RISD School Board discusses delays in building progress
The Richards ISD School Board’s December meeting focused on progress from the 2021 bond as well as a review of the current RISD financial audit that was completed and presented.
RISD is audited annually to maintain compliance with Texas Education laws, monitor expenditures, revenue and to examine areas where an ISD may need to focus more purchasing efforts. The Annual Financial Review or AFR completed for the 2019-2020 year, showed a passing score of 90, well above the base passing score of 70. For the 2019–2020 year, RISD scored “Superior Achievement.”
The 2020-2021 year presented changes for many ISDs that resulted in stressors to attendance and budgets alike. While administration worked hard to meet state guidelines and adapt to pandemic related attendance, financial work was a constant focus. With a total fund balance of a little over $1 million, general fund balance a little over $2 million and expenditures of $2 million, RISD saw an almost $250,000 increase from last year.
Overall the audit presented was recognized to be on par with the 2019-2020-year rating, however there were two areas of concern mentioned where the board was advised to focus: the RISD business office, primarily staffing and additional expenditures for Career and Technology. The audit showed evidence that as the district continues an upward trend, the business office will need additional staff to help manage reports and overall workload as well as maintain their current high level of accurate reporting.
Although the district focused its efforts in equipping each student with technology related tools, as well as additional staffing efforts to ensure that each child’s educational needs are met, the current audit showed evidence that RISD has not complied with expenditures within Career and Technology-based on a 3-year average. The audit advised that RISD will need to focus efforts on Career and Technology, Special Education, and related areas within their educational plans. The RISD board agreed to begin exploring areas for additional expenditures to meet minimum standards.
Superintendent William Boyce presented his report noting progress on the new ag shop and bus barn areas. Construction began because of the awarded bond from the 2021 May election, however RISD Administration acknowledges there have been delays in building due to rising costs and current inflation with building materials and labor costs.
Wrobleski Construction is currently working on the Ag build out, with Collier Construction managing the RISD project overall. Current plans for the entire build include two packages/plans: Plan A includes all construction within the approved budget, while Plan B includes additional work to the current RISD buildings, upgrades, asbestos abatement, drop ceilings within the building and needed repairs at a potential cost of up to $1 million.
Within Plan A, the new buildings, and repairs will be covered by the approved bond. Plan B, while being an absolute must for RISD cannot be covered through the bond due to the large costs for the new builds. The current plan for RISD will be to continue with the work completed through the bond. Board members Debbie Pool and Rex Holland both expressed concerns for the Plan B costs, but all board members agreed the importance of the secondary project, and the need to research additional avenues of revenue. “[This year’s] Christmas program proves there’s more people in our area than we’ve ever had. We had over 300 people in attendance with standing room only. We’ve got to accommodate our families, our students. It’s not just about planning, we’ve got to accommodate what’s already here. We can find a way”, explained RISD Board President Jason Bay.
Additional topics covered during the December meeting included out of district transfers for Spring 2022, RISD is expecting five additional students ranging in age. Principal John Portwood explained the transfers were due to transportation issues and homeschooled students wanting to attend public education.
The board also approved wage amounts for construction workers working on the RISD project to meet the minimum prevailing wage for Construction Labor in Grimes Countypassed unanimously. While the wage amount could vary based on the type of work or position, this vote allows the construction to continue and ensures that based on Grimes County wage structure-the workers will be paid at a base rate set by TxDOT, based on cost-of-living information for the Grimes County area.
Richards ISD will meet again Jan. 20, 2022, at 7 p.m.
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