6 takeaways from Hays USD 489 school board meeting

$88K in High School Change Orders Approved in Split 5-2 Vote

Asbestos Abatement Vote Prompts Tense Exchange Between Board Members

Asbestos Handling and Insurance Costs Explained

District Outlines Busing Changes for Middle School Move

Details Emerge on Felten Elementary Renovation Scope

District Approves New Sponsorships, Bolstering Funds

$88K in High School Change Orders Approved in Split 5-2 Vote

HAYS - The board approved $88,347 in change orders for work already completed at the new Hays High School, following a debate over process and oversight. The changes, paid for from the project’s owner contingency fund, included additional power for the new scoreboard, installation of fencing gates, and parking lot striping to improve traffic flow. Representatives from the construction firm explained the work was urgent and had to be done before school started, leaving no time for prior board approval. However, some board members voiced frustration over approving funds after the fact, arguing the board should have been notified of the necessary changes as they arose, even if a formal meeting wasn't possible.

Asbestos Abatement Vote Prompts Tense Exchange Between Board Members

HAYS - A 6-1 vote to approve a $69,480 contract for asbestos mastic removal at the future middle school site led to a heated exchange between board members. Following the vote, board member Ruth Ruder openly questioned the motivations behind the "no" votes on safety-related items, suggesting they were done to appease taxpayers rather than protect students. Board member Allen Park, who often casts dissenting votes on spending items, responded that his vote was based on questions about the process and his skepticism that a building of that era would contain asbestos. He stated that his commitment to safety was paramount after over 40 years of service to the district and that questioning his integrity was inappropriate.

Asbestos Handling and Insurance Costs Explained

HAYS - A board member questioned why asbestos abatement work is consistently handled as a separate contract by the district rather than being included in the general contractor's scope of work for bond projects. A representative from the construction management firm explained that large general contractors typically avoid managing asbestos abatement directly. The insurance and liability costs for a construction manager to oversee such specialized environmental work are "cost prohibitive" compared to having the district contract directly with a certified abatement firm. The current process, coordinated by the district, has proven to be more cost-effective.

District Outlines Busing Changes for Middle School Move

HAYS - The district provided an informational report on upcoming changes to bus transportation that will occur when Hays Middle School relocates to the former high school building in January. Due to the change in location, approximately 23 current student riders will no longer be eligible for busing as they will live within the 2.5-mile radius of the new school. Conversely, over 300 students could potentially become newly eligible. District officials confirmed that all middle school families have been notified of the upcoming changes multiple times via mail, email, text, and social media to allow them to prepare for the transition.

Details Emerge on Felten Elementary Renovation Scope

HAYS - The board received an update on the bond-funded renovation of Felten Elementary, which is set to become an intermediate school for 5th and 6th graders. The project's budget has been increased to allow for a more comprehensive scope that will touch the entire building. Preliminary plans include adding two bathrooms to each kindergarten and first-grade classroom, significant mechanical upgrades, and opening up the "boxed-in" cafeteria to create a larger, more functional space. A debate arose regarding the timing of plumbing inspections, with a board member urging that the building's pipes be fully scoped before design work is finalized to avoid costly surprises, a lesson learned from a previous project. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2026.

District Approves New Sponsorships, Bolstering Funds

HAYS - The board officially approved two new partnerships that will provide additional revenue for the district. A "Founder Package" sponsorship for the new high school athletic facilities was sold to The Insurance Guys. The board also approved an additionall marketing partnership contract. Funds generated from these agreements will be deposited into the district's capital outlay fund, providing flexible revenue that can be used for building maintenance, equipment, and other capital improvements.

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