Within a couple of weeks the Center ISD could have a new location for the district’s transportation facility and operations center. Trustees gave approval to a proposal that would move the bus barn to a location owned by J.B. Raymond on Loop 500 between Hwy. 87 and 7 East during a special called meeting Thursday.

 

Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry said the district looked into possible renovation of the current facility on one acre on Hwy. 87 north, but said it was more feasible to move forward with acquiring the 4.5 acre site that already has a large metal building and office.

 

Hockenberry cited economic feasibility, space and the long-term agreement Raymond had proposed.

 

Following a review of the lease agreement by counsel, Hockenberry said the district plans to move forward with moving the transportation facility as soon as possible.

 

He said the lease terms were 20-years at $5,000 monthly, plus would be rent free until Jan. 2016.

 

Hockenberry also gave the board an update on facilities’ projects focused on the Malone Drive campuses. Trustees approved moving forward with no more than $3 million in improvements two weeks ago. He said the positive outcomes fit into a much larger plan for the district.

 

Hockenberry and Deputy Superintendent Rayford Copelin advised it could be early to mid-July before renovation work would begin on the middle and intermediate school campuses, including gyms and locker rooms.

 

They both stressed no work or materials would be OKed without the consent of the board.