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2004 Bond
Task Force Meeting Minutes
December 18, 2003, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: John Muns, co-chairman, Brad Shanklin,
co-chairman, Nancy Roberts, Michael Stanton, Ken
Kroviak, Terri Gibson, Nathan Barbera,
Steve Raish, Don
Riley, Karen McDonald, Maria Marquez, and John Bock. Staff members present
included Dr. Doug Otto, Danny Modisette, Richard Matkin, Jim Hirsch, Marilyn
Brooks, Sandra Meridith, Jeff Bailey, Bruce Larson, Tom Salmon, and Carole
Greisdorf.
The inaugural meeting of the Plano ISD 2004 Facilities and Technology Task
Force was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by co-chairman, John Muns, who welcomed
the members and discussed the objectives of the committee and the philosophy
of renovations. He then introduced Board of Trustees President, Mary Beth King,
who also welcomed the group and conveyed the Board’s appreciation for
the time and effort the members would spend. She said that the Board values
the recommendations that will come from the task force.
After introductions, Dr. Doug Otto reviewed the charge to the task force and
discussed the District’s philosophy of bond elections and the importance
of having a citizens’ group involved in the bond process. He also reviewed
the District’s commitment to maintenance of facilities so that wherever
students attend school in PISD they will find up-to-date facilities. Dr. Otto
also talked about the fact that bond funds are not subject to recapture.
Richard Matkin, Associate Superintendent for Business Services, reviewed past
bond elections and the current status of the bond program. Jim Hirsch, Associate
Superintendent for Technology, discussed with the task force the technology
aspects of the past bond programs and where on the Web site information about
past bond programs could be found.
Co-chairman, Brad Shanklin, led a discussion about future meeting dates. The
task force set the following dates for future meetings: January 14, February
4, February 18, March 3, March 17, and April 7 with the goal of having a report
ready to go to the Board of Trustees at the second Board meeting in April.
The committee will meet at 6 p.m. at the PISD administration building. Topics
to be discussed include demographic projections as related to the need for
new facilities, renovations and systems compliance, technology, election process
and funding options.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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January 14, 2004, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: John Muns, Co-Chairman, Brad Shanklin, Co-Chairman, Nathan Barbera,
Terri Gibson, Maria Marquez, Bruce McCullough, Karen McDonald, Frank Pollacia,
Steve Raish, Jim Richardson, Don Riley, Mike Stanton, and Betty Wright. Staff
members present included Dr. Doug Otto, Danny Modisette, Jim Hirsch, Richard
Matkin, Marilyn Brooks, Jeff Bailey, Sandra Meridith, Tom Salmon, Dan Armstrong,
David Dooley, Rich Butler, Mary Hewett, Tom Kimbrough, Lecia Medlock, Bruce
Larson, Robert Sands, David Moss, and Lynn Swanson.
The meeting of the Plano ISD 2004 Facilities and Technology Task Force was
called to order at 6:20 p.m. by co-chairman, Brad Shanklin, who welcomed the
members and voiced his appreciation for their commitment to the task force.
The meeting was held at Thomas Elementary School to enable the task force the
opportunity to tour a renovated campus. Thomas Elementary School underwent
a renovation completed in August 2002.
Task force members’ self introduction was followed by Brad Shanklin’s
brief review of the task force charge regarding specific areas to be examined
in the task force’s study and their task to analyze data and recommend
priorities that will meet the District’s needs through 2008. Brad explained
that the campus renovation process is on a 20-year cycle and that the task
force would consider campuses using that criterion.
Jim Hirsch, associate superintendent for technology, spoke briefly regarding
the technology overview to be presented that evening. He explained his goal
was to provide a “base knowledge” of technology’s vision
and planning process to identify and obtain technology resources. Jim noted
that the PISD technology program is “well thought-out” and has
a history of community support with specific technology dollars. Jim introduced
his technology leadership team consisting of Mary Hewett, director of instructional
technology; Dan Armstrong, director of technical support services; Lecia Medlock,
director of information management systems and David Dooley, director of telecommunications
and special projects. Each gave an overview of their respective areas. David
Dooley stressed the importance of teamwork between facility services and technology.
