BY VICKI GRAVES

HERALD DEMOCRAT

BELLS -- A construction update began the Tuesday meeting at Bells Independent School District and most of the discussion that took place regarded an extension, which the board approved, on the guaranteed maximum price to Buford Thompson Construction of $650,000 for the stadium and eight-lane sports track renovation.

"It will be a state-of-the art track," Superintendent Joe Moore said Tuesday.

The $650,000 takes care of the demolition of the old track, construction of the new one and aluminum bleachers.

In financial discussion, the board said that after construction is complete, Bells ISD will have $250,000 left of the money approved by the voters in last May's bond election.

"So far, construction is going pretty well," Moore said. "We have two huge cranes here and they're putting metal up."

The target date for completion is August 16, 2009.

In other business, the board discussed elementary enrollment, which is larger than it's ever been.

"It's the highest enrollment we've ever had at Bells. We have 447 students," Moore said.

For the May 9 school board trustee election, the trustees appointed Faye Anderson as alternate judge and Johnnie Templeton as clerk. Julie Trimble will serve as early voting clerk.

Administration contracts were extended for Curriculum Director Tricia Meek; High School Principal Will Steger; Athletic Director Charles Boles; and Elementary School Principal Rebeckah Pritchard.

The board discussed a benchmark testing program with Junior High Principal Don Keene.

Will Steger reported on next year's course selection and class schedule.

The trustees approved budget amendment No. 1 and added no money to the budget.

They also renewed the workers compensation agreement and extended the current depository contract for funds with First National Bank of Bells.