Waller ISD Citizens’ committee makes facilities recommendation to Board

     During a special called meeting held Feb. 19 in the Waller ISD (WISD) Board Room, the WISD Board of Trustees heard the final facilities recommendation from the citizens’ facilities planning summation committee. The summation committee was represented by chairman and parent, Jerry Nickerson. Nickerson began with a brief summary of the process undertaken to arrive at the final report.
     Nov. 14, 2006, a large group of community members gathered at Waller High School (WHS) where WISD Superintendent Richard McReavy shared the results of a demographic study done by Population and Survey Analysts (PASA). In that meeting McReavy pointed out that Roberts Road Elementary (RRE) is currently over capacity and, according to PASA’s “most-likely growth scenario,” all six kindergarten through eighth grade campuses will be at or above capacity by 2009. Then, three citizens’ committees were formed to look at financial planning; existing facilities; and enrollment, growth, grade structure, and capacity. 
     The Capacity (enrollment, growth, and grade structure) Planning committee was headed up by co-chairs Brandi Gregg and Kathy Wachtendorf and WISD facilitator, Assistant Superintendent, Danny Twardowski. It was composed of 10 WISD representatives, 19 community members and parents, and two consultants.
     The Existing Facilities Planning Committee was led by chairman, Herb Thomas, and WISD Facilitator, Director of Maintenance, Ray Stelter. This committee was composed of 17 WISD representatives, 12 community members and parents, and two consultants.
     The Financial Planning Committee was charged by co-chairs Jerry Nickerson and Jimmy Henderson. WISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance Mike Marcus served as the committee’s facilitator. The committee was composed of six WISD representatives, 15 community members and parents, and two consultants.
     All three committees met multiple times during the months of Nov. 2006, Dec. 2006, and Jan. 2007 discussing and researching all facets of their children’s education from buses to buildings, to social and technological needs and meeting multiple times with architectural and financial consultants.
     Following much research and discussion it was proposed to the Board that grade structure be realigned from the current kindergarten through fourth grade (K-4), fifth and sixth grade (5-6), seventh and eighth grade (7-8), and ninth through twelfth grade (9-12) structure to the more common kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5), sixth through eighth grade (6-8), and ninth through twelfth grade (9-12) structure used in many other area districts such as Cy-Fair, Bryan, Fort Band, Katy, Klein, Spring, and Spring Branch. This grade structure aligns with state curriculum and testing; and allows fewer transitions for school, staff, peers, building structure, and parents. According to PASA’s data if WISD’s current grade structure does not change, WISD will need one new school in 2009, two new schools in 2011, and one new school in 2016. If the grade structure is realigned, the District will need only three new schools; one in 2009, one in 2012, and one in 2016.
     It was also recommended that student capacity should not exceed 750 students at the elementary level, 1050 students at the middle school level, and 2250 students at the high school level.
     In working with the recommendations of the Capacity Planning Committee, the Existing Facilities planning committee recommended to the Board the construction of a new elementary school to open in fall 2009 and converting Schultz Middle School to a second junior high. If the board accepts this recommendation, the grade structure realignment would occur at the completion and opening of these two projects in 2009.
     The Existing Facilities Planning Committee also recommended to the Board the construction of a curb around WHS for campus security; installing keyless entry locks at WHS, Waller Junior High (WJH), Fields Store Elementary (FSE), and Roberts Road Elementary (RRE); electrical and main service upgrades at WJH, Holleman Elementary (HES), Jones Elementary (JES), RRE, and in the technology services department to handle the District’s growing need for energy to support technology. Other notable items on the list were kitchen replacement equipment; renovations throughout the district including paint, tile, carpet replacement, etc.; replacing bleachers in the gyms at WJH; HVAC systems; roof repair at WJH and JES; installing covered walkways to portable buildings where needed; and other miscellaneous items.
     The committee presented two options for the Umland building, located behind the Administration building between the east and west campuses of the junior high. Option A proposes installing an open-air covered walkway between the east and west campuses across Farr Street and renovating the existing Umland building. Option B proposes removing the existing Umland building, then constructing a new double loaded corridor between the east and west campuses which would provide for 12 new classrooms.
     With growth comes the need for more transportation. The proposal included the addition of busses and routes, bus parking area, fueling stations, and other security and safety items.
     To provide room for the ever expanding technology department, the plan provided for an addition to the existing business office located at 1918 Key Street. The technology portion of the proposal also included district-wide network upgrades, replacing obsolete network switches, and replacing district and student management systems currently out of date.
     Finally, the committee proposed improvements to the district stadium. With not enough seating in the stands or parking in the parking lots during home games, security and safety are issues that could be managed through the expansion and renovation of the existing stadium.
    Nickerson then spoke on behalf of the financial planning committee and discussed the impact of a $35 million or $45 million bond program on district taxpayers. He pointed out the Moody’s AAA bond rating, taxable value of the district is rapidly rising, the district is retiring old bonds, and bond sales rates are currently optimal for a bond program. He showed that the overall tax rate would fall anywhere from 24 to 31 cents over the next two years thanks to state mandates on the maintenance and operating side of the tax rate, though he did admit the interest and sinking side of the tax rate would rise anywhere from two to nine cents over the next two years. Still, the average homeowner with a home valued at $100,000 would be paying anywhere from $310 to $260 less school taxes in 2008 and $290 to $240 less in 2009 from their current taxes.
     To see Nickerson’s complete presentation, visit http://www.wallerisd.net and click on Facilities Planning. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah Stephenson at 936.931.4078 or sastephe@wallerisd.net.
     The Board would like to thank the community for their preparation of the presentation and dedication to the district. The Board will meet to review the information and then discuss their evaluation during a regular called meeting March 5.