WISD trustees move forward with construction
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

The regular monthly meeting of the Whitehouse ISD Board of Trustees began with recognition of the trustees themselves. January is School Board Appreciation Month. Superintendent Dennis Miller shared kind words for the board that plays a key role in the success of the Whitehouse school district.

Miller also praised a former Whitehouse student, Steve Mostyn for his generous donation. Mostyn, who has gone on to be a successful attorney in Houston, again this year, provided a donation of $50 per student for 58 life skills students to spend during a shopping spree.

"Not only were the students treated to the shopping spree, but he also paid for a banquet for the students and their parents," said Doris Pitts, Director of Special Education. "The event was catered by Traditions and held at the Methodist Church."

Mostyn provides the funding for such projects in several school districts in Texas. "This is either the fourth or fifth year here in Whitehouse," said Pitts. "It's just wonderful to see the students who go along to help. They get as much out of it as the life skills students. It's a great opportunity for them all to interact."

Wayne Barton of the firm Squyres, Johnson, Squyres and Company, LLP was on hand to present their findings of the district's financial audit report. Barton said they found no irregularities, no problems with any internal controls and offered praise to the district for how well everything was prepared and presented. The audit report was accepted by the board.

Among the decisions made from reports of the superintendent, there was discussion about whether to include a liquidated damage clause in the contract with the construction manager-at-risk. It was the deci- sion of the board to not include that clause. Their thought was that this would cause less bids to come forth, in turn not giving the district its best opportunity at the best price. Approval was granted authorizing the superintendent of schools to negotiate and finalize construction manage-at-risk contract with sole construction manager-atrisk responding to proposal, Denson Construction Company, Inc.

Approval was also given for the Region VIII ESC resolution and interlocal agreement for commodity processing for the 2007-2008 school year.

As per a request from the prior month's meeting an opportunity to discuss non-academic facility needs was placed on the agenda. This included, but was not limited to athletic facility needs.

Board president Randall Robinson asked that this item be placed on the February agenda again.

"I know that Vince Primo has been doing some work in this area and he was unable to be here tonight," said Robinson. "He'll want to be here for this discussion." The board also asked that the principals make a prioritized list before the next meeting of non-academic needs on their campuses.

At the request of the board, Richard Peacock, Director of Student Services prepared and extensive presentation and explanation of the WISD student expulsion process.

This presentation went into much detail about how the process is set up and how it is carried out by the district as to be consistent with every student and infraction.

Under curriculum matters, approval of a waiver for modified schedule during TAKS testing days was given.

The meeting wrapped up with the premiere of the State of the School report given by Supt. Miller.