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Bond savings open path to remodel original high‑school wing for Reach and Truce programs, board hears
Summary
District designers and bond counsel presented schematics to repurpose the original 1958 wing of the high school for the Reach and Truce alternative programs, citing bond savings and contingency funds; bond counsel said the ballot language permits such renovations and necessary demolition.
Designers and bond counsel on Monday told the Castleberry ISD board that savings from the 2024 bond program make it feasible to remodel the original high‑school wing to house Reach and Truce programs and to add virtual‑learning and ADA upgrades.
What staff proposed: schematics presented by Derek York would move Reach downstairs and Truce upstairs in the 1958 wing, add an elevator and ADA upgrades, and create flexible virtual‑learning and college‑course supports adjacent to CTE spaces. Staff said the remodel would free high‑school classrooms, increase access to CTE and early‑college coursework for Reach students, and create a gated elementary play field and expanded circulation.
Legal and fiscal authority: bond counsel (Ombberto Aguila) told trustees the ballot proposition language — "construction, renovation and equipping of school buildings" — is sufficiently broad to permit the proposed work, including demolition if it is a necessary component to effectuate the project. Counsel cautioned that certain project categories would require separate propositions under current law (stadiums, performing arts centers), but confirmed the Reach/Truce plan fits the general proposition.
Board questions: trustees asked how many classrooms the Reach building currently contains (seven) and whether the remodeled space would provide equivalent or increased capacity. Designers said the new layout would house at least the current number of rooms and allow room for program growth. Trustees also asked whether it was prudent to begin planning while earlier bond packages still had unspent contingency; staff said advance planning and bid‑ready drawings save money and allow rapid construction sequencing when spaces become available.
Next steps: BTC will produce cost estimates and refined bid documents as staff evaluates remaining owner‑direct expenses and contingency dollars. Trustees asked for updated cost estimates and a funding plan before formal approval of construction contracts.
