MWP-ISD Deeds Edwards to MEDC
    by Donald Bard, Staff Writer ~~ Monahans News, September 3, 2009

The Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Board of Trustees met for its final meeting of the 2008-2009 school year Aug. 26, discussing budget, tax rate and school construction.  With school year 2009-2010 only two days old, much of the meeting was devoted to finalizing the prior year and confirming plans for the new year.

The Board voted unanimously to deed Edwards Elementary School to the Monahans Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  The school was closed in May 2009.  Estimates for construction to bring the school up to required and desirable standards far exceeded the projected cost for additions to other schools.  MEDC, working with Odessa College, has plans from some of the original building including the possibility of starting an RN program to go along with the current LVN program.  In any case, OC needs the extra space by deeding the school and grounds, the Board avoids much of the expense demolishing or maintaining the building would entail.  The City of Monahans and Ward County will assume some of the continuing expenses as well.

Architect Monte Hunter presented the progress made on the multiple construction projects and expectations for the near future.  A major issue is the quality of cement work.  Superintendent Keith Richardson and Hunter noted problems at other schools.  The matter has been discussed with the contractors.  Hunter said one option is a polymer finish.  Because it is more expensive, it should encourage the contractor to closely supervise the pour and finish due to the cost coming out of the contractor's pocket if Hunter does "sign off" on the final product.

Matthew Oualline, was hired to teach at Tatom Elementary.  After routine bills were paid, money was set aside to cover the last two weeks of the month and school year.

Budget details are available on the website, with no major changes since the budget workshops were held.  The Monahans News and Mudville News were the only local representatives present.

With enrollment at 1965, up from last year's opening of 1916 and from May's ending of 1944, prospects look good for steady growth of the MWP-ISD.  The Board adopted the budget of $22,239,480.00.  The tax rate still remains the same at $1.04 for Maintenance and Operations, with a small increase in the rate for debt service to $0.181 from last  year's $0.1643.  The change for debt service was required due to Comptroller's markedly reduced property values for oil and gas.

The final major concern is the pending Accountability scores.  These scores are used to rate a school's success and rating.  There is an increased interest in this area due to nearby Permian and Odessa High Schools receiving Academically Unacceptable ratings.  Assistant District Superintendent Glenna Applewhite explained how the scores are developed and noted that MWP-ISD shows Exemplary for the vast majority of scoring areas.  The areas that have problems are being addressed.

The Board agreed the current schedule for meetings met the needs of the public and the Board members and would not be changed.  The next meeting is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the school administration building.

keyed by Matthew Gonzales, Senior '10