Update on Design and Construction Projects

Superintendent Emanuel reported that he met with the family of Jerry Wilhelm and the name they would like to use for the performing arts center is The Jerry Fay Wilhelm Performing Arts Center. Brad Pfluger suggested another option for naming the facility – The Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts. Henry – Brad suggested another option - Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts. President Allen liked Mr. Pfluger’s suggestion. Mr. Emanuel stated that Mrs. Wilhelm’s family would provide a photo, a biography, and some items for a display case.   

Mr. Pfluger reported that the renovations and additions project at Bastrop High School should be completed in the next 30-60 days. 

Discussion of Construction Materials to be used on Bond Projects

Brad Pfluger and his team presented information to the Board on exterior construction materials. Mr. Pfluger encouraged input from the Board members. He              

stated that a blend of materials would need to be considered due to the projects’ budget. Board members, along with members of the architect and construction design teams discussed various cost concerns regarding the possible wall systems that might be used in the new high school, along with the variety of ways various material palettes might be used to enhance the architectural features.  The Board directed the design teams to incorporate the following:

• Exterior wall construction of the high school will primarily consist of an on-site cast insulated concrete panel wall system.  This system can very easily take various skins and materials for an architectural grade look, but can also produce significant savings in the construction budget
• Exterior finish will be similar in appearance to stucco or smooth plaster, with accents of stone work and other masonry.  There will also be smaller areas of metal wall panels and glass storefront type windows.
• Material and color selections will be generally compatible in appearance with the local, central Texas environment, including the use of locally quarried rock and similar colors and textures.
• Careful consideration will be given to the design of exterior illumination and signage on the building, visibility from the highway, and design features to mark the campus driveway entrance.
• Further development of the new high school design will be presented at the March Board meeting.

Board members, along with members of the architect and construction design teams discussed various cost concerns regarding the possible wall systems that might be used in the performing arts center, along with a materials palette and possible color selections.  The Board directed the design teams to incorporate the following:

• Lighting and signage for the Lobby will be designed to highlight the dramatic appearance during evening events.
• The official name will be the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts--from here on the project will reference the name and a variety of signage ideas will be presented for Board consideration.
• The lobby will include some memorial or display features relating to Jerry Fay Wilhelm.
• The lower part of the Performing Arts Center exterior will be stone and brick, with a stucco finish for the upper portion of the exterior walls.
• The Lobby will primarily be a glass curtain wall exterior, with a stone finish colonnade, exposed wood beams, and wood finish curved ceiling.
• The color and material palette will be based on warm, natural tones, sympathetic to the Lost Pines environment.
• Further development of the new Performing Arts Center design will be presented at the February Board meeting.

Mr. Gideon stated the Board would need to decide on a mascot and school colors for Cedar Creek High School.  He reminded board members that the eagle is the mascot for Cedar Creek Intermediate and Cedar Creek Middle Schools, and royal blue is their school color. Mr. Emanuel stated that this item would be brought back to the Board for discussion and action at a future meeting. 

President Allen commented that it would be nice to have a landmark or entryway using some of the same materials as the school building at the highway entrance of the new school. Mr. Pfluger stated that his only advice on this would be to avoid placing a marquee at the highway entrance. Mr. Gideon stated that there are two structures on the property that could possibly be used for something. He added that the structures would be demolished otherwise.   

Mr. Emanuel presented that Board with a memorandum concerning grade configuration options for the new high school. He stated that it would be very expensive to open the new school with grades 9-12 and phasing in would certainly be more cost effective. President Allen stated that the district needs to do a lot of research on this topic before making a final decision. Mr. Mills suggested getting opinions from coaches, band directors, choir directors, cheer coaches, etc. Mr. Pfluger stated that in his experience, he has seen most districts open their new high schools with one half of all 9^th and 10^th graders. The other half of the 9^th and 10^th graders would go to the existing high school, as would all 11^th and 12^th graders. Mr. Emanuel stated that this item would also be on a future agenda for discussion.