extended lead times for construction materials, the board approved a GMP #1 for Bertram Elementary that includes an early steel package at a cost of $1,072,546. Approval of the second and final GMP for Bertram Elementary will be presented to the board for approval at the Feb. 21 meeting;

• In order to secure pricing and subcontractors ahead of the completed drawings for Burnet Middle School, the board approved an early finishes package for vinyl composition tile flooring, acoustical ceiling tile and grid, and ceramic tile. This will assist in assuring installation can take place given the limited time frame this summer;

• The district advertised a request for proposals for BHS auditorium upgrades that included the following scope of work: BHS theatrical dimming/relay and controls upgrade; LED stage fixtures and followspots; moving lights; sound and other audio/video; stage curtains; and Cyclorama replacement.

The district received a bid for the first three items related to lighting, but no bids were received for the other three aspects of the project. The board approved

The board approved the lighting bid in order for that work to commence immediately. The administration is going to seek out additional vendors to receive pricing for the remaining projects to complete the auditorium renovations;

• The board approved the purchase of weight room equipment from Power Lift for $576,648.84 for the new high school weight room located in the upcoming Student Activity Center and for the existing weight room by the practice field that will be repurposed as the middle school weight room;

• Proposition A includes funds for the purchase of classroom furniture. “Knowing that there

“Knowing that there are more needs across the District than funds available, the District is focusing on addressing the greatest needs first,” Superintendent Keith McBurnett stated in a release.

Based on a current-state assessment performed by a third-party vendor, and a desire to transition away from combo desks (a chair and desk attached together), the board approved the purchase of 1,009 desks and 1,010 chairs to be delivered and installed next school year where combo desks are present.

The board also approved:

• The purchase of a UIL State Championship sign and a FFA State Championship sign.

The UIL State Championship sign will be located at the top of Third Street on the BHS campus and will recognize any UIL-sanctioned state championships. The FFA State Championship sign will be located at the entrance of the Ag Barn and will recognize any FFA-sanctioned state championships;

• The purchase of six new scoreboards. Due to several BHS scoreboards beginning to reach end of life and requiring service on an annual basis, the board approved the purchase of two scoreboards at the BHS Main Gym, two scoreboards at the BHS Auxiliary Gym, a baseball scoreboard and a softball scoreboard all from NEVCO.

New sponsorship agreements have been secured for these scoreboard and proceeds from the sponsorship will help to offset some, but not all of the cost of the scoreboards, McBurnett said. • An order calling the

• An order calling the School Board Election on Saturday, May 7, 2022, and appointment of Doug Ferguson as Early Voting Clerk. Two places will be on the ballot this year: Place 1 – currently held by Earl Foster, and Place 5 – currently held by Andy Feild. These are three-year terms.

McBurnett offered his gratitude to BCISD staff for their work during increased student and staff absences.

“I know that last week and today have been challenging with staff members and students out due to COVID,” he said. “Thank you for your flexibility and efforts to help us keep campuses open. I am hoping that this week we will begin to see a downward trend in new cases.

“One my favorite Martin Luther King quotes is, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?’ As teachers and staff, you can resoundingly answer that question that you are preparing students for their future, and there is simply no greater calling or vocation.

“Thank you for making a difference in Burnet CISD, and in the lives of countless students. I am blessed to work alongside you.”