Board okays $2.1 million bid for new construction

Mark Dickey, left, officially joined the Kilgore school board last night. On hand for the swearing-in were his son, Matthew, and wife, Renita. Kilgore school board met last night for, among other things, the swearingin of new board member Mark Dickey.

Dickey was sworn in by Jeanette Holt. On hand were members of the Dickey family, including his wife Renita and son Matthew.

Terry George, trustee, expressed his appreciation to David Hedrick for his twelve years of service to the board and for the passion Hedrick had for the students of KISD.

Revard Pfeffer, business manager for KISD, gave a presentation on the financial management performance report.

"This is the seventh year in a row that KISD has received a "Superior Achievement" under Texas Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system," said Pfeffer. "This is the state's highest rating demonstrating the quality of KISD's financial management and reporting system."

Pfeffer said the primary goal of Schools FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts' financial resources, a goal made more significant due to the complexity of accounting associated with Texas school finance system.

"The rating system consists of 21 indicators which a district must be rated positive in to achieve a superior rating and KISD had all 21 indicators rated positive," said Pfeffer.

Pfeffer said the ratings were achieved because of the efforts of the KISD board of trustees, school administration, faculty and staff of KISD

In other action taken by the board, Phil Thacker, architect for the two projects at Chandler Elementary School and the Ag facility for KISD announced that RPR construction was the low bidder for these two projects at a combined total of $2,173,000 and recommended RPR to the board.

RPR has completed other major construction projects for KISD and recently completed the new Rangerette Dorm for Kilgore College.

The board voted unanimously to approve the bid by RPR for the completion

of the two construction projects which should be completed by Aug. of 2007.

Pfeffer said demolition bids were complete for the removal of the existing Ag building and the contract was awarded to low bidder JDW Services Inc. at $22,252. The board voted unanimously to approve JDW for the demolition of the Ag building which will start on Oct. 9 and is to be completed by Oct. 31.

Last night was also student recognition night. Students from Kilgore Intermediate School were commended for their performance during the 20052006 school year. Howard Stephens, board president presented each student with a certificate along with Principal Cheryl Hala, principal of Kilgore Intermediate School.

The senior Hi-Steppers will be going to New York City this year, as the board of trustees approved their request.