Blanco ISD’s elementary school building project was the subject of a presentation at the state convention of the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators, held last weekend in Austin.

“The annual TASB/TASA conference is the premier gathering of Texas school district officials,” said school attorney Matt Burns. “We were very pleased to be able to provide a training option for conference attendees, and to showcase Blanco ISD’s bond construction program.”

Burns, along with attorney Paul Hunn and Board President Matt Herden, presented a session titled “School Construction Contract and Purchase Planning.” The session focused on changes in state purchasing laws and procedures for new construction, and utilized Blanco’s elementary building project as a prime example of how these procedures are carried out.

In May of 2011, Blanco voters approved a $ 7.9 million bond package, which included renovating the district’s old, dilapidated yellow school building. The historic building, with a façade dating back to 1923, was in disrepair, and served no instructional purpose. Inner walls of the structure dated back to 1884.

“The unique thing about this project is that it brought a large constituency of the community together—parents, alumni, and older residents who regarded the building as community treasure,” said Blanco Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “Not only are we renovating a building with walls dating back to 1884, but we are adding two modern wings totaling sixteen classrooms that will provide for the education of our elementary students for years to come.”

Attorney Paul Hunn said, “It was my pleasure to showcase the District’s construction project at the 2012 TASA/TASB annual convention. This convention is recognized as the pinnacle of school board conferences each year, attended by hundreds of school board members and administrators from across the state, and what a pleasure it was to demonstrate Blanco ISD’s leadership in construction and historic preservation.”

“In fact, rarely do I see a project as well designed and managed as the construction and renovation of the District’s old yellow school building. The Blanco community and its school board and administration can take pride in this remarkable facility, which marries the past with the future and ensures modern classrooms while retaining the character of the old yellow school building.”

“This takes vision and hard work, as well as the backing of the community, whose members graciously lent their support, assuring that many more generations will enjoy school where their parents and grandparents once attended.”

“I appreciate being a part of this project.”

BISD Board President Matt Herden said, “People always think that great things are happening in other cities. But great things are happening here in Blanco.”

“I felt proud to tell other school districts at TASB about it. This bond construction will not only connect students to the past, but it will also illuminate their future and the city of Blanco’s future.”