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August 16, 2012

WISD hears report on summer projects

By PAUL STONE Palestine Herald-Press

PALESTINE — Patrons of the Westwood Independent School District will be treated to “refurbished gyms” at both the high school and junior high school when the 2012-13 school year kicks off later this month.

“We have new hardwood floors in both the high school and junior high gyms,” WISD Superintendent Dr. Ed Lyman stated Wednesday.

Both gyms have new graphics on both the floor and walls, while the lighting has been significantly upgraded in both facilities, according to the district chief.

Newly-installed LED lights in both gyms are “much more energy efficient” than the former lighting system and “run a lot cooler,” reducing air conditioning costs, Lyman said.

“The lighting system has two settings,” the WISD superintendent said. “We can brighten up when we have competition. They can reduce the amount of lighting (in other situations) and save energy according to the need.”

The foldout bleachers at both gyms “have been refurbished and recertified for safety purposes,” the WISD leader added.

“For all intents and purposes,” Lyman said, “we’ve got new gyms.”

Lyman gave WISD trustees an update of summer construction projects, including the refurbished gyms, during Monday’s regular monthly meeting.

Also on Monday, the WISD board approved the purchase of a 2012 3/4-ton, four-wheel drive truck from Cutshaw Chevrolet at a cost of $37,000.

The truck will utilized by the WISD’s agriculture and band programs.

“That will be used to take animals and large stock trailers” to ag competitions, Lyman said. “It will be used also to pull the new band equipment trailer.”

The band recently purchased a 27-foot equipment trailer, with the district and the band booster club splitting the cost, according to Lyman.

The Westwood High School band has previously rented U-Haul trucks to transport equipment to out-of-town football games and similar events.

Lyman said the WISD has also updated and revised the district’s vision.

The district’s new vision statement is, “We prepare future ready students in a positive and engaging educational environment.”

Also, the WISD board is expected to adopt the district’s 2012-13 budget Monday.

A public hearing on the budget and tax rate is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the WISD administrative offices on West Oak Street.

Following the public hearing, Lyman said trustees will then consider adopting the budget and tax rate.



Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com

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