JISD gives bond update

JISD gives bond update Brian Smith Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:41 am   Jacksboro ISD board members Chris Payson and Travis Jonas look at backpacks for ESL students. Photo/Brian Smith A bond construction and tornado construction update was given to Jacksboro ISD board members during the Monday, April 8 regular meeting. JISD Superintendent Brad Burnett said Gallagher Construction Services, which will supervise the bond construction has set up their construction trailer in front of the high school in preparation of work beginning by the end of the month. The Fine Art Facility, which will include space for band, cheer, drama and others will be the first to be worked on along with Career and Technology Education and the 7th and 8th grade campus. Burnett said the fine arts construction needed to happen because none of the high school renovation can happen until the band has moved out. Jacksboro High School renovations include renovations to both the cafeteria and field house. Field house renovations will begin after the 2024 football season, Burnett said. Burnett said he was told bathroom renovation at Jacksboro Elementary School will be done this summer and are expected to be done before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Burnett said crews will begin breaking down a former classroom to turn it into a restroom as soon as classes are done for the year. Board member Travis Jonas said he has heard complaints that the district has not been forthcoming with what it’s doing with the bond money. One of the criticisms was moving cheer out into the fine arts facility. Burnett said everything was done within the original square footage and a single wall was moved to accommodate the cheerleaders. “The gym is used constantly all day long and this will alleviate teams practicing at all hours,” Burnett said. Components of the JHS gym floor have been installed. Burnett said the floor will have a bleached look to it. A purple stain, not paint, has been placed around the court. The video board has been installed in the gym. Burnett said access to the court is expected in gym, enabling the school to hold its annual summer camps there. Volleyball practice is expected to begin in the new gym Monday, Aug. 5.