PWCISD discusses bond

PWCISD discusses bond Brian Smith Tue, 05/28/2024 - 2:32 pm Representatives from WRA Architects speak about a possible bond at the Perrin-Whitt CISD board meeting Monday, May 20. Photo/Brian Smith Perrin-Whitt CISD is considering calling for a bond election in November. Part of calling a bond election is the hiring of an architect and a construction manager. Board members heard proposals from both during their meeting Monday, May 20. Representatives from WRA Architects, which has worked on recent projects in Vernon, Graford and Boyd, said they want to build a long-term relationship with the district. Architect Brian Wyatt told the board the company wants the best fit for them. “We are not a one size fits all firm,” Wyatt said. “If you decide to call for a bond, we want to hear what the community wants, what the staff wants.” At the April meeting, trustees said they would like to consider building an auditorium, a new agriculture facility and upgrading the football, softball and baseball fields. WRA Director of Business Development John Van Winkle gave the board advice on why bonds typically fail. “There’s usually a non-unified vision of what is needed,” Van Winkle said. “The public fails to be engaged and asks ‘Why is this needed?’ And really (it fails by) not having a certified plan on how to get everything accomplished.” No decision on hiring was made at the meeting. The board has until Monday, Aug. 19 to call for an election. A decision is expected to be made at a special-called meeting Tuesday, Aug. 13, Superintendent Cliff Gilmore said. Activity bus purchased The board approved the purchase of a new 44-passenger to be used to transport students to activities. Gilmore said the last activity bus was purchased in 2011 and is in poor condition. The bus purchased from Rush Truck Center for $155,000 will be retrofitted to have more leg room for longer student trips. The bus will also be wrapped with Perrin’s logo and school colors. The new bus is scheduled to arrive in November but the first payment has been delayed until the 20252026 school year. The last payment of another activity bus purchased more than a decade ago will be made next year, Gilmore said. The board’s next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27.