The Liberty-Eylau Independent School District Board of Trustees board discussed materials Thursday night that showed district voters will save $6.8 million in interest for the two bonds approved in May, among other business.
"When we approved these bonds, voters approved the $20.8 million (two bonds), but because of federal interest rates and the work of Derek (Honea) and RBC (Capital Markets), we were able to keep the interest and sinking rate to 17 cents," said Matt Fry, L-EISD communications director.
"This makes our total tax rate $1.34 instead of $1.37," he explained.
Honea is a representative of RBC Capital Markets, which handles matters related to the issuance and sale of the district's bonds. He addressed the board and noted the savings on the bonds and remained available to answer questions.
"The district's credit rating has not changed," Honea said, which he and trustees said was good news.
At the start of the meeting, trustees noted the absence of well-loved community leader and board trustee Dan Haskins, who died at age 87 the last Sunday in June. Haskins served the Texarkana area as a long-time administrator and educator.
"I know he's watching us from above," said Scott Bergt, board president.
Jeff Wright, director of school support services, gave an overhead presentation noting spring and summer construction and projects, including a new baseball parking lot, some metal roofing and a new football stadium with a new scoreboard. Shiny, white flooring bordered in rich red that was installed a few weeks ago at the middle school was also seen among the photos.
Wright said they have gotten a lot of calls asking about the field turf project, which he said would have drainage pipes installed Monday. The new turf should be lying on rocks in August, he added.
"You can tell they are out there grinding," Wright said, before showing further photos of the new gym flooring.
Fry said that students in welding classes were putting up red metal fencing and doing a fantastic and professional job.
Technology director Jason Brown talked about new projectors that he and his crew are installing at both the middle and high school campuses.
Brown said the crew will also have upgraded phones installed at both campuses, with a wireless upgrade for the high school.
"We have saved the district a lot of money because we did it ourselves," Brown said, adding that the projectors are designed to last an estimated 17.8 years if used six hours every school day.
"With the others, we were having to constantly replace bulbs. Now we use LED bulbs,"
Brown said.
The old projector's bulbs cost the district $300 per bulb to replace, Fry said, so the new projectors are expected to save the district money in the long run.
Emily Childs, who graduated in May, was presented a plaque by Principal Kendrick Smith for winning a state singing competition. Fry said that only two percent of students who qualify for state actually win.
Smith said Childs was involved in varsity choir and band and was active and helpful on campus.
"She was also one of the first students I met when I came here," Smith said, smiling. Childs graciously accepted her plaque before posing for photos with Smith and Assistant Superintendent Lewis Lincoln.
Childs's mother especially wanted a photo of her daughter with Lincoln because he taught her in school before becoming an administrator, Fry said.
"You do have a beautiful voice," said Christina Walker, board member.
Ronnie Thompson, who is serving as the new L-EISD superintendent, went over the district's regular business, which included consideration of second readings for the disciplinary grid and a policy regarding personal telecommunications and electronic devices.
The district agreed to a second reading for both.
Fry said the disciplinary grid is a new way in which the district might streamline disciplinary actions for offenses committed by students.
"I appreciate all the hard work that has went in to putting this together," Thompson said.
In other business, Thompson asked the board to hire Buford Thomas as the district's construction manager at risk for the projects on campus, and trustees agreed.
Fry said Thomas was chosen based on his skill and quality of work.
"They chose the company that we felt provided the best value, balancing quality of work, reputation and price," Fry said.
The board also agreed to keep its legal agreement with Powell and Leon LLP, a firm trustees said has been very helpful to the district in meeting legal needs.
Fry said the school board has 180 days to fill Haskins' spot on the board, either by special election or appointment.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the same requirements as an elected board member, which means they will have to have lived in the district for at least six months.
"(Applicants) can submit letters of interest addressed to the board at 2901 Leopard Drive," Fry said.
"They would serve this term, until (next) May, at which point, if they want to, they can run for that spot for a two-year term," he added.
All letters of interest sent must be postmarked by July 29 to be considered for the position.