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Board Adopts Construction Wage Rate Schedule
During this month's board meeting, trustees again demonstrated their commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars with the adoption of a new prevailing wage rate schedule informed by data collected in collaboration with local subcontractors, the Central Texas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Texas A&M University System and other state and federal resources.
Moving forward with rates informed by the local economy will ensure that the competitive bid process includes increased opportunities for subcontractors in the region on future construction projects for the District. The Board also hopes that the newly adopted rate schedule will result in cost savings on upcoming projects.
As one of the largest employers in the area, it is important to the Board that additional steps be taken to set this important baseline for wage rates.
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Military Child Education Coalition National Training Seminar
The Belton High School Student to Student (S2S) team of Kazie Cheek, Amanda DiVirgilis and Gracie Krieg were selected to attend the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) National Training Seminar July 30 through August 2 in Washington, D.C.
S2S is a student-led program from the MCEC that brings military-connected and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment, support academic excellence, and ease transitions as students enter or leave schools. By attending this National Training Seminar, BHS S2S students learned about ways to continue their efforts to promote college, career and life readiness skills across all campuses in Belton ISD. The sponsor for the BHS S2S program is Carol Ormand.
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Community Feedback Presented for Comprehensive High School
#2 Name, Colors and Mascot
Representatives from O'Connell Robertson, the District's architectural firm, updated school board members on priorities for the Wall Street Auditorium and Lakewood Elementary School music classroom and gymnasium addition projects. As the design process for all four bond projects continue, the District and architects are collaborating with the City of Belton and the City of Temple.
Commending the Board's continued focus on engaging the community on conversations about future plans and growth, Superintendent Susan Kincannon set the tone for the presentation of community feedback gathered on the name, colors and mascot for the District's second comprehensive high school.
After review of the data collected, board members discussed name, color and mascot options and provided direction on a suggested list of potential names based on the common themes heard, but no definitive action was taken.
Belton Lakeview High School, Lake Belton High School, Belton Lake High School and Belton Memorial High School were names that garnered positive sentiments from several board members. Tigers, Bobcats, Broncos and Patriots were standouts during the evening's mascot discussions and consideration of red as at least one of the colors for the new comprehensive high school was also noted.
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Big Red Community Partner - Rotary Club of Temple
Since October 2010, the Rotary Club of Temple and its members have actively supported the Lakewood Service Club at Lakewood Elementary.
Students participating in the Club are exposed to important character lessons like truth, goodwill and better friendships as they elect club officers and run meetings similar to Rotary Club meetings. Providing opportunities for 4th
and 5th
grade students to demonstrate leadership and character, the entire school is involved with the group's service projects.
Sustaining a multi-year partnership that has connected hundreds of students to the service and ideals of Rotary has been possible thanks to both the financial commitmen
t and dedicated time of many people.
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Superintendent's Report
Enrollment and Start of School
One month into the 2017-2018 school year, continued growth of the District's enrollment numbers underscores the significance of the work the Board and the District have undertaken to increase capacity and develop long range plans.
There are currently 11,490 students enrolled in Belton ISD, an increase of 413 students more than last year. There are 155 new students at the high school level, 75 new middle school students and 183 additional elementary students.
A goal for this year is to expand our Superintendent Scholars program with the intention of increasing achievement on the SAT and expanding our students' college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Administrators have been working diligently with the 11th grade Superintendent Scholars who will take the PSAT on October 11. Those efforts have included collaborating over the summer to devise a study plan with incentives, utilizing Khan Academy and other free online practice test resources, and providing additional opportunities to meet and study.
Students are progressing, and we are really proud of them for their efforts.
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More photos of students and staff members recognized at this month's board meeting can be found on Belton ISD's Google+ page.
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