February update to board: surveillance cameras Phase I complete

February's update started with the new Career & Technical Education high school. A lot is happening: site sewer system, foundation excavation and placement, electrical and plumbing work. 

The new middle school, Vasquez Middle School is seeing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing advance, blockwork continuing around the fine arts area, and interior finishes are ongoing in the academic area. The final steel beam was placed two weeks ago following a beam-signing ceremony with the Vasquez family and district leaders. 

At the Transition Learning Center, buildling pad prep and excavation of footings continues.

The stage extension has now begun inside the Permian High School Auditorium, and new lighting fixtures have been installed. Columns were added to the drama theater, and new brick has been installed around the building’s exterior. 

The pre-engineered metal building is up for the JROTC building at PHS, with underground plumbing and sewage work ongoing and electrical work starting. 

At the Ag Farm they are excavating the retention pond, framing the first building and digging ditches for the plumbing in the second building. 

A general contractor is being presented in this meeting (Item 8-B) for the Transportation Facility construction and renovations. Ground surveys are being done to determine engineering needs for the project.  

Four roofing projects are substantially complete – Burleson, Fly, Travis, and Zavala Elementary – and five more are in the design and planning phase – Noel, San Jacinto, and Cameron elementaries and Ector and Crockett middle schools. At Travis, the building has passed final inspection from the City of Odessa and sidewalk, and parking lot concrete will be evaluated for repairs during Spring Break. These are all Priority 1 and Priority 2 renovations/replacements.

Phase one of the surveillance system upgrades is complete. This includes the successful installation and activation of cameras across district campuses and other facilities. Phase two is starting with additional cameras installed at elementary schools focusing on exterior wings.

Fifteen campuses now have fully operational upgrades for PA, bell, alarm and clocks. The next two schools scheduled for installation of these new systems are Hays and Jordan elementary schools. 

Looking at finances, a little more than $119 million has been spent, $164 million has been encumbered for specific projects and purposes, and more than $190 million, or about 33%, remains available. 

Following the update:

Trustees voted 6-0 to approve Bond 2023 purchases over $100,000. The two items on the list this month are $775,345 for Priority 1 and Priority 2 renovations and $545,000 for construction and renovations at the new Transportation Facility. 

Trustees voted 6-0 to approve an amendment to the professional services agreement for the Ag Farm Facility. 

Trustees voted 6-0 to approve an amendment to the professional services agreement for the JROTC Facility.