It was a decision with the potential to change the path of growth for the entire school district. After three community meetings, the Lometa Independent School District Board of Trustees on Thursday approved an order calling for a bond election.

The bond, which allows for construction of a $4.37 million gymnasium and classroom complex that will include a science and technology lab as well as four additional classrooms, will appear on ballots for the May general election.

A tax increase of 30 cents per $100 taxable valuation is projected. The current tax rate is $1.04.

In last week’s final community meeting, Lometa ISD Superintendent David Rice fielded questions from the public regarding a new building’s ability to handle future growth.

“Every school around us seems to be dropping in numbers while ours are stable,” he said. “We have a tremendous school here, and we have families asking to send their children here.

“New construction would allow growth to over one and a half times the students Lometa ISD currently houses. Unless something extreme happens, I don’t see us doubling in size in the next few years,” Rice said.

Discussion in the community forums has centered around whether the school district will appoint an at-risk manager or use a bidding process for the proposed construction. In an at-risk situation, a project manager is appointed to handle all aspects of building construction.

A number of local residents voiced concern that, in an at-risk management arrangement, there is no guarantee local contractors and workers will be used to complete the project.

Under a bidding process, bids are submitted, and a general contractor would be chosen to manage construction.

Rice said the bid format would be a big job, as the superintendent and school business manager handle the bidding process. The arrangement, however, does allow for the Lometa district to funnel jobs to the local workforce.

“In a recession like we’re in now, and people needing jobs, there are going to be a lot of contractors out there looking for work,” said Rice.

When the matter came under scrutiny during Thursday’s board meeting, it remained a point of concern. “The safest is at-risk, but the most prudent is general manager,” said Rice.

After much discussion, trustees agreed that a poll of the community would be conducted to determine a choice.

“We need to look at this as a stimulus,” said board member Stephen Stone. “I would like this to be a stimulus right here in Lam pasas County.”

Trustee Ben Leggett agreed with Stone. “I would like to see as many local contractors involved as possible and keep the money at home,” he said.

On a motion by Stone, it was decided that the decision regarding a delivery service would be placed on next month’s agenda. A final decision is not necessary until after the bond passes.

Also discussed during Thursday’s school board meeting was the matter of financing if the bond is passed. Utilization of Qualified School Construction Bond stimulus funding would allow for a 15- year payoff at 1 percent interest, which would bump the tax increase to 34 cents per $100 valuation.

A 25-year payoff would place the tax rate increase at 30 cents per $100 valuation.

Release of QSCB applications is expected any day, with award made on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of school wealth.

In other business Thursday, the board accepted a $40,000 grant from the USDA for the partial payment of a new bus. USDA representative Terry Chenoweth said the funds will be available to the school district within 90 days. Tommy Maddox was appointed to execute the grant.

The board also agreed to apply for a grant from the governor’s criminal justice division for the district’s after-school program.

With a bond election on the horizon, the board approved a contract for election services with Lampasas County. The district’s share of the election is expected to be approximately $3,379.

In his principal’s report, Kip Bullock informed trustees of recent successes for students. The school’s FFA members have been competing in stock shows across the state as well as a number of public speaking contests.

The Lometa Cross Examination Debate Team has qualified for the state meet, slated March 15-16 at The University of Texas.

The boys’ basketball team won the district championship and with a bye in bi-district play, the Hornets earned a spot for the area championship Friday night.

Bullock also apprised the board on recent steps taken to restrict student cell phone use on campus.

“We saw a need and decided to head things off at the pass before they got out of hand,” Bullock said. Effective Feb. 22, Lometa students are no longer allowed to possess cellular or electronic devices on campus.

Rob Moore, the district’s curriculum director, reported that tutorials in English language arts and writing are under way, with TAKS testing in those areas scheduled for this week. The district also will be conducting TAKS benchmark testing in other areas this week.

Moore said the district has received a $40,000 math coaches grant to be used in developing teaching strategies and math-specific equipment.

Special Programs Administrator Jamie Smart reported that the special education department has been busy preparing for TAKS testing. He added that field trips are planned for the gifted and talented program in the coming weeks.