Clayton PTA - Bonds

Update August 26, 2008: Relief School for Clayton as part of 2004 Bond

Congratulations Clayton! The board did take a vote at Monday's meeting on Site Selection for the new SW Elementary School and voted in favor of the Meridian site. This is what we were seeking in order for our children to get the relief school as promised by 2010.

Staff is still directed by the board to seek answers to environmental questions. However, the fact that the board actually took action last night and did not delay the site decision again is good for our community. Staff can now proceed with the start of the construction process with that decision, and each board member's views are on the record. The official AISD statement is below.

Thank you to everyone who participated last night. We had 13-14 speakers pushing for the Meridian site, including Clayton parents, CCHOA reps and Meridian HOA reps & residents. Then, we had a full room of the Clayton community when the item was discussed. I feel confident that the decision would not have been in our favor had these people not made the effort to speak and attend. Great job everyone!

Updates will come as needed. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Wendy Gonzales

Clayton PTA President

president@claytoncardinals.org

Part of the AISD Board Brief for August 25, 2008:

Southwest Elementary School Site

On a 7-1-1- vote, Trustees approved the selection of a 14-acre tract of donated land for the site of the new Southwest Austin Elementary School — the seventh campus to be constructed under the District’s 2004 Apple At Work Bond Program. Additional testing will be conducted to ensure the environmental viability of the property. The site is located on Meridian Park Blvd., near the intersection of FM 1826 and Highway 45. The 32-classroom school will relieve Clayton and Mills elementary schools, and is scheduled to open in August 2010.

Of the eight schools included in the 2004 Bond Program, five — Perez, Clayton, Overton, and Blazier elementaries, and Garcia Middle School — have opened. The Southwest Middle School, located at Slaughter Lane and FM 1826, is now under construction and will open in Fall 2009.

*Update on 2004 Bond: January 31, 2008
The AISD Board of Trustees voted and APPROVED staff's recommendation on the two undesignated schools. The two schools as part of the 2004 Bond will be in North Central and Southwest Austin! Thank you to those who were able to attend the Special Meeting.

On January 14th, the board delayed to vote in order to get more information on a 3rd critical area of need, Linder Elementary. At the Special Meeting on January 31st, they received the requested information and recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions for Linder. After more discussion, a motion was made and the vote was taken. We are happy to report that solutions were provided for all 3 critical areas. As a result, Southwest Austin will get a new elementary school as part of the 2004 Bond!

Based on previous discussion, the new Southwest school would not be online until 2010-11 school year. Though Clayton will continue to experience growing pains during the next couple of years, relief is in site! The next step for AISD staff and board will be to determine where the actual site in Southwest Austin will be and where the boundaries will fall.

For more information, please contact bonds@claytoncardinals.org.

LINKS TO INFO :

Staff Powerpoint presentation/recommendations on undesignated schools of 2004 Bond to the AISD board made on January 7th - click here.
General information about the 2004 bond, click here.

*Update on Proposed 2008 Bond Election: May 11, 2008

Thanks and congratulations to AISD parents. On Saturday, May 10th, Austinites came to show their support for the 2008 School Bond. Despite low voter turnout, all 3 Propositions easily passed, each with over 69% of the votes.

This is great news for Clayton parents of future AISD high school students. AISD can now look for land in South Austin for a new high school to offer relief to Bowie, Austin and Akins in the future. And now that the land is approved, the next step to request funds for the actual school will hopefully be an easier process.

Thank you Clayton parents, family and friends who showed your support and commitment in taking time to vote for the bond.

bonds@claytoncardinals.org

Helpful links:

2008 Bond Summary

Bond Areas of Focus

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete Bond Information Package (PDF) - including exact wording of each Proposition

DID YOU KNOW?:

With the expansion of Kiker Elementary, addition of Clayton Elementary, the planned new elementary in Southwest Austin, and the addition of the New Southwest Middle School to relieve Bailey and Small Middle Schools, Bowie can not handle such growth in student population.
Bowie High School currently has an enrollment of 2,771 with a capacity of 2,450.
Under the SOS restrictions, Bowie cannot be expanded, either through building additions or portables.
Bowie currently does not have enough lockers to accommodate the current student enrollment. Seniors at Bowie are not issued lockers.
The requirements of the new High School Redesign requires student advisory. Bowie does not have room for this required service. Currently students meet with counselors in corridors and other common area spaces in the building because there are no rooms.
Bowie has been closed to transfers for 12 years.
Current Clayton 5th graders will start high school in less than 4 years in 2011-12; 4th graders in 5 years; 3rd graders in 6 years; 2nd graders in 7 years; 1st graders in 8 years; Kindergarteners in 9 years