Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Notes

March 4, 2025

The meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee started at 11:40 am on March 4, 2025, by Ryan Kahlden.  Those in attendance were:

• Jason Bang
• Debbie Timmermann
• Stan Parker
• Judd McCutchen
• Rodney Scott
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras
• James Villarreal
• Lee Statham
• Stephen Mott
• David Averett
• Mark Singleton
• Mark Klis Jr.
• Ryan Kahlden
• Donna Kruger
• Jeff Abadie
• Kevin Strength

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Minutes from Previous Meeting

The prior minutes were looked over.  Changes were made to show James Villarreal was absent from the meeting and was accidentally named present.  The meetings were accepted after making the change to attendance by Lee Statham moved to accept the minutes and Stan Parker seconded this at 11:47. The minutes were unanimously accepted.  Kevin Strength arrived at 11:47.

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Updates on Current Projects (Stephen Mott)

Proposition A

• Wilemon STEAM Academy
  • Stephen Mott referred to the slides on the Wilemon project.  Teachers moved in over Christmas break.  The BTC Punch list is complete.  Wilemon STEAM Academy was completed under construction budget of $3,343,951.14.
• Frankie Lou Jett (Elementary #11)
  • Stephen Mott referred to slides regarding Frankie Lou Jett Elementary.  We are still looking for land to build this school.  We need to start construction by the end of Spring 2025 to be on task for opening in Fall 2026.  We are trying to give relief to Simpson Elementary.  We are looking at areas to the North and West.
• Hancock Building (future Coleman Jr. High)
  • Stephen Mott reflected on slides that show Coleman Jr. High (Hancock Building) should be finished on April 30, 2025.  It is currently behind the original completion date due to issues with the steel manufacturing of the storm shelter.  This delay brings no added cost to the district.  This project is running around $650k under budget.
• Finley Jr. High
  • Stephen Mott referred to the slides and showed the new areas of the front office, working on the plumbing under the kitchen and the extra storage area for the cafeteria.  Temporary serving lines have been set up.  The new transformer will be set and powered over Spring Break.
• Howard Jr. High
  • Stephen showed slides on the framing of new rooms and the expansion of the cafeteria that is ongoing.

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Proposition B

• Waxahachie Creek High School
  • Ryan Kahlden stated that the FINAL GMP was approved during the March 3, 2025, board meeting and the construction cost is at $290,000,000.00.  Stephen Mott stated we saved $5M by the district purchasing all A/C units directly.   We have turned the third round of Civil into the city.
  • David Averett stated that we are working with zoning to see who will be attending the new high school.  We are trying to get input from these community members to choose colors and mascots for this school.  This will help with naming roads also.

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Proposition C

• 29 A/C Units have been replaced in the Coleman Building.  Stephen Mott states we are currently under budget on most projects.  75% of the projects should be completed by the end of summer 2025.
• The original Credit Union at T.C. Wilemon campus estimated demolition cost at $75,000.  This building is being renovated to become a shop for Global High School.
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras asked about Dunaway having old lockers removed and being replaced with cubbies.  This is being looked at for summer 2026.

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The next meeting will be June 3, 2025.

Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Notes

December 3, 2024

The meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee started at 11:35 am on December 3, 202,4 by Dr. David Averett.  Those in attendance were:

• Jason Bang
• Debbie Timmermann
• Stan Parker
• Judd McCutchen
• Rodney Scott
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras
• Lee Statham
• James Villarreal
• Kevin Strength
• David Averett
• Mark Singleton
• Mark Klis Jr.
• Ryan Kahlden
• Donna Kruger

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Minutes from Previous Meeting

The prior minutes were looked over.  Stan Parker moved to accept the minutes and Kevin Strength seconded this at 11:38. The minutes were unanimously accepted.

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Updates on Current Projects (Mark Klis, Jr.)

