Answers from Dennis Winborn about Milliken

Ms. Shoven,

I have outlined below questions contained in your letter presented to the LISD school board at their March 10, 2007 meeting. Responses to each question are also outlined below. These responses have been formulated from information provided to me by LISD administrators, Mr. Alan King, Mr. Brant Buck, Dr. Penny Reddell, and Mr. Larry Williams.

1. "I would be interested to know the testing numbers from 1997-2004 compared to 2005-2007."

Two different sets of Academic Excellence Indicator System data for LHS North provided to the LISD by the Texas Education Agency are attached to this e-mail. One set of data provides student academic performance results on the TAAS from 1998-2002. The second set of data provides student academic performance results on the TAKS from 2003-2007.

2. "I have heard from District employees that when it rains, the walkways at Milliken flood causing great stress for the staff and students. What measures will be put in place to make sure our children and administrators remain dry during the inclimate weather?"

LISD Facility Services has not received complaints of sidewalks under water during rain storms or drainage issues as mentioned in the past few years. Drainage, sidewalks, and grading will be a part of the work of adding an addition.

3. "What was the root cause of the 290 sq ft of mold that was removed from Milliken in October of 2007? Are you fairly certain the root cause is gone and will most likely not resurface causing similar issues in the near future?"

Last year 290 sq ft of sheet rock which had been damaged by a roof leak was replaced. This work consisted of replacing sheet rock on one wall. The roof leak was repaired, and this work was confined to one classroom. The entire operation of Adult and Community Education which is currently housed at Milliken continued during this time. The roof is in a normal condition. We do not have excessive problems with the roof.

4. "Exactly how much of the $697 million dollar bond is set aside for repairs at the Milliken center?"

We will be adding 36,000 sq ft to Milliken at a cost of approximately 8.7 million dollars. The existing 96,440 sq ft will be renovated at a cost of approximately 4.2 million dollars.

5. "After you spend the money to update Milliken, approximately how long do you expect to extend the life of the building? Is the money vs. time ratio worth our effort?"

The renovation of the current facility and the 36,000 sq ft addition will extend the life of this facility to the same as a new building. This is more cost effective than building a completely new structure.

6. "What are the conditions of the bathrooms at Milliken? What is the condition of the water and sewage lines under the building?"

LISD Facility Services has housed a crew at Milliken for the past three years. One of their tasks is to ensure the proper operation of plumbing lines, sewer lines, bathrooms, air conditioners, heaters, etc. This crew has kept the facility in appropriate working condition.

7. "I assume the district will be redrawing lines to fill the classrooms. Which elementary schools do you think will be affected by the redrawing?"

Rezoning proposals in the LISD are normally reviewed during the preceding school year of the proposed school year of implementation. Therefore, if this facility was to be occupied in the fall of 2010, any rezoning proposals for any campuses should be reviewed during the 2009-2010 school year.

8. "Will there be buses available on a daily basis to transport children, not only during regular school hours, but also those involved in activities that extend beyond the normal school day, like tutoring, band, choir, and athletics practices, performances and games? What is the proposed yearly cost to bus all the children from the South side of Lewisville to the North side of Lewisville on a daily basis? How long will the typical child spend on the school bus?"

Buses will be available to students based on current LISD Student Services guidelines used for all other LISD middle school campuses. There should be no additional cost incurred by the LISD for busing students caused by the opening of this facility. A child should have no more than a 15 to 20 minute bus ride to and from this facility.

9. "What condition are the locker rooms, band hall, choir room, gym, and fields in? What is the estimated cost to bring them up to the standards of the other middle schools in our district?"

These areas will all meet the LISD standard and all should be in outstanding condition. The projected cost for renovation work in these areas is included in the $4.2 million planned for the existing building.

10. "What year do you plan to move the children there? How does the district plan to help the flow of traffic into and out of the area?"

This facility is currently projected to open in the fall of 2010 provided the bond package passes in the May election. LISD will work with staff, parents, students, and the community as it does with all other campuses in order to implement a flow of traffic which provides safety for all concerned parties.


I certainly do appreciate your bringing these questions to us in order to give us a chance to respond to all of them. I am hopeful these responses will alleviate some of the concerns you might have. If we can be of any further assistance please let us know.

Sincerely,
Dennis Winborn
Associate Superintendent