Citizens, teachers, students excited about new school
Thursday, February 22, 2007

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Exciting and unbelievable were the sentiments expressed by those attending the walk- thru of the new Shiner ISD campus last Wednesday, February 14th.

Approximately 500 students, parents and citizens took the tour of the new buildings to see the finished product that has been under construction since March 2006.

The self-guided tour began in the two-story, K-12 classroom building and continued through the covered breezeway into the special classrooms, cafeteria and gym.

Everyone was impressed with the large open space of the cafeteria/theatre, gym area with the purple and gold accents and lettering.

Students were especially excited about the gym with its large floor area, bleachers, air conditioning and four practice basketball goals.

Both the cafeteria and gym have cinder block walls with the two areas divided with windows.

Architect Jim Singleton noted that there is a lot of flexibility in the design of the building, especially in the cafeteria area. "Fans can enjoy eats and refreshments in the cafeteria and still be able to watch the action in the gym," he said.

Singleton also noted the cafeteria/stage/arts classroom are all situated conveniently for student learning, stage productions and seating.

The excitement about the new school was not limited to the kids and parents. Teachers had similar reactions.

Patti Jaehne said, "It's beautiful, I love it, lots of room."

Sandra Strauss didn't know which room she would be occupying, but it didn't matter, since the rooms are all the same. "I know exactly where all my `stuff' is going," she said.

"This looks awesome," said elementary principal Sue Gottwald. "The best thing is that we don't have to worry about mold and asbestos," she said.

The ag and shop departments also have their own space and according to Bruce Pohler, "it is a heck of an improvement. After spending 28 years in that old ag building, this is a big change.

"I'm really impressed with what I've seen. A new campus has been talked about a long time and finally it's a reality."

According to Mr. Singleton, the school is substantially complete and accepted by Shiner Independent School District. He said there are a few more punch list items that need to be tested but all should be completed by move-in date.

Superintendent Trey Lawrence said move-in is still scheduled for spring break, March 12-16. "We have lots of volunteers from the community who will help with the moving of furniture, equipment and other materials from the present school to the new site," he said.

Following the tour, the board convened for their regular business session.

Mr. Singleton said he was pleased with the tour. "It made me feel good to see so many people turn out," he said.

His payment request of $370,335.59 to Sterling Structures was approved by the board. His report indicated that the balance to completion was $560,743.86.

Pam Lathrop, chief appraiser for Lavaca County, addressed the board regarding the process of tax collection for the district. She explained the reports that are sent to the board periodically and the various exemptions that taxpayers can claim.

A representative from the law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP was present and spoke about the legal process used to try to collect delinquent taxes. Both said Shiner ISD has a good collection rate.

Principals Sue Gottwald and David Husmann reviewed the Campus Improvement Plans for SISD.

Mrs. Gottwald told the board the goal for Shiner Elementary is to develop well rounded kids, dealing not only with learning but behavior, responsibility, treatment of others, etc. "We want students to be positive members in our school and community," she said.

Mr. Husmann said the high school plan is consistent with last year's goals - improvement in testing, stressing math and science. He listed several positives on the high school campus. He said he is pleased with the high attendance rate, a safe environment, good technology program and overall good atmosphere on campus.

Husmann thanked the administration and board for their support and leadership. He also complemented the teaching staff, saying the district has some outstanding teachers.

Both principals cited good support and involvement by parents.

In other action, the board:

  - approved the textbook committees.

  - accepted the 200708 school calendar as approved by the faculty.

  - voted to join the Region III Technology Consortium, and

  - gave permission to the superintendent to solicit bids for sale of excess dirt and sand rock material at the new school site.

Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Leslie Pankritz and extended contracts for high school and elementary principals and athletic director to 2 year terms.

The board made no change in the superintendent's salary. At the request of Mr. Lawrence, his salary will remain the same as this past year.

reprinted by permission.
The Shiner Gazette is published weekly in Shiner, Texas.
Agnes Sedlmyer, Managing Editor and Myra Lampley, News Editor
Contact them at 361-594-3346, or by e-mail at shinergazette@sbcglobal.net.


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