TASBO Report Aug 2017 | Page 15

“A key component of the 2014 bond election was a joint use agreement with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) related to the construction of a baseball field at the proposed Yards of Cameron. The proposal called for the district to construct a baseball field and the Economic Development Corporation to construct the restrooms, concessions, and parking lot at the complex.” facilities plan allows our Board to make sound decisions from both a planning and budgeting aspect.” A 2016 report by the National Council on School Facilities shows a $46 billion deficit in the amount of funds needed to upgrade our nation’s schools to minimal health and safety standards. Minimal standards include such things as the elimination of overcrowding, providing acceptable air and drinking water quality, and ensuring that school buildings have adequate roofing. Board of trustees and superintendents must accept the fact that building maintenance and construction is an ongoing governance matter that involves planning and the allocation of resources. Without a consistent focus on the facilities needs of a district, the needs can spiral out of control. For example, asphalt parking lots require general maintenance every five to seven years through a process known as sealcoating. Without the application of this process at the required time, a parking lot can deteriorate into needing one of several more expensive processes such as surface patching, peel and pave, or full depth repair. A similar situation can arise when the needed replacement of Heating Ventilation TASBO.ORG and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units is postponed. The district can find itself spending an increasing amount on contract repair and/or the hiring of HVAC technicians as well as paying higher energy costs. In rural communities, schools often serve as the focal points and provide more than educational services to the public. Community members often attend school events as a means of entertainment as well as a place to interact with other community members. Quality school facilities have been found to increase student achievement as well as increase the property values of homes in the community. With a continued focus on the facility needs of a district, Board of Trustees and the Superintendent are not only making a sound investment in the children of the district but are also contributing to the long-term wellbeing of the community. Allied States Cooperative www.alliedstatescooperative.com COMMITTED TO PROVIDING QUALITY PURCHASING CONTRACTS FOR TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICTS Contacts: Kathe kchaco 915-78 Serving the Educational Communities of El Paso & Hudspeth Counti #WeR19 Please 15