The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

David Ball - For The Record

Two significant personnel items were deliberated at the regular meeting of the Bridge City ISD Board of Trustees on the evening of October 19.

Mike King, superintendent of schools, announced his resignation from the district. It was accepted by the board. His last day of employment will be Feb. 12, 2016.

King will then start a job in the private sector.

"It's a great opportunity in the private sector," he said. "I'm very appreciative of what the board has done for me. I'm here through my tenure. I'm excited about the work I'll be doing in the private sector and I will stay in Bridge City."

Prior to King's resignation announcement, the board discussed what method to use for a superintendent search.

Jerry McInnis, board president, told the members to submit the names to the consulting firm they want reviewed. Those names will be forwarded to McInnis. He said there are currently two names submitted for the position.

"They'll (the firm) will take over and give their timeline. We're off an running," he said.

Vice President Thad Hill reminded everyone to give their information to McInnis by Thursday.

Trustee Marla Zoch said someone employed with the district has applied for superintendent and would that person have to go through the consulting firm. The board answered yes.

The other big announcement was Dwayne DuBois, head football coach, would be assigned athletic director duties after completion of the football season.

McInnis said he spoke with DuBois and McInnis said he is "very, very happy" the coach is in Bridge City and that he is making everyone else happy, and that DuBois is happy he is here.

Likewise, during the Public/Employee Forum of the meeting, resident Lisa Beuhler said there were three matters she wished to discuss with the board:

1. Discussions during executive sessions need to be discussed openly at the meetings so everyone has a chance to become involved and know where the trustees stand.

2. Several positions have been hired to those out of the district, some strategic positions, when the district has qualified staff to fill them. She gave as an example the recent search for a new superintendent.

3. Supporting Coach Dwayne DuBois ties to the first issue.

Trustees approved a contract with Mark Magnuson with Architects Inc. to provide architectural services for BCISD Band Hall and Weight Room Renovation Project.

KIng said their attorney, Ann Greenberg, can make a contract, look it over, and make revisions and begin the process.

Zoch asked about expanding the welding program that was discussed at the last meeting. She said could be the third possibility for architectural services. King said the welding building could add a skin, a roll-up door, and add one-third to the size of the facility.

Operation Director John Scales said by doing so, the district would not be building a new facility and it could easily be rolled in the scale of work. The bigger challenge is doing the electrical and mechanical work to the band hall.

Trustee Rebecca Rutledge said she couldn't commit until she saw the numbers. Scales said the project is too big to take on by the maintenance department.

King said potentially an outside welding space could be added as a third line item. He reminded the board they still need approval so the attorney can hash out the contract.

Scales believes the largest challenge in the welding facility project would be breaking the concrete to lay pipe for storm drains.

"That may be the biggest job. We will have the numbers next time," he said.

Scales also spoke on the lifespan of Bridge City Middle School.

He said the building is 50 years old and may have eight to 10 years left before it would needed to be closed. He added most of the current repairs needed are only cosmetic in nature.

The district also needs more bus drivers.

"Our bus driver numbers have plummeted. We've lost six driver since school started," he said.

One bright spot is two drivers are returning- one for afternoons and the other can drive both mornings and afternoons. King added he has also spoken with coaches about driving.

Trustee Michael C. Johnson said he has received some complaints the board bleachers are weak at the football stadium. Scales said those boards are originals and many have been changed with new two by eights.

An engineer will look at the bleachers at the end of the season and make a report and recommendations.

National Principals Month was recognized at the meeting.

Elisha Bell, BCHS principal, and Norman Gaspard, BCES principal were ill and couldn't make the meeting. Lydia Gonzales, BCMS principal, and Tara Fountain, BCIS principal, were present.

King said BCISD is beyond blessed to have excellent principals.

Lastly, Carrie Martin, director of instructional technology, said BCISD will be participating n Parent Cyber Safety Awareness Night along with Nederland ISD and Port Neches-Groves ISD. The event was October 20 at the Nederland ISD Performing Art Center and sponsored by EduGard of SETEX.

The program was to give information on Cyber Safety including apps and digital activities that may be dangerous to children.

EduGard is an alliance with the FBI, technology professionals and faculty aimed at improving collaboration and training among educational institutions. They focus on cyber security, providing resources and support to educational network infrastructures and child exploitation prevention measures in 35 school districts within Region V.