He explained that it is critical to anticipate how technology will affect the
building process.
Jim Hirsch summarized three decisions involving technology that have shaped
the future of PISD:
PISD’s realization that our teaching and learning program drives the
technology needs of the District. Any network we build that can support our
instructional uses can also support our business needs.
PISD’s determination that a strategic direction for the technology division
is to outsource services that are not part of our core mission. This has allowed
us to control costs and increase support via the service level agreements.
PISD’s plan to work with the community to pass the 1999 technology bond,
which provided for our private fiber optic network. This has allowed us to
control costs and increase capacities so there are few limits to the resources
we can provide to our classrooms and offices.
Robert Sands, executive director of facility services, presented an overview
of the Thomas Elementary School renovation. Robert outlined the key elements
to address during the renovation process are safety, accessibility, compliance,
sustainability and perception. Dr. Otto followed-up by explaining that campuses
are constructed and renovated with “the best thinking of that current
time”. He explained that the process is based on current educational
trends regarding the best way to deliver instruction.
Co-chair, Brad Shanklin, reviewed the outline of future meetings as set by
the task force at the December 18, 2003, meeting. The next meeting of the 2004
Facilities and Technology Task Force is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4,
6:00 p.m., at the PISD Administration Building.
Richard Matkin, associate superintendent of business services, provided the
task force with background information for the upcoming meeting. Handouts included
the current debt service schedule, a comparison of the operating budget for
the years 1998-99 vs. 2003-04, and historical enrollment data including next
year’s projections.
The task force was then encouraged to join Lynn Swanson, principal of Thomas
Elementary School, for a tour of the Thomas Elementary School campus.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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February 4, 2004, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: John Muns, Co-Chairman, Nathan Barbera, John Bock, Terri Gibson,
Elise Gold, Ken Kroviak, Maria Marquez, Bruce McCullough, Karen McDonald, Steve
Raish, Jim Richardson, Don Riley, Nancy Roberts, Mike Stanton, and Betty Wright.
Staff members present included Danny Modisette, Carole Greisdorf, Richard Matkin,
Jeff Bailey, Tom Salmon, Rich Butler, Tom Kimbrough, Bruce Larson, and Linda
Madon. In attendance from First Southwest Company were David Medanich and Dan
Roseveare.
Co-Chairman John Muns, who welcomed the members, called the meeting of the
Plano ISD 2004 Facilities and Technology Task Force to order at 6:12 p.m. John
indicated that the task force would review PISD’s situation regarding
recapture and the use of bond funds for our current situation. John informed
the task force that there would be a synopsis of bonds by David Medanich, First
Southwest Company, and Richard Matkin, Plano ISD, would review current and
future demographic data.
Linda Madon, executive director of financial services, presented a financial
overview of the District. Key points from Ms. Madon’s presentation were:
- The District has reached the maximum tax capacity allowed under current
school finance formula for the Maintenance & Operating tax rate.
- All
Maintenance & Operating tax dollars are subject to recapture.
Recapture payments continue to increase annually, thereby, causing the
M&O
tax rate dedicated to operating the District to decrease.
- Capital improvements
to facilities, in technology and the purchase of major equipment items,
must be funded through the Debt Service side of
the tax rate.
- David Medanich, the District’s financial advisor,
provided background on capital financing in public schools. David
also demonstrated three levels
of funding and their impact on the tax rate. Dan Roseveare, First
Southwest Company, explained that these scenarios were for bonds sold/issued
over a four-year period. Key points from Mr. Medanich’s presentation
were:
- The District has a strong underlying bond rating from both
Moody’s and
Standard & Poor bond rating agencies.
- A strict adherence to
the bond election calendar must be followed. The first possible
date for a bond election would be May 15, 2004.
- The size of the
bond program directly impacts the tax rate increase and impact to local
homeowners’ property
taxes.
Richard Matkin, associate superintendent for business services, presented
demographic information highlighting historical data on student
enrollment and number of
PISD campuses. Key points from Mr. Matkin’s presentation
were:
- The west side of the District is almost built out, while the east side
of the District is growing rapidly.
- Elementary schools that are projected
to have enrollment issues by 2008-09
are Boggess, Hickey, Memorial, Miller, Skaggs, Stinson, and
Wyatt. The elementary relief schools passed in the 2003 Bond election will
provide
relief for several
of these campuses, along with boundary adjustments to be made
in Fall, 2004. Additions could be a possibility at Miller and Memorial.
Current middle schools
and high schools are able to absorb the growth through 2009.
As a result of demographics and growth in the District, a consensus
was reached that PISD does not need additional campuses in
this bond election.
John Muns reiterated that dollars to the General Operating
Fund are subject to recapture and it is important that capital
items be shifted to bond programs
which are not subject to recapture.
Co-Chairman John Muns, concluded by acknowledging there was much more information
to absorb and decipher prior to the task force’s recommendation to the
Board of Trustees in April, 2004.
The task force was encouraged to correspond directly with Denise Gillespie,
Richard Matkin’s assistant, regarding any questions or concerns they
may have.
The next meeting of the 2004 Facilities and Technology Task Force is scheduled
for Wednesday, February 18, 6:00 p.m., at the PISD Administration Building.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Top
February 18, 2004, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: Brad Shanklin, co-chairman, John Muns, co-chairman, Nathan Barbera,
Ken Kroviak, Bruce McCullough, Karen McDonald, Maria Marquez, Frank Pollacia,
Steve Raish, Don Riley, Nancy Roberts, Mike Stanton, and Betty Wright. Staff
members present included Danny Modisette, Marilyn Brooks, Jim Hirsch, Richard
Matkin, Jeff Bailey, Sandra Meridith, Tom Salmon, Rich Butler, Linda Flack,
Andrew Forrester, Judy Haven, Tom Kimbrough, Kathy Kuddes, Bruce Larson, Cynthia
Lee, David Moss, Larry Tucker, Robert Sands, Melinda Smith, and Jim Wussow.
The Plano ISD 2004 Facilities and Technology Task Force met on Wednesday night,
February 18, 2004, at the PISD administration building. The meeting was called
to order at 6:07 p.m. In his opening remarks, Co-Chairman Brad Shanklin outlined
the agenda for the evening. Marilyn Brooks, associate superintendent for curriculum
and instruction, gave an overview of PISD’s education programs and introduced
the curriculum leadership team.
Linda Flack, secondary science coordinator, presented the Secondary Science
Program needs for updated safety equipment for personal student use as well
as the classroom. Chemical storage and preparation areas must be updated to
meet the requirements for safe storage and handling of chemicals. Students
must also have the opportunity to experience labs, as required by the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills, in lab rooms that enhance learning in a safe
environment for both students and teachers. Space for safety and an adequate
number of labs is critical to this goal. A list of targeted campuses for improvements
to include labs that will be fully renovated, labs added as a result of space
issues and labs in the 20-year program were provided to the task force.
Larry Tucker, executive director of special academic services, presented a
list of fine arts needs due to space constraints, changes in technology used
to deliver visual art instruction and growth of the program. Bond funds are
needed for equipment replacement and uniforms for the fine arts program. A
list of capital equipment totaling $1.36 M for a four-year period is included
due to the advantage of funding these items through dollars not subject to
recapture.
Judy Haven, director of special education services, presented the challenges
of special education due to growth, type of behavior problems and the need
of a functional/life skill curriculum. There are 6,100 students receiving special
education services. The District is attempting to centralize special education
classrooms to help with reducing operations cost. The needs include:
Elementary – 9 centralized classrooms (3 per cluster)
Middle School – 4 to 5 centralized classrooms
High School – 3 to 4 centralized classrooms
Senior High – 4 to 5 centralized classrooms
Melinda Smith, coordinator for health and physical education, presented challenges
for the physical education program and the advantage of expanding the current
curriculum to include traverse-climbing walls. Details were provided regarding
Project R.O.C.K. (Reaching Outstanding Children Kinesthetically). It is believed
that Project R.O.C.K. can be instrumental in helping combat the alarming trends
developing in childhood fitness. The physical education leadership team recommends
placing climbing walls in all elementary schools and all middle schools.
Richard Butler, director of auxiliary services, provided an overview of the
auxiliary services organization and introduced areas of immediate need in transportation
and Foods and Nutritional Services (FANS).
Cynthia Lee, director of food and nutritional services, presented the challenges
of FANS to include compliance, space and obsolete equipment. To enable elementary
school students to have a different eating environment than the classroom,
cafeteria additions are needed at Brinker, Carlisle, Daffron, Hedgecoxe, Huffman,
and Mathews elementary schools. Cafeteria additions will be included in the
scheduled 20-year renovation at Carlisle, Huffman and Mathews elementary schools.
Andrew Forrester, transportation director, presented the needs of transportation
due to safety, compliance and maintenance cost. Technology needs include cameras
on each route bus, a routing system and a desktop calling system. A bus lift
and electric overhead doors are needed to meet safety and compliance needs.
Replacement of the transportation bus lot with the correct materials and reinforcement
will alleviate repair costs and ensure a safe walk and drive in our lot.
Committing to an industry standard 15-year replacement schedule ensures PISD
students are transported in buses with continually improved safety features.
The plan will also enhance the reliability of our fleet and reduce parts inventory
requirements. The 15-year replacement schedule calls for the following:
Replacement # Growth # Cost
2005 13 3 $1,312,000
2006 14 2 $1,377,600
2007 13 3 $1,466,480
Bruce Larson, bond program director, provided an overview of the bond planning
process, including the definitions and considerations included in the work.
The bond budget includes construction and all related support costs and fees.
Mr. Larson demonstrated the Bond Workbook tool for calculating and keeping
track of bond cost. The demonstration showed the interactive planning features
of this tool, how it allows for deliberate decisions on scope and content,
and how it can be used to show the results of those decisions on the program
costs and the bond totals. The Bond Workbook considers enrollment, campus overview
and inflation factor.
The next Facilities and Technology Task Force meeting will be held Wednesday,
March 3, at Carlisle Elementary School, to allow the task force to tour an
unrenovated school.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Top
March 3, 2004, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: John Muns, co-chairman, Nathan Barbera, John Bock, Terri Gibson,
Elise Gold, Ken Kroviak, Bruce McCullough, Karen McDonald, Frank Pollacia,
Steve Raish, Jim Richardson, Don Riley, and Mike Stanton. Staff members present
included Doug Otto, Danny Modisette, Marilyn Brooks, Carole Greisdorf, Richard
Matkin, Jeff Bailey, Tom Salmon, Rich Butler, Tom Kimbrough, Saul Laredo, Bruce
Larson, and David Moss
Co-chairman John Muns called the meeting of the Plano ISD 2004 Facilities
and Technology Task Force to order at 6:10 p.m. The meeting was held at Carlisle
Elementary School to enable the task force the opportunity to tour an unrenovated
campus. Mr. Muns explained that Carlisle Elementary School was originally constructed
over 20 years ago and is scheduled for renovation under the 20-year renovation
cycle.
Mark Hinshaw, director of security police services, presented an overview
of security needs falling under the umbrella of technology. Mr. Hinshaw detailed
needs to include obsolete equipment upgrades, the addition of new technology
tools to aid in the detection of narcotics, explosives and weapons, wiring
replacement for aging burglar systems and contractors for installation. The
list of needs for security is still under review and will be presented with
the technology budget requests at the next meeting on March 17.
Co-chairman John Muns introduced Saul Laredo, principal of Carlisle Elementary
School. Mr. Laredo stated that Carlisle Elementary School was 20 years old
and remained aesthetically pleasing in spite of the fact that the facility
had originally been an “open concept school” and had undergone
many changes to accommodate growth through the years. Mr. Laredo explained
that Carlisle’s “multi-function area” accommodated the many
needs of students, staff and the Carlisle community. Dr. Otto emphasized the
need for Carlisle to have a cafeteria. He indicated that this bond would ensure
that six campuses would add a cafeteria (three as part of the 20-year renovation
cycle and three as additions). The task force divided into two groups and toured
the Carlisle facility.
Co-chairman John Muns announced that the second half of the agenda was a presentation
of construction needs. Mr. Muns explained that the total amount of facility
renovations, additions and systems and compliance requests had been cut in
excess of $50 million. Bruce Larson, bond program director, provided an overview
of the targeted projects. These included:
- $109.2 M – Nine, 20-year renovations (Sigler ES, Meadows ES, Aldridge
ES, Clark HS, Carlisle ES, Huffman ES, Mathews ES, Hendrick MS and Davis
ES)
- $32.9 M – Seven Additions (Jasper HS, Miller ES, Shepton HS, Memorial
ES, Williams HS, Bowman MS and Holifield OLC)
- $6.4 M – Three Cafeteria
Additions (Brinker ES, Hedgcoxe ES and Daffron ES)
- $26.9 M – Unique
Projects (14 areas of improvement)
- $46.9 M – Systems & Compliance
Issues (33 campus and administrative sites)
Total - $222.3 M
Dr. Otto concluded by stating that task force members should feel comfortable
with the fact that the District has a reliable process and accurate tools
to determine the requirements to bring schools “up-to-speed”. Dr.
Otto emphasized that bringing schools “up-to-speed” is imperative
for neighborhoods to remain viable and communities to have pride in their schools.
Co-chairman John Muns added that the Bond Program is the only means for the
District to maintain its facilities, as there is no capacity to use M&O
funds any longer.
Co-chairman John Muns informed the task force that a public hearing regarding
the task force’s findings would be scheduled for sometime late
in March or early April. Mr. Muns concluded by urging task force members
to
contact
Dr. Otto, Danny Modisette, or Richard Matkin regarding further understanding
and rationale of how all requests for bond funding had come to fruition.
Mr. Muns stated that Richard Matkin would email all task force members
a detailed
scope of work for the nine campuses that are scheduled as 20-year renovation
projects (see attachment).
The next meeting of the Facilities and Technology Task Force will be held
Wednesday, March 17, at the PISD Administration Building.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Top
March 17, 2004, Meeting Minutes
PISD Administration Building – Room 311
Attendance: John Muns, co-chairman, Brad Shanklin, co-chairman, Nathan Barbera,
John Bock, Terri Gibson, Elise Gold, Ken Kroviak, Bruce McCullough, Karen McDonald,
Maria Marquez, Frank Pollacia, Steve Raish, Jim Richardson, Don Riley, Nancy
Roberts, Mike Stanton, and Betty Wright. Staff members present included Jim
Hirsch, Richard Matkin, Dan Armstrong, Rich Butler, Jayne Cantwell, David Dooley,
Mary Hewett, Tom Kimbrough, Bruce Larson, Nancy Long, Lecia Medlock, David
Moss, and Jim Wussow.
Co-chairman John Muns called the meeting of the Plano ISD 2004 Facilities
and Technology Task Force to order at 6:15 p.m. Mr. Muns introduced Jim Hirsch,
associate superintendent for technology. Mr. Hirsch presented recommendations
for educational technology needs. These recommendations involved direct input
from 550 staff members participating in 144 individual meetings representing
1,878 hours of time. Additionally, recommendations made as part of the District’s
2003-06 Technology Plan were considered. The Technology Steering Committee,
consisting of principals, teachers, and support staff representing all divisions
of the District, reviewed the group of initial recommendations and prepared
the final document as presented and approved by the Superintendent’s
Cabinet prior to this task force receiving it.
Mr. Hirsch provided background information to the task force as to the classroom
environments our students currently learn and our staff currently teaches within.
An overview of community support for technology via bond elections since 1996
was shared along with the history of the Board of Trustee’s decision
to use bond funds as a strategy for technology purchases since 1999. Survey
information provided by secondary students throughout our district demonstrated
their level of technology use and expectations for access while learning in
our classrooms.
The technology recommendations given for consideration include:
Replacement program $30,812,998
Classroom technology initiatives
District-wide $10,360,846
Curriculum-specific $7,136,512
Central/auxiliary services technology initiatives $3,477,000
Total recommendation $51,787,356
Detail on the recommendations for each of these areas was provided to the
task force.
Six items that were part of the technology input process were moved to a separate
component of bond recommendations titled Capital Improvement and Equipment
as their expected useful life more closely matches items in that section. These
included:
Library book collections $3,500,000
Musical instruments $1,400,000
Elementary PE climbing walls $313,000
Science equipment $1,272,997
Security $2,967,650
Bus cameras $382,000
Co-chairman John Muns introduced Richard Matkin, associate superintendent
of business services. Mr. Matkin summarized all 2004 Bond Program recommendations
per the attached Executive Summary. All recommendations have been discussed
at previous meetings, with the exception of athletic lights.
