You may find the original article as published at Wood County Monitor online.
By John Arbter
woodctystringer@gmail.com
The Panther Legacy Vision Team – commissioned by the Alba-Golden School Board to recommend capital improvements – offered the recommendation for construction of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center and a new competition gymnasium. The recommendation was made at the Feb. 5 Board of Trustees meeting.
The team further recommended that a May 2 bond election be approved to secure funding for the $20.6M project. The board said that they will vote on scheduling a bond election at a special meeting to be conducted Monday, Feb 9.
The cost of the CTE center is estimated to be $8.7M, while the gymnasium is estimated at $11.9M. The 19,250 sq. ft. CTE center will include six workshops, classrooms, and a paint booth. The gym will include a regulation floor, two practice courts, four locker rooms and offices and will have a capacity of 1,000.
Four representatives of the 36-member vision team spoke before the board.
“We moved our children into this district because they were encouraged to learn, taught effectively in a safe environment, and respected as individuals,” said Zach Tunnell on the value of Alba-Golden ISD.
He noted how the vision team shared the same objectives for all students in the district.
Greg Wright (AG class of 1988) stressed that the study conducted by the vision team was based on needs, not wants. He stated that the diverse group of the vision team functioned as a family in their deliberations.
Student and vision team member Carly Williams addressed how the new construction project will increase career-focused pathways for future students, as well as present tremendous options for students, staff and the community.
Devon Hawthorn stated, “This is an opportunity to set generations of kids up for success.”
He also noted that the vision team process was structured, yet flexible. The vision team recommendation was the result of five months of meetings, inspections and deliberations.
AGISD Superintendent Shelby Davidson added that the recommendation from the vision team was unanimous among its 36 members.
In other matters, Davidson described the success of a recent benefit to help the Clark family, whose son Nick suffered a stroke in early January.
“The community fish fry raised over $15,000 that night. An anonymous donor matched that amount, so a total of $30,000 was raised for the family. That tells you a lot about our community,” said Davidson.
Earlier in the week, the school passed the hat and students contributed an additional $516.
Davidson described the upcoming vote directed by the state on whether to support Senate Bill 11. Davidson stated that the bill directs schools to designate a place and time for students to pray or read the Bible.
Davidson explained that his interpretation was that this bill unnecessarily limits freedoms already exercised at Alba-Golden schools, and that he recommended the board not support Senate Bill 11. The board will vote on the item at the Feb. 23 regular meeting.
In official action, the board approved Davidson’s evaluation and contract; appointment of Jonathan Morey as an Integrated Pest Manager; and a Memorandum of Understanding with Winona ISD for test data.
The board also voted to reject all proposals received for the refurbishment of the elementary school gym roof. The district will investigate a new silicone lay-over process.
The board publicly recognized Maria Andrade and Sadie Hurt as January students of the month, for elementary and secondary school respectively. Grayson Blalock was belatedly recognized as the December secondary school student of the month.
Recently-retired math teacher Cynthia Weimer and current teacher and coach Nathan Sabo were named as employees of the month.
Upcoming dates of note are the special school board meeting on Feb. 9, Career Day on Feb. 17, the Young Farners auction on Feb. 21, and the regular school board meeting on Feb. 23.
All trustees were present at the Feb. 5 meeting.