August 17, 2020 – Superintendent Doug Loomis kicked off the Aug. 17 Board meeting by introducing Core Curriculum Specialist Devia Cearlock who said AISD will offer two new ethnic studies courses – African American Studies and Mexican American Studies - at District high schools this school year. The addition of these classes is part of a comprehensive effort to address a District and Board priority of narrowing learning gaps among sub-populations of students.
In his Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Loomis said because of updated Amarillo Public Health Dept. guidance that says the best defense against mass quarantine in a school is to have everyone wear a mask, Amarillo ISD will now require all students, grades pre-K through 12, to wear a mask while at school. Deputy Superintendent Kevin Phillips discussed examples of COVID school safety plans. Each campus in AISD has developed a detailed, customized safety plan that addresses everything from COVID screening and social distancing protocols, to arrival and dismissal procedures, to classroom cleaning and disinfecting instructions, and protocols for extracurricular activities, visitors and group gatherings. These detailed plans are available on each school’s website.
The Board approved the purchase of 10,000 Verizon hotspot devices and data usage pools to provide Internet access for students on free- and reduced-price lunch programs who may not have access at home. The hotspot devices will allow for virtually all AISD students to participate in school remotely in the event of COVID-related, or even weather-related closures.
In other business, trustees approved a guaranteed maximum price of $46,427,650 for the renovation of the former Hastings warehouse into the career academy. “The career center started with a vision from our business community,” Superintendent Loomis said. “This will be a tremendous legacy for our City.” Additional costs including architect/engineering fees, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and asbestos abatement costs, are expected to bring the total price tag for the career academy to approximately $55,300,000. The budget for the project will come from several sources, including remaining bond proceeds from AISD’s 2013 bond election, state funds for career and technical education programs, grants and donations in the form of equipment from the community, money from the District’s fund balance reserves and any funds remaining from the 2017 bond election. The new state-of-the-art center, expected to be open for students in August 2021, will offer nine broad career pathways that will lead directly to jobs in Amarillo.
On the safety and security front, the Board approved a contract with an architect for a project to install perimeter security fences at Amarillo, Caprock and Tascosa high schools. Palo Duro High School was the first AISD school to receive a perimeter security fence; installation of fences around the other three high school campuses will complete one portion of the District’s ongoing plan to enhance security at all schools.
Citing unprecedented low interest rates, the Board authorized the refinancing, or refunding, of some of the 2017 school bonds. Chief Financial Officer Pati Buchenau said refunding the bonds could save AISD as much as $18 million and will provide capacity for future bond issues with smaller tax increases than would be possible otherwise.
The Board acknowledged gifts and donations totaling $5,756.88, given to various schools this month from the Woodlands Elementary PTA, Happy State Bank, the Ridgecrest Elementary PTA, Johnny L. Cunningham, and Easy Backyard Storage (Max May).
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