Board approves new gym sign and a seasonal grounds contract

The Houston Public School District board approved two facilities-related contracts: a new exterior electronic gym sign and a seasonal grounds maintenance contract.

Board members reviewed two sign options and associated quotes. The options reviewed included a larger full‑color, programmable sign and a smaller sign; the larger wall/monument option was priced in the board packet at about $30,196 for the larger wall sign option and $25,282 for the other option, with monument-style quotes appearing in earlier packet materials at roughly $47,000–$49,000 for the larger monument concept. The board approved the larger exterior gym sign; the maker of the motion was Mimi and the second was Pete. Board members noted this purchase will be covered primarily by the district’s Long‑Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) funds, with the bulk of costs eligible for that program.

The board also considered a proposal to contract with a local firm, Greenworks, for summer grounds maintenance. The quoted rate discussed in the meeting was $60 per hour, and staff estimated roughly 20 hours per mowing cycle depending on weather and growth; the board described the contract as a trial for the coming year given the district’s current facilities staffing. The board approved the Greenworks contract to provide lawn and grounds work during the growing season.

Board members discussed installation timing for the sign and supervision of contractor work. Staff said installation scheduling will follow procurement and vendor availability; trustees expressed a preference to see installation before the end of the school year when possible.

Both actions were presented as part of the facilities packet and passed by recorded motion during the meeting.