Proposition A

• Frankie Lou Jett (Elementary #11)
  • Mark Klis referred to slides regarding Frankie Lou Jett Elementary.  We are still looking for land to build this school.
• Wilemon STEAM Academy
  • Mark Klis referred to the slides on the Wilemon project.  Wilemon STEAM is currently 1.8 million under budget.  The project is 95%.  The movement of teachers is scheduled for 12-20 and 12-21.
• Hancock Building (future Coleman Jr. High)
  • Mr. Klis says the interior renovation is 100% complete.  The add-on is 60% complete.
• Finley Jr. High
  • Mark states that Finley is 10% complete.  Rodney Scott asked how much longer it would take until upgrades are finished in the kitchen at Finley.  Mark said “all the rest of this school year”.
• Howard Jr. High
  • The work on Howard Jr. High has started, and it is 10% complete and on budget.

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Proposition B

• Waxahachie Creek High School
  • Mark Klis stated we are 95% complete by design plans by VLK.   VLK says it will be 100% complete by design no later than 12-20-24.    It is $3.5 million over budget but should be on budget by GMP day.  Kevin Strength brought up concerns about the road and traffic stacking on the road.
  • David Averett stated that the Agri site for Waxahachie Creek should open in Fall 2027
  • Mark Singleton and Kevin Strength brought up concerns on the road issues around Waxahachie Creek High School and the problems they feel a “Round-About” will cause.

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Financial Information

• Ryan Kahlden reviewed the financial information on each project as presented in the binder.
• Stan Parker asked if bonds were going down?  Ryan Kahlden asked, "Significantly? No."

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The next meeting will be on March 4, 2025.

Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Notes

September 3, 2024

The meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee started at 11:35 am on September 3, 202,4 by Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth.  Those in attendance were:

• Jason Bang
• Debbie Timmermann
• Stan Parker
• Jeff Abadie
• Floyd Bates
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras
• James Villarreal
• Lee Statham
• Kevin Strength            

Also attending:

• Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth
• Ryan Kahlden
• Bob Myers
• Stephen Mott
• Donna Kruger                         

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Minutes from Previous Meeting

The prior minutes were looked over.  Debbie Timmermann moved to accept the minutes as presented and Jason Bang seconded. The minutes were unanimously accepted.

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Updates on Current Projects (Stephen Mott)

Proposition A

• Jimmie Ray Elementary School (Elementary #10)
  • Stephen Mott referred to slides that are in the binder.  Mr. Mott stated that the groundbreaking for Jimmie Ray Elementary was June 20, 2023, and we had students present on August 14, 2024, for the first day of school.
• Frankie Lou Jett (Elementary #11)
  • We are looking for 14 acres to build this school.  It will be a twin to Jimmie Ray Elementary.  It was discussed that land areas should help with the Simpson Elementary and Wedgeworth Elementary crowding issues.  Dr. Hollingsworth stated that Frankielou Jett would likely open in Fall 2026.
• Wilemon STEAM Academy
  • Stephen Mott referred to the slides on the Wilemon project.  Wilemon STEAM is currently under budget.  The project is waiting for Atoms Energy to get gas lines to the school.  Floyd Bates stated the worry about state and county work on Business 287.  Mr. Mott stated that the county was putting a turn lane in front of the county building.  They are using the same company that put in the Wilemon Steam turn lane.  LaToya Bryant Contreras asked if there were any plans for more roads to help with the WHS traffic.  It was stated there were no plans at this time.
• Hancock Building (future Coleman Jr. High)
  • Stephen Mott referred to the slides in the binder on the Hancock Building.  The interior renovation is 98% complete.  The library walls and windows inside the building have been removed to make the library more accessible and inviting for students. The cafeteria was enlarged without pouring any new foundation or adding any roofing to the existing building; just moving the walls out.
• Finley Jr. High
  • Stephen Mott stated the Finley and Howard plans came in over the initial budgeted amounts.  Mr. Mott reminded everyone that Finley and Howard would not be getting the “Storm Shelter” because the square footage of these buildings did not change enough.  Some areas will be enlarged by taking in the front awning of Finley.  However, it is still not enough to add the Storm Shelter.
• Howard Jr. High
  • Stephen Mott referred to the slides in the binder and went over the project.  The work at Howard Jr. High has started.

