The Levelland ISD School Board will be looking to fill a vacant sear after Trustee DeEtte Edens announced her resignation from the board during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Before entering executive session, Edens took the time to announce her resignation citing a change in her professional career.
Following a conversation about filling the seat through special election or appointment, the board elected to go the route of appointment due to the cost that would be occurred during a special election which is an estimated $10,000. It was explained that the seat must be filled within 180 days with July 18 at 5 p.m. projected as the deadline for letters of interest to be submitted from candidates.
The candidate that is chosen will be required to run for the position at the next election in May of ’25 for the remainder of the term, and the candidate will be required to run in the election in May of ’26 for the full term. The seat is considered an at large designation meaning any district citizen may express their interest in the seat.
In-person interviews have been scheduled for July 31 in a closed session meeting with the results of the appointment being delivered in an open session.
Prior to the board going through the bulk of the agenda items slated for the meeting, several community members took the opportunity to address the board through the public comment portion of the meeting.
Similar to meetings past, community members and former staff members of LISD expressed their displeasure of Levelland Intermediate School remaining closed as congestion continues to be an issue at the Levelland Middle School. Additionally, those speaking to the board voiced their concerns on the lack of representation and on behalf of the community and certain choices the administration and board have taken in past decisions.
Levelland ISD previously issued a request for proposals (RFP) for repairs for the roof at Levelland High School. Levelland ISD issued the RFP and was coordinated by ARMKO Industries and issued through the interlocal purchasing system known as TIPS A bid was received from PRC Roofing and was presented to the board for review and consideration, with the administration recommending approval. The repair project included the removal of aggregate surfacing, the installation of new asphalt primer to existing roof surfaces, the installation of new 2-ply modified base flashings, the repairing of damaged coping cap, and the installation of new counter flashing and a termination bar. The proposal from PRC was for $212,000 and the bid was approved unanimously.
A report of damages to Levelland ISD facilities was provided with estimated damages valued at Capitol Elementary School for roughly $2.4 million, Levelland Middle School for $2.3million, Lobo Football Stadium for $2.9 million, Levelland Academic Beginnings Center for $2.5 million, Levelland High School $2.4 million, Levelland High School Softball Field for $400,000 and Cactus Learning Center for $200,000.
Moving through the agenda, the board considered a district copier agreement that’s set to expire in August of 2024 with information presented by Levelland ISD CFO Teresa Montemayor.
Pacific Office Automation was unanimously approved as the new provider for the equipment, with a projected 21% annual savings compared to the current provider according to Montemayor. Pacific Office Automation has committed to transitioning in the new equipment by the end of July.
Details on the Settlement Agreement relating to Levelland ISD’s withdrawal from SPECO, providing a list of assets to be retained by Levelland ISD and the monetary amount of $244,781.44. Superintendent Rebecca McCutchen explained there were a lot of extra expenses Levelland ISD was having to pay that the other districts were not. She added that discussion were held between all entities to offer additional financial assistance in covering those costs but discussions did not progress. As a result, a business decision was made.