Gatesville ISD advances bond planning: $299,451 track replacement approved; Cloud Construction named CMAR for junior-high field house

Gatesville ISD trustees approved several facilities actions tied to a proposed $26 million bond package the district plans to present to voters.

The board approved a one-time payment of $299,451 from fund balance to replace the aging running track at Acadia Stadium; administration said the current surface had worn out and that the vendor will replace the turf under warranty. Trustees then reviewed the junior-high field house procurement. The district solicited seven proposals for a construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) contract and evaluated bidders on a rubric that weighted cost, experience, staffing and methodology. Cloud Construction scored highest under that rubric and the board voted to select Cloud Construction as CMAR for the junior-high and field-house renovations.

Administration said the proposed bond package (described at a high level in presentation materials) would add sixth grade to the junior high, create a fine-arts wing connected to the auditorium, remove two outdated portable classrooms, address ADA and restroom upgrades and replace the field house. Staff recommended and the board approved calling a special bond meeting on Feb. 9 to formally call the May bond election and to receive guidance from district counsel (Norton Rose Fulbright) about permissible public outreach and communications.

Board and vendor discussion covered schedule, phasing, safety and materials availability; Cloud Construction representatives said material availability was improving and pricing was competitive. The motions to approve the track replacement, select Cloud Construction and to schedule the special bond meeting passed by voice vote.