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Proposition B

• Waxahachie Creek High School
  • Stephen Mott stated we are about 50% complete with design plans by VLK.   TxDOT is in charge of the road in front of the Waxahachie Creek High School while the county and city will be in charge of the Old Italy Road project on the east side of the property.  Currently, TxDOT’s plans for the Spur 394 intersection at Old Italy Road include a roundabout, but they are also considering a traffic light to govern that intersection. There could be drastic changes to the design plans of WCHS if TxDOT puts in a stop light instead of a roundabout.  Dr. Hollingsworth stated that it is still planned to be completed and ready to open in August 2027.

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Proposition C

• Facility Upgrades
  • Jason Bang asked about the timelines for Proposition C. Mr. Mott stated that we are working on designs for updates on fire sprinkler systems for seven elementary schools.  We are still looking at areas that can be tackled during breaks and summer when the students are not in schools.

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Financial Information

• Ryan Kahlden reviewed the financial information on each project as presented in the binder.  Jason Bang asked if saved monies from Jimmie Ray Elementary and Wilemon Steam Academy could be used to finish Finley and Howard.
• Mr. Kahlden stated that money saved from Proposition A can only be spent on Proposition A. Money saved in Proposition B can only be spent on Proposition B and the same with Proposition C.
• The meeting adjourned so that a tour of Jimmie Ray Elementary could start.

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The next meeting will be on December 3, 2024.

Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Notes

February 6, 2024

The meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee started at 11:35am on February 6, 2024 by Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth.  Those in attendance were:

• Lee Statham
• Evelyn Coleman
• Debbie Timmermann
• Jason Bang
• Jeff Abadie
• Stan Parker
• Judd McCutchen
• Floyd Bates
• Mark Singleton
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras
• James Villarreal
• Kevin Strength

Also attending:

• Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth
• Ryan Kahlden
• Nisa Redd
• Stephen Mott
• Bob Myers
• Belinda Woolfolk-Johnson                              

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Minutes from Previous Meeting

The prior minutes were looked over.  Dr. Stan Parker moved to accept the minutes and Mark Singleton seconded this at 11:38. The minutes were unanimously accepted.

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Naming Committee (Jerry Hollingsworth)

Dr. Hollingsworth talked about the naming of the schools.  Elementary #10 is now officially Jimmie Ray Elementary and Elementary #11 is Frankielou Jett Elementary.  The Comprehensive high school #2 is officially Waxahachie Creek High School.

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Updates on Current Projects (Stephen Mott)

Proposition A

• Jimmie Ray Elementary School (Elementary #10)
  • Stephen Mott referred to slides that are in the binder.  He updated the committee on starting the roof.  Exterior walls are up and 95% of interior studs are up.  AC ductwork, sprinkler systems, and electrical equipment have all started.  Area B, Area C, and Area D steel erections are completed.  The Topping Out Ceremony was held on January 17, 2024.
• Wilemon STEAM Academy
  • Mott referred to the slides on the Wilemon project.  Wilemon STEAM is on time and on budget.  All city permits were obtained.  All TxDOT permits were obtained.  The retaining wall is 95% complete.
• Hancock Building (future Coleman Jr. High)
  • Mr. Mott referred to the slides in the binder on the Hancock Building.  All City permits have been obtained.  Work started the week of January 29, 2024.  The storm shelter is the first area to start work on.  All inside renovations are planned to be completed during the summer of 2024.  All work is scheduled to be completed in March 2025.  All workers have been background-checked.  They will wear badges with photo and company names and will rarely be in the current school building during school hours.
• Finley Jr. High
  • Stephen Mott states that we are working with the City now on complying with building codes in different areas of the Finley building.  Plans for this building should be released to BTC in March so they can go out for bidding.  We will continue to work to obtain permits for the building during this same period.  The plan is to start this work in the summer of 2024 and complete work by August 2025.
• Howard Jr. High
  • Mr. Mott referred to the slides in the binder and went over the project.  There have been multiple meetings with Mr. Williams, Dr. Averett, and Dr. Hollingsworth along with VLK to work through the needs of this campus.  It is planned to bring GMP to the School Board in July 2024 with work starting in the fall of 2024.  Work is to be completed by August 2025.

