Progress is being made toward breaking ground on the SSISD construction projects. Mike Nelson, architect and engineer Mickey Thomas along with school officials have met with the city officials to make certain of all city requirements during the project will be met. The engineer has thoroughly examined the sites and made several suggestions for construction. Additionally, SKG Engineering of San Angelo is in the process of initial site work, testing the soil and completing surveying work.Consultants have been on site determining the scope of the high school science lab renovation and the renovation of the special education life skills room for the high school. Engineers will be back in the District this week to study the physical structure and make final recommendations to the architect regarding the current science lab space. A timeline has been set for the renovation of the high school science labs and the life skills classroom to begin this summer when school is out for the 2011-2012 school year. Typically, the entire construction process for both the elementary and the high school projects should take approximately 18 months from December, 2011. January 12, 2012 will bring with it the due date for proposals (RFP) to be submitted by interested construction managers. The ISD has selected the Construction Manager At-Risk delivery method for this building project. The RFP’s will be received on January 12, and then be reviewed and prospective managers ranked. The SSISD Board of Trustees will then select a CM At-Risk to work on this project.San Saba Elementary School staff has received a survey that provides input into the process asking the types of surfaces, types of storage, etc. This information was delivered to the architect in preparation for the educational plan for the building to be completed.On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, the SSISD Trustees will meet in a special board meeting to sign the paperwork that is required to issue the bonds. By working hard to get the paper work complete, the ISD has been able to receive better rates than anticipated. The funds are expected to begin flowing to the ISD by the end of January. The QSCB rate will be a zero interest note for 19 years. The payment of the bonds is structured and the sell of the bonds took place at an ideal time allowing the District to anticipate having a lower tax rate than initially predicted. It is expected that the rate will be 19 cents for the first year, 16.5 cents the second year and 15 cents for the remainder of the 16 years. Of course, the tax rate depends on a stable property value and the funds received from the Existing Debt Allotment which is determined by student enrollment. If you have any question about this article or the construction project, please do not hesitate to contact Leigh Ann Glaze, