MISD board mulls auto shop options

By Phil Major
publisher@wood.cm
Posted 11/21/24

How to best serve the only high school auto mechanics program in Wood County will be determined by the Mineola School Board in the next couple months.

Trustees were given construction estimates …

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MISD board mulls auto shop options

Posted

How to best serve the only high school auto mechanics program in Wood County will be determined by the Mineola School Board in the next couple months.

Trustees were given construction estimates last month for two options: converting the former elementary school gym or new construction.

High school Principal Chase Thomas said there are about 65 students in the program, and students are not left out of the program due to limited space.

He said the auto mechanics instructor teaches six classes.

Converting the gym will give the program three work bays and two classrooms.

Superintendent Cody Mize said the additional classroom will allow for additional expansion but would require a second teacher.

Mize said MISD does not have any students in the program from other districts but could offer that with the expanded facilities, bringing revenue to the district.

Also on the plans from the 2022 bond issue is converting the former elementary school into a career and technical education center.

Mize said the district will not be able to get everything it wants, after rising costs led the price for the new primary campus to go well over budget.

The elementary gym is used for practice by cheerleaders, flag corps and Little Dribblers, which would have to find other locations if the board decides to convert it.

The old auto mechanics shop would be available to house ag mechanics student projects.

Mize suggested the two construction projects be bid together in January to save money.

Converting the gym would take 8-10 months, said J.D. Hill with Jackson Construction, while a new facility would take 12-15 months.

Mize said the groups using the gym now should be able to continue this school year but seek other facilities in the fall.