SMCISD Board approves contract for renovation project

The San Marcos Consolidated ISD Board of Trustees approved a contract for its DeZavala Elementary School renovation and addition project during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The board voted 6-1 to approve the execution of a contract with Bartlett Cocke Commercial Construction, LLC for the renovation and addition project. According to James Barton, SMCISD interim assistant superintendent of business and support services, the contract is less than originally proposed.

The trustees also approved an early retirement/resignation incentive for professional, paraprofessional and auxiliary employees. The district will provide an incentive of 4% of a professional, paraprofessional or auxiliary employee’s base salary who gives the district early notification of their intention to resign and meet certain attendance requirements. Resigning employees will receive a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum payout capped at $3,000.

The item passed 5-2 with board president John Mc-Glothlin and trustee Miguel Arredondo voting no.

The board also voted to approve a budget amendment in regard to a property value audit conducted, which resulted in lower taxable values for the district, resulting in additional state aid. The budget amendment caused an increase to general administration and decrease to the district’s fund balance of $54,860.

The trustees tabled a discussion on stipends for the 2020-21 school year until February’s regular meeting. The board pulled the call for an election to be held on May 2 for the purpose of electing three trustees because it did not have the proper requisites and approval from Caldwell County. The trustees will discuss the item again at their next agenda prep meeting.

The board discussed the relocation of the district’s central office but took no action.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 17 at San Marcos High School — 2601 Rattler Rd. — inside the criminal justice classroom at 6 p.m.