Trustees approve new classroom building for South Elementary
South Elementary students will have a new classroom building to attend some classes in next year after the Breckenridge Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Monday to purchase a new modular classroom building for the school.
The building, which is expected to be installed and ready for use when school starts next year, will replace two older portable building that are currently being used at the school.
BISD Food Service Director Mark Nelson gives trustees an overview of the district’s cafeteria and nutrition programs during Monday night’s Board of Trustees meeting. Nelson said, including breakfast and lunch, the district serves about 250,000 meals annually, not counting the summer feeding program. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
“A lot of districts are using these modular buildings for adding classrooms,” said Tim Seymore, BISD superintendent. “It’s a quick and cost efficient option. You’re not getting the same life span you are in a brick building, but it’s considerably less expensive.
The new modular building will have six classrooms and two restrooms. Seymore said the school will combine the activities that were carried out in the two old buildings into the new larger building.
According to Seymore, the old four-classroom building, which is about 35 years old, has major plumbing problems. He said that because of that, the restrooms in the building are inoperable and students have to go to the main building to use the restrooms.
Seymore said the building is located on a low area on the property and water collects under the building when it rains. And, he said, since the dirt surface under the building was not properly prepared when it was installed, the building moves and over time that movement caused the plumbing in the building to shatter.
The other older building that will be replaced is smaller and used for a variety of activities, which will be moved to the new building once it is in place.
The new building will be installed in a higher location on the property to prevent water from collecting under it, and the dirt surface will be compacted to specifications, which will prevent any movement of the building.
Seymore said the demolition work on the old buildings will begin in June after school is out for the summer and he expects to have the new building in place and ready to go by the start of the new school year in August.
The cost for the new building is $481,584 and includes the demolition of the old buildings, installation of the new building and site work at the location. The building is being purchased from BD Modular Sales and Leasing out Dallas. The site work at the location will include removing and replacing sidewalks to correct the drainage, a pad for the new building and a concrete ramp, landing and steps.
Metal work for the project will include a canopy cover for the sidewalk and ramp entrance and railings for the ramp. They will also provide a pressure-treated wood deck for the rear of the building. Additionally, they will provide two 4-foot-by-8-foot marker boards and one 4-foot-by-4-foot tack board for each of the six classrooms.
School Board Election Canceled
During the meeting, the board members also voted to approve an order declaring the unopposed school board candidates Graham Reaugh, for Place 1, and Paul Lippe, Place 2, as elected to the Board of Trustees. Since there were no contested races, the election originally scheduled for May 5 was canceled.
Next Year’s District Calendar Approved
Trustees also approved the BISD 2018-2019 year calendar. To see the new calendar, click here.
Story by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
Cutline, top photo: The picture above, provided by the manufacturer, is an example of the new modular classroom building that will be installed at South Elementary. However, some of the exterior finishes will be different, including the color. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Sulton, BD Modular Sales and Leasing)
Students of the Month
Principal Barbara Collinsworth with East Elementary student of the month, first grader Zeke Camp.
North Elementary Principal Jennifer Gillard with student of the month, second grader Gabrielle Smith.
South Elementary School Principal Kenna Rainey with student of the month, fourth grader Christian Flores, (Photos by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
