Replacing sewer lift station, adding security fencing top AGISD school board priorities

Posted 2/23/23

Last Thursday’s Alba-Golden School Board meeting could serve as an effective primer for anyone considering service on a school board.

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Replacing sewer lift station, adding security fencing top AGISD school board priorities

Posted

Last Thursday’s Alba-Golden School Board meeting could serve as an effective primer for anyone considering service on a school board.

Issues ranged from the necessity of updating an aged sewage lift station to improving external gates and fencing, to recognition of elementary school academic UIL team members, to staff contract extensions.

Comments by board members left no doubt that replacing the sewage lift station had to become a priority.

Maintenance Director Shana Burge reported that the station, believed to have been installed in 1977, has been inspected and found to be in need of replacement.

As Superintendent Macie Thompson briefed the board, the station is serviced by two pumps, one of which is out for rebuild. The remaining pump sends the outflow from the school down a single 3-inch PVC line to Alba where it is deposited into the city sewage system and pushed on to the treatment station.

The lift station replacement was not on the agenda as an action item. However, following the briefing, board member Mike Ragsdale stated clearly, “It is now priority number one.”

Thompson also requested approval of an external fencing and gate improvement plan. The plan calls for installing a six-foot high chain-link fence down the western school property facing CR 2377, upgrading external gates, enclosing the playground with a six-foot chain-link fence, installing a wrought iron main gate between the administrative building and the sixth-grade wing, and removing the present four-foot fence facing Highway 69.

The gate and fencing project would be funded through a $200,000 state safety and security grant. The board unanimously approved the project.

Other improvements briefed by the superintendent included flooring, ceiling, classroom and water closet improvements to the elementary and secondary school, expansion of the student parking area and transforming the ‘courtyard’ into a functional area.

The board approved solicitations for the parking lot expansion and approved a letter of continuation for Jackson Construction as construction manager for school renovation projects. 

In other decisions before the board, administrative contracts were approved as a single package. The hiring package was approved by a 4-2 vote with trustees Dwayne Ellis and Mike Ragsdale against.

Contracts approved included Brittany Hall - secondary principal, Chad Hodges - secondary assistant principal, Shelby Keller - secondary assistant principal, Tracy Browning - elementary assistant principal, Megan Smith - director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, Kaitlyn Hawley - director of business and finance, Drew Webster - athletic director and Jennifer Wiggington - special programs director.

No action was taken on the contract of Elementary Principal Chris Massey. 

The board also unanimously expanded the Guardian program and approved calling for an election on May 6 to fill three trustee positions.

The parking lot was crowded at the beginning of the evening as elementary school participants and their families celebrated Alba-Golden’s district championship at the elementary school UIL academic competition.  

It was the second year in a row in which the young Panthers have taken the UIL academic crown.

Additionally, Addison Colston and Naomi Durham were recognized as elementary and secondary school students of the month, respectively. 

Six board members were present, with Randall Cole absent.