It was noted by the committee that all schools in the previous UIL District
and future UIL District have athletic lights at baseball and softball fields.
Jim Richardson clarified the cost to be included in the Executive Summary would
be for both girls softball and boys baseball fields at Senior High campuses.
Co-chairman John Muns reminded the task force that their recommendations will
go to the Plano ISD Board of Trustees on April 20. He explained that the Board
would review all detailed information provided, prior to determining if a bond
election will be held.
The next meeting of the Facilities and Technology Task Force will be held
Wednesday, March 31, 6:00 p.m., at Sockwell Center. A public hearing will follow
at 7:00 p.m. Possible options for advertising the upcoming public hearing were
discussed. The administration assured the task force that the public would
be given timely notice of the upcoming public hearing.
The task force will hold their final meeting on April 7, 2004, 6:00 p.m.,
at the Plano ISD Administration Building.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Top
March 31, 2004, Meeting Minutes
Task Force Meeting and Public Hearing
Sockwell Center for Professional Development
Attendance: John Muns, co-chairman, Brad Shanklin, co-chairman, Nathan Barbera,
John Bock, Terri Gibson, Elise Gold, Bruce McCullough, Karen McDonald, Maria
Marquez, Frank Pollacia, Steve Raish, Jim Richardson, Don Riley, Nancy Roberts,
Mike Stanton, and Betty Wright. Staff members present included Doug Otto, Danny
Modisette, Carole Greisdorf, Jim Hirsch, Richard Matkin, Jeff Bailey, Marilyn
Brooks, Sandra Meridith, Tom Salmon, Rich Butler, Tom Kimbrough, Bruce Larson,
and David Moss,
Co-chairman John Muns called the meeting of the Plano ISD 2004 Facilities
and Technology Task Force to order at 6:15 p.m. Mr. Muns explained that the
Task Force’s goal for the public hearing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. would
be to gain input from public comments, endorsements and complaints, if needed.
A consensus of the Task Force’s findings would be presented to the PISD
Board of Trustees for approval on April 20. Mr. Muns indicated that the Task
Force would deliver their recommendation to the Board as one package, not separating-out
specific issues.
The public hearing for the proposed 2004 Facilities and Technology Bond Program
began promptly at 7:00 p.m. The mixed audience of parents, educators and interested
community members totaled sixty-five. Co-chairman Brad Shanklin introduced
the 2004 Bond Task Force members and informed the audience that the Task Force
had been meeting since December 17, 2003. Mr. Shanklin presented an overview
of recommendations relating to facilities and co-chairman John Muns presented
an overview of technology recommendations. The audience was provided with an “Executive
Summary” handout of the proposed Bond Program.
Speakers addressing the Task Force were:
Matt Harrison, parent and PESH Band Booster – Spoke in favor of a PESH
band hall expansion.
Jon Davies, parent and PESH music program volunteer – Spoke in favor
of renovated music facilities at PESH.
Jerry Thomas, PESH band director – Spoke in favor of a new facility
for the PESH band and provided Task Force members with a handout outlining
his proposal for a new band facility.
Debbie Pomponio, parent and PESH Band Booster – Spoke in favor of a
renovation and expansion of music facilities at PESH.
Janice Kummer, PESH orchestra parent – Spoke in favor of expanded space
for the PESH orchestra.
Becky Richards, PESH parent – Spoke in favor of expanded space for the
PESH band and in favor of lights for PISD athletic fields.
Shelby Chesnut, PESH band parent – Spoke in favor of improving the Fine
Arts facilities at PESH.
Carl Pribanic – Spoke in favor of athletic lighting for all three high
schools to include both softball and baseball fields.
Deborah Moore, PESH art teacher – Spoke in favor of an additional art
room at PESH.
Denise Dittmar, PESH art teacher – Spoke in favor of a renovation of
the Fine Arts facilities at PESH.
