Martins Mill Board Calls For $2.5 Million Bond Election

MARTINS MILL—The Martins Mill ISD Trustees approved calling for a $2.5 million bond election during a one-hour regular meeting Monday night.

The bond election, if approved by the district voters, would provide funds for additional educational facilities and renovations of some existing facilities.

In connection with the proposed bond election, the trustees approved the architectural firm of Eubanks, Harris, Roberts and Craig for the building construction.

Superintendent Todd Schneider said the next step will be to decide on the method of delivery, and if the school district will be the agent for construction or if an architect should be hired as an at-risk agent.

"There are pros and cons for each method," Richardson said, "and it really comes down to just how involved in the project the board wants to be."

In other matters during the meeting, the trustees:

—heard that the MMISD got a "Recognized" accountability rating for the past year. Schneider said the district did an outstanding job on the 16 accountability standards, scoring 90 percent or above on 13 and over 80 percent on the other three. The high school earned an "Exemplary" rating while the elementary school was "Recognized."

—heard that girls’ basketball coach Doug Barncastle will be re-assigned part-time as an assistant principal.

—heard that the school district’s FitnessGram results in its first year of being implemented are unknown.

—discussed putting a gate on the entrance to Mustang Park due to 4-wheelers causing damage inside the park.

—decided to investigate hiring a lawn care company by putting out bids.

—heard that Denise Stone had received a TASBO certificate.

—heard that the school board breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. August 22.

—heard that Schneider will hand out retention checks to returning teachers when they report for duty.

—approved the band handbook.

—approved the budget of $4,189,422 for 2008/09.

—approved the new tax rate of $1.14 ($1.04 M&O and $.10 I&S). Board member Carl Phillips made the motion by saying, "This tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will increase taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $0.00." The new tax rate is the same as last year.

—approved employee handbooks.

—approved resolution for expenditure targets.

—approved resolution to designate fund balance.

—approved several transfers after a brief executive session.