Bryan And College Station ISD School Boards Approve Significant Contracts Funded by Bonds

In a significant move, Bryan and College Station Independent School District’s School Boards have given the green signal to substantive contracts funded by voter-approved bonds. This initiative sees a concerted push towards infrastructure overhaul across several campuses in the districts.

Bryan ISD Focuses on Renovations Despite Tepid Bid Response

Demonstrating a firm commitment towards student welfare and learning environments, the Bryan ISD school board utilized their June 3rd meeting to award contracts focused on interior and exterior renovations at five secondary campuses. The board’s decision is especially noteworthy, considering they only received two bids out of the over 600 invitations that were sent out.

Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw highlighted that the winning bid, amounting to $1.9 million dollars, was significantly below the engineer’s estimate – a substantial saving nearly $900,000 under the original cost assumption. The benefited campuses include the Stephen F. Austin School, the Performing Arts Center, along with Rayburn, Davila, Long, and the M.C. Harris Annex. Wendell groups backed these initiatives through bonds approved by voters in 2020 and are slated for completion this summer.

College Station ISD Pledges $1.6 Million Towards HVAC Upgrades

In similar vein, College Station ISD, buoyed by voter approval to issue nearly $300 million dollars in bonds in November 2023, gave a unanimous nod to substantial infrastructure improvements. During their May 21 meeting, it was unanimously decided to replace the heating and air conditioning system at Cypress Grove Intermediate School. The contract, a plentiful $1.6 million, includes a comprehensive sweep of 58 rooftop units, six dedicated outside air systems, and 32 exhaust and supply fans.

Brazos County Commission Steps Up for Elder Abuse Awareness

In other decisive local government action, this week’s Brazos County commission meeting saw the issuance of a proclamation recognizing June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. According to county judge Duane Peters, Texas received more than 120,000 reports of abuse involving older adults and residents with disabilities in 2023 alone. Local supervisor with Texas adult protective services, Marquesha Lamar, expressed gratitude towards the commission for their efforts to raise awareness and safeguard elder citizens.

H-E-B Stores’ Chairman Pours Generosity onto Texas Food Banks

In a heartwarming and unexpected development, the Brazos Valley Food Bank (BVFB) learned this week of a substantial donation incoming from Charles Butt, the chairman of H-E-B stores. Butt has committed a $20 million dollar personal gift to bolster 20 food banks around Texas. BVFB’s share of this unrestricted gift amounts to a sizable $125,000.

Active Attack Integrated Response Training Underway at CSISD

In a safety-centric initiative, the College Station police and firefighters have begun the ‘Active Attack Integrated Response Training’ at local schools. These exercises in security preparedness are set to continue throughout the summer at CSISD schools. This initiative further strengthens the districts’ commitment to student welfare and school safety.