In conclusion, co-chairman John Muns informed the audience that $2M had been “earmarked” for
significant renovation of the Fine Arts facility at PESH. Mr. Muns indicated
that the Task Force would discuss all input from the evening, closely examining
the needs of the Fine Arts area at the PESH campus. Mr. Muns voiced his appreciation
for the community’s interest and input regarding the proposed 2004 Bond
Program.
The public hearing was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
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April 7, 2004, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: John Muns, co-chairman, Brad Shanklin, co-chairman, Nathan Barbera,
John Bock, Terri Gibson, Elise Gold, Karen McDonald, Maria Marquez, Frank Pollacia,
Steve Raish, Jim Richardson, Don Riley, Nancy Roberts, and Mike Stanton. Staff
members present included Doug Otto, Danny Modisette, Carole Greisdorf, Jim
Hirsch, Richard Matkin, Jeff Bailey, Marilyn Brooks, Sandra Meridith, Tom Salmon,
Tom Kimbrough, Bruce Larson, Larry Tucker, and David Moss,
Co-chairman John Muns called the meeting of the Plano ISD 2004 Facilities
and Technology Task Force to order at 6:15 p.m. Richard Matkin updated the
Task Force regarding Fine Arts needs at Plano East Senior High School. Mr.
Matkin indicated that additional amounts had been added to the proposed bond
package to enable funds for additional space in the Fine Arts area and a sound
system and lighting for the PESH auditorium. Co-chairman John Muns stated that
District Administration and key staff members had taken an extensive tour of
the Plano East Senior High School Fine Arts facility, to include meetings with
the Band director and Orchestra leader in the past week.
Bruce Larson, director of bond planning and new construction, presented possible
concepts to address the needs at Plano East Senior High School. Planning limitations
of the site include space available due to a pond, parking lot and practice
field. Planning limitations in the building are due to existing Band storage
being a lower roof addition. Mr. Larson discussed the following possible scenarios
with related limitations for obtaining additional space:
Use of the existing mezzanines would be restricted by accessibility requirements.
These areas could be used for high-volume space, if the mezzanines were removed.
Expanding the existing Band and Orchestra areas to the west would require
structural modifications to the existing building, including removal of columns
and adding long-span roof framing.
Additions could be low-volume space matching the existing storage addition
and used for offices, practice rooms and storage.
Including Choir space in additions/reconfigurations would allow existing Choir
space to be opened-up for a second Art room, matching and adjacent to the existing
Art room.
Dr. Otto assured the Task Force that this Bond Program package does really
capture the needs of the District. He added that the Task Force should feel
confident that they are addressing the legitimate concerns of the District,
maximizing dollars.
Co-chairman John Muns acknowledged the Task Force’s consensus to present
the consolidated, proposed Bond Program package totaling $285,680,473 to the
Board of Trustees on April 20, 2004.
Carole Greisdorf, special assistant to the Superintendent, presented a brief
history of Plano ISD bond elections dating back to1990. Ms. Greisdorf emphasized
strong public support in past elections. The Task Force concluded that the
most feasible date for the proposed bond election would be August 21, 2004.
Ms. Greisdorf reminded the Task Force that the Board of Trustees would ultimately
decide the proposed bond election date.
Richard Matkin presented tax impact implications as a result of the bond proposal.
Data from the surrounding area showed PISD still the lowest in the group of
Allen, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Duncanville, Irving, McKinney, and Mesquite.
All these districts recently held major bond elections.
Co-chairman Brad Shanklin thanked the Task Force for their time and effort
during the past five months. Dr. Otto also thanked the Task Force and summarized
by reminding them that bond funds are the only means to relieve stress on M&O
funds, enabling the District to meet many needs.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15.
Top
April 20 Board Meeting Report
School Trustees at their April 20 meeting approved an August 21, 2004, bond
election date to include one ballot item in the amount of $285.6 million for
renovation and technology initiatives.
John Muns and Brad Shaklin, 2004 Facilities and Technology Bond Task Force
co-chairmen, presented a report to the board detailing the task force’s
research during the past several months, including meetings with district leaders,
financial advisors, and a public input meeting, as well as the group's touring
Thomas Elementary, recently renovated, and Carlisle Elementary, due for renovation.
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