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Board approves portable relocations to ease overcapacity at Santa Rita Middle; approves replacement portable after transportation facility fire
Summary
Trustees approved moving two portables from Liberty Hill Elementary and one from Liberty Hill Middle to Santa Rita Middle School and approved purchasing a replacement portable for the transportation department after a fire; staff said some costs will be covered by insurance and others from the general fund.
The Liberty Hill ISD Board approved two related items Monday to address immediate space needs and a fire loss.
Relocation for Santa Rita Middle School: Trustees approved relocating two portable classrooms from Liberty Hill Elementary and one from Liberty Hill Middle School to Santa Rita Middle School to address a projected overcapacity. The board approved a contract with Braun and Butler for the relocation in the amount of $108,570 to be funded from the general fund and authorized the superintendent or designee to negotiate final terms.
District staff said Santa Rita’s enrollment is forecast above capacity — staff cited a projection of about 1,440 students with growth continuing — and that moving portables will create immediate classroom space and permit a play court at Liberty Hill Elementary where the portables are removed.
Transportation replacement after fire: Trustees also approved buying a new portable to replace a unit lost to fire at the transportation facility over spring break. The board approved the replacement purchase and related hookups at a total presented price of about $97,003.62, to be funded from the general fund and reimbursed by district property insurance once the deductible is met.
Board debate focused on alternatives and long‑term planning. Several trustees asked whether students could be reassigned to other campuses or whether staff could repurpose existing district buildings to avoid portable moves. District staff reported they had explored multiple options — reassigning grades, moving winged grade levels, or using another campus — but said transportation logistics, staff scheduling, extracurriculars and safety concerns made those alternatives impractical for a full school year.
Trustee Neighbors moved approval of the relocation; the motion passed after a voice vote with one recorded “nay.” Trustee Neighbors later moved approval of the transportation portable replacement; that motion also passed after a voice vote with one “nay” recorded. District staff said the replacement portable would restore office, break room and restroom capacity used by transportation staff and drivers while a longer‑term transportation facility is planned.
