Gatesville ISD approves $400,000 in summer maintenance projects

Gatesville ISD trustees moved ahead with summer maintenance work that will change what students, parents and staff notice first when campuses reopen in Gatesville: a new fire alarm system at the primary school, brighter junior high spaces, and fresh carpet in the high school band hall. The board approved the projects at a June 8 special meeting at the district administration building, 311 S. Lovers Lane, and paid for the work from fund balance rather than the bond program.

The biggest items are aimed at deferred maintenance, safety and day-to-day comfort, not cosmetic updates alone. Impact Fire of Waco submitted the low bid of $115,000 for the primary campus fire alarm project. Everett’s Acoustics of Belton came in low at $126,337 for the junior high grid-and-tile ceiling replacement, while Bates Electric of San Antonio submitted the low bid of $13,350 for junior high interior lighting replacement. The band hall carpet replacement was allotted $37,000 because it did not cross the threshold that required bids. Three of the projects came in below budget, producing more than $100,000 in projected savings.

The district also approved a resolution that would allow it to reimburse itself from leftover bond proceeds if money remains after approved bond work is finished. One trustee initially raised concerns about using bond money for the reimbursement, but the resolution passed unanimously. Trustees then reentered the TASB Energy Cooperative Fuel Pool for September through December 2026 so the district can lock in lower diesel and gasoline rates for school vehicles heading into fall.

The maintenance work sits alongside a broader capital picture for Gatesville ISD. Trustees previously called a $26 million bond election for May 2 focused on aging facilities, student safety and fine arts and athletics, and voters approved it. District planning materials also say the summer projects are non-bond work funded from savings, while a larger proposal to move sixth grade to the junior high was left for future planning after the cost grew too high. For Gatesville families, the practical result should be safer buildings, better lighting and fewer repair surprises when school starts.