February and March have been busy in BISD. In addition to the exciting things happening in classrooms across the district, I have had the distinct pleasure of making surprise visits on 11 campuses to announce their campus teacher of the year. During my visits, we experienced cheers, tears and even an impromptu testimonial from a fifth-grade student thanking his teacher for not giving up on them. It was a reminder to us all of the impact our teachers have on the lives of children.

All 33 campus teachers of the year will be honored by the District at the annual Golden Gala on May 7. At that time, BISD will name the elementary, middle and high school teachers of the year.

In February, the board of trustees appointed a Bond Oversight Committee to ensure that all Bond funds approved by voters in November 2014 are spent on the projects identified in the election. This Committee is comprised of community members who will be advisory in nature and will meet at least quarterly. Their primary duties will be to review the progress of the construction and the expenditures associated with each project. The Committee’s quarterly reports to the Board will be posted online. Committee members are: Christy Midgett, Tommy Stamps, Larry Cunningham, James Grant, Cheryl Plunkett, David Nelson, Jim Schooler and Michael Logan.

In February, trustees authorized the selection of Huckabee and PBK as the architectural firms to design and oversee the remaining projects approved by voters in the 2014 Bond referendum.

Huckabee was selected to design the new school for Birdville Elementary. BISD anticipates this new campus will open in fall 2017. Huckabee was also selected for the design and renovation of Birdville High School.

PBK was selected to design the new campus for North Richland Middle School. BISD anticipates this new campus will open in fall 2017. In addition, PBK was selected to design and oversee the remaining renovations and updates at all other district facilities.

(In December, trustees selected HKS, Inc. as the architectural firm to design the new campus for The Academy at West Birdville Elementary.)

BISD’s goal is for students to continue to attend class on their campus during construction and renovations. However, student and staff safety is a priority and will help determine when and how projects are scheduled.

To follow the great things happening in Birdville ISD and on the 2014 Bond program, visit birdvilleschools.net.