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Proposition B

• Waxahachie Creek High School
  • The project is still in plan development.  Working to get the site layout of the building, parking lots, playing fields, etc.  Will be meeting with the city to discuss this layout, so utilities can be brought on-site.

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Updates on Proposition C

Facility Upgrades

• Clift Elementary School
  • New Playground with shade cover and turf fall protection.  Replacement of shade cover on the current playground.
• Wedgeworth Elementary School
  • New Playground with shade cover and turf fall protection.
• Felty Elementary School
  • New Shade Cover
• Marvin Biomedical Academy
  • New ground fall protection and shade protection.  44 new AC units installed.
• Global High School (current Hancock Building)
  • 39 new AC units installed
• Dunaway Elementary School
  • 17 new AC units installed in closets
• Northside Elementary School
  • Replace all inside wooden doors
• Finley Jr. High School
  • Started end-of-hallway exterior door replacements
• Northside, TC Wilemon Building, and Turner Pre-K/Little Chiefs Academy
  • New roof overlay

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Proposition C

• Cost Analysis
  • We have issued POs for projects and completed so far the Facility Upgrades for the 2023 Bond.
• Budget
  • Total of 13 campuses, this does not include Simpson Elementary or WHS
  • $58,533,229.11
  • 416 line items
• Completed
  • Have paid for the work
  • $6,232,655.81
  • 76 line items
  • 18.27%
• Projected Savings
  • Issued PO for the work to be done
  • $6,727,628.08
  • 30 line items
  • 7.21%
• True Savings at This Time
  • Savings to Budget for what has been completed and paid
  • $6,812,717.44
  • 76 line items

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Financial Information

• Ryan Kahlden reviewed the financial information on each project as presented in the binder.
• The meeting adjourned at 1:08 pm.

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The next meeting will be on May 7, 2024.

Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes

November 7, 2023

The second meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee started at 11:30 am on 11-07-23.  Those in attendance were:

• Lee Statham
• Evelyn Coleman
• Debbie Timmermann
• Jason Bang
• Jeff Abadie
• Rodney Scott
• Stan Parker
• Judd McCutchen
• Mark Singleton
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras

Also attending:

• Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth
• Ryan Kahlden
• Nisa Redd
• Stephen Mott
• Bob Myers
• Donna Kruger

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Minutes from Previous Meeting

The prior minutes were looked over.  Evelyn Coleman moved to accept the minutes and Stan Parker seconded this at 11:38. The minutes were unanimously accepted.

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Naming Committee (Jerry Hollingsworth)

• Dr. Hollingsworth started our meetings by talking about the naming of the schools.  Some members named that are part of the Naming Committee were Ron Appleton, Max Simpson, and Debbie Timmermann.  The committee has met on 4 occasions.  On Monday night, November 13, 2023, at the Board Meeting, names will be given for recommendation on Elementary #10 and Elementary #11.
• Dr. Hollingsworth gave oversight and a hands-on view of the website that shows live feeds of the construction progress on the sites of Elementary #10 and Wilemon STEAM.  Rodney Scott asked if this is found on the WISD website and was assured by Dr. Hollingsworth that it is.
• Dr. Hollingsworth showed views of the gym at Elementary School #10 and told the committee that it is the Storm Shelter for the building.
• Prepping for new lots has commenced around Elementary #10 in the Saddlebrook area.  Also, Dr. Hollingsworth stated that we are in the process of locating the best possible place to serve the district for the building of Elementary #11.
• Dr. Hollingsworth stated that a survey was used to get ideas for the name of Comprehensive High School #2.  They got over 600 responses.  They not only had ideas for names, but they also gave ideas for mascots and colors.  Rodney Scott asked about narrowing these ideas down to 4 or 5.  Dr. Hollingsworth said that the committee was working on getting a great name for this new high school.
• Evelyn Coleman stated that the naming at Monday night's Board Meeting on November 13, 2023, would be for elementary schools only.  Dr. Hollingsworth agreed.  Dr. Hollingsworth says we are working on naming the new high school in January 2024.

