Spring ISD board votes to terminate renovation contract for Sheila Jackson Lee center, declare property surplus
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Summary
The board approved a motion to terminate the ongoing architectural and construction contract for the Sheila Jackson Lee Family & Community Engagement Center, declare the property surplus and pursue relocation and retrofitting of FACE staff to the Teach Up building; trustees requested detailed renovation and funding plans prior to new construction.
The Spring ISD Board of Trustees on Jan. 13 voted to terminate the architectural and construction contract for the Sheila Jackson Lee Family & Community Engagement Center and to declare that property surplus, clearing the way to sell it and relocate Family & Community Engagement (FACE) staff to the district's Teach Up building. The motion to terminate the contract was moved by Trustee Winford Adams Jr. and seconded by Trustee Rhonda Newhouse; the board recorded 4 votes in favor, 0 opposed and 1 abstention.
Deputy superintendent West Brooks told the board the current projected cost to complete the Sheila Jackson Lee project exceeded the district's plans and that selling the property and retrofitting the Teach Up building would allow funds to be redirected to campus refinishes (carpet, paint and similar work). "We're asking to terminate the contract that's currently underway at the Sheila Jackson Lee Family and Community Engagement Center, declare the property surplus and authorize it for sale," West Brooks said.
Trustees pressed staff for more detail about projected renovation costs for the Teach Up building, how sale proceeds would be restricted by the original funding source (bond or local funds) and what board oversight would look like going forward. Trustee Kelly P. Hodges asked for assurances about how sale proceeds would be allocated: "I'd like to know, what the plans will be as far as the renovation of Teach Up and then also once this building is sold, where are those funds — how will those funds get allocated?"
District staff said the allowable uses for sale proceeds depend on the original purchase and renovation funding sources; some funds (bond proceeds or bond interest) can be restricted to capital uses tied to the bond purpose, while general-fund purchases could give greater flexibility. Staff agreed to verify the funding history for the Sheila Jackson Lee property and to provide legal guidance on restrictions and next steps.
Board members who voted in favor said the current facility presented mounting renovation costs and safety issues (trustees cited the pool area as a potential liability) and that moving the FACE function to a different building would be preferable to partial retrofits. The board directed administration to return with a clear plan for Teach Up renovations, timeline, and a description of how sale proceeds would be handled before approving any new construction or retrofit contracts.
