Mister Bennett, a district construction representative, told the Vidor Independent School District Board of Trustees at a July 1 special meeting that bond-funded renovations at Vidor Middle School and Oak Forest Elementary are underway after each received a notice to proceed on May 26, and that the district has sold $50 million of bonds and spent about $2,600,000 so far.

Bennett said interior demolition and selective ceiling work have started at both campuses and that general contractor G and G is prioritizing interior campus activities to complete before students return in August. "Electrical and plumbing rough ins are currently being installed throughout the main hallways and classrooms," Bennett said, noting the middle school work is about 99% complete aside from fire‑sprinkler work that remains in design.

The update said work at Oak Forest includes overhead plumbing work completed and electricians routing a main electrical line to be placed underground behind the campus. Both campuses have a two‑stage barrier system—a waterproof exterior barrier plus an interior insulation/plywood layer to limit dust and sound—"and teachers are free to decorate that plywood," Bennett said.

Bennett reported that Vidor Elementary received construction plans June 1 and that the district is collecting bids for a July start. He said Vidor Elementary is the second‑largest renovation in the bond program.

Asbestos findings and costs: Bennett told the board the district collected 67 asbestos samples and that three samples tested positive for asbestos-containing mastic on fiberglass insulation at Vidor Elementary; the firm estimated abatement at roughly $10,000 (he said he expects it to be less). At Pine Forest Elementary, he said testing found more asbestos-containing materials—most notably soffit panels and flooring in the 300 Wing—and estimated abatement for that campus at about $60,000. Bennett emphasized that the asbestos in the 300 Wing is in areas scheduled for demolition and is currently undisturbed.

Permitting and start‑date impacts: Bennett said the city has begun sending plans to a third‑party architectural firm for review, creating a multi‑step review process that he described as the principal cause of short permitting delays. He estimated projected start dates could be roughly 30 days behind earlier projections but called the delays “manageable.” When asked about fees, he said there are no new city fees, only time lost to additional review steps.

Other items: Bennett said demolition work salvaged some handrails for reuse; the district widened queuing lanes at Oak Forest to be completed before school starts; and the guaranteed maximum price for Byter High School should be ready for the July 14 board meeting. He said inspections for Vidor High School asbestos are scheduled this month and a report is expected for the board’s August meeting.

The presentation did not include a formal action item; trustees asked clarifying questions about permitting, asbestos scope, abatement timing, and land negotiations related to another site acquisition. Bennett indicated the land contract negotiations are about 90% complete and that changes in price or rebidding are possible if the seller’s terms shift while negotiations continue.

Why it matters: The status of permitting, abatement and contractor sequencing affects whether summer work finishes before the 2025–26 school year and whether the district needs to shift students or use temporary facilities.

What’s next: District staff said they will bring the guaranteed maximum price for Byter High School to the July 14 board meeting and provide an asbestos report on Vidor High School at the August meeting.