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Bond Committee Binder (Ryan Kahlden)

Mr. Kahlden explained the binder and told the members that we would update this binder for every meeting.  It will give a great picture of the work on these bond projects from start to finish.

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Updates on Current Projects (Stephen Mott)

• Elementary #10
  • Stephen Mott referred to slides that are in the binder.  He updated the committee on starting concrete pours at night and the lighting of the work at night.  Lights are turned away from the homes in the area.  Dr. Hollingsworth said that a row of Red Oak trees will be planted between the homes and the elementary school when all is finished.
  • Stephen Mott confirmed the work on the Storm Shelter.  He informed the committee that a Styrofoam form is used in this shelter/gym.  This is placed around the walls and goes up 4 feet.  Concrete is poured inside the Styrofoam and then repeated every 4 feet high.  It is stopped at 15 feet high.  This process strengthens the walls.  They are tested and can withstand winds of 220 miles per hour for 2 hours.
  • They are starting on the steel framing on November 8, 2023.
• Wilemon STEAM
  • Wilemon STEAM will have a pond on the property.  We are using this dirt for leveling the foundation of the school.  Teachers and students are excited to use the pond for school learning.  Stan Parker asked if the pond would be fenced.  There will not be a fence around the pond. However, the playground area will be fenced in.  There is also a 3-foot shelf all around the pond so it won’t just drop off to 14 feet deep.
  • Mr. Mott discussed the flow of traffic to Wilemon.  There are three different entrances to Wilemon and the timing will stagger from the traffic flow for WHS.
• Hancock Building (Future Coleman Jr. High)
  • Mr. Mott referred to the slide on the Hancock Building.  He said that they are adding rooms to the building which will bring it up to the 1200 student capacity.  They are adding a storm shelter.  Mark Singleton asked if these codes were just for educational purposes.  Mr. Mott told the committee there are International Building Codes since 2019 that require Storm Shelters on new buildings or if add footage to older buildings.
• Finley Jr. High
  • Stephen Mott referred to the slide for the renovations at Finley Jr. High.  This building will not have a Storm Shelter added because they are reconstructing areas inside the current building.  No additional capacity will be added.
  • Mr. Mott said that we have saved on some of these projects already.  Jeff Abadie asked about this money and whether was it just going into a “pot”.  Mr. Kahlden stated that we can only use this money on the bond construction and schools that were called for.  They are looking at what is called the Principal Wish List for these schools.  They may be able to add to these campus renovations, but we will not go out chasing projects.
• Howard Jr. High
  • Mr. Mott referred to the slide and went over the projects.  He says that all three junior highs will be 1200 student capacities.

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Updates from Project Manager at Risk (Bob Myers)

• Bob Myers referred to a slide in the binder and explained how he has been overseeing construction on all sites.  Stan Parker asked if Bob Myers is overseeing all other projects.  Mr. Myers stated he and his company are.
• Ryan Kahlden reviewed the financial information on each project as presented in the binders.
• The meeting adjourned at 1:05 pm.

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The next meeting will be on February 6, 2024.

Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes

August 1, 2023

The first meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee started at 11:30 am on September 1, 2023.  Those in attendance were:

• Floyd Bates
• Kevin Strength
• Evelyn Coleman
• Debbie Timmermann
• Jackie Mims
• Jeff Abadie
• Rodney Scott
• Stan Parker
• James Villarreal
• Jason Bang
• Lee Statham
• Judd McCutchin
• LaToya Bryant-Contreras 

Also attending:

• Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth
• Ryan Kahlden
• Nisa Redd
• Stephen Mott
• Bob Myers
• Donna Kruger

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• Long Range Facilities Plan (Jerry Hollingsworth)
  • The Long Range Committee started in Spring 2021, meeting twice that year and six times in 2022.  The 70-member committee spent over 60 hours interviewing and developing WISD Vision and WISD Core Values.  They developed the 17,000+ Student Plan.
• Bond
  • Phase I of the bond passed which includes:
    • Wilemon Steam
    • Elementary #10
    • Elementary #11
    • High School #2
    • Add-ons to Finley, Howard and Coleman junior high campuses when Coleman moves to Hancock Building.
  • Phase 2 will involve another bond voting for 2 more elementary schools and junior high #4.

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Timeline

• Open
  • Elementary #10
    • August 2024
  • Wilemon Steam
    • August to October 2024
    • Groundbreaking is expected around the end of August 2023.
  • Global High School
    • Permanently moving back to the old Wilemon Building
  • Moving 9^th graders 2024 to the old high school for 2 to 3 years until HS #2 is ready to open, hopefully, August 2027.
• The question was asked, “Then what would become of the old high school building?”
  • Dr. Hollingsworth said it has many potentials, one of which is moving the Administration Building over to incorporate TLC, Sped, HR, Business Office, Superintendent, PR, Elementary Curriculum / Secondary Curriculum Assistant Superintendents, Legal, Student and Campus Services, PEIMS, CTE and Fine Arts all in one building.

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Locations

• Wilemon STEAM
  • West of WHS
• Elementary #10
  • in the neighborhood of Saddlebrook on 287 Bypass toward Ennis
• HS #2
  • On 77 South of town
  • A Bypass will be built 1.6 miles to East 287 off Howard Road.

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Bond Planning (Ryan Kahlden)

• Using $200 million now, then using $175-$200 million more.
• Bond funds for Proposition A can only be used for A; Funds for Proposition B can only be used for B; and Funds for Proposition C can only be used for C.
• We have buffers of $435.00 square foot for buildings.
• Our average interest cost on the first 200 million is $4.21%

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Project Manager (Stephen Mott)

• We have started some of the jobs in Proposition C along with Proposition A already.  We have used monies from Fund Balance and as bond money is available, we will pay Fund Balance back.
• District maintenance continues to work regularly on upkeep and updating roofs, floors, air conditioners, etc. but these things are very costly and that volume can’t be handled yearly without bond help.  We will use monies from Proposition C for these items.

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Fund Balance (Ryan Kahlden)

• With the ability to build Fund Balance back up, we will start paying off the principal balance early.
• We will keep 4 to 5 million in I&S for a safety net.
• Jeff Abadie asked, "How do we plan to stay transparent to pay back bonds?"
  • Mr. Kahlden says through board meetings.
    1. Budget Workshop on September 14, 2023
    2. Called meeting for Adopting Budget on September 28, 2023
    3. December Board Meeting.
  • Updates will be discussed at all three meetings.

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Project Manager (Stephen Mott)

• Bond Passed
  • May 2, 2023
• Groundbreaking Elementary #10 on 14 acres (had over 262 bids for work)
  • June 20, 2023
• Work began on Elementary #10
  • June 20, 2023
• Utilities began
  • July 10, 2023

Wilemon STEAM

• Bids Opened for Wilemon Steam work
  • July 3, 2023
• Closed with 222 bidders for Wilemon Steam
  • July 19, 2023
• First pass to Gross Maximum Price for building Wilemon
  • July 25, 2023
• Groundbreaking for Wilemon Steam
  • August 31, 2023

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Proposition C

Finley Floors are 100% complete.

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The next meeting will be on November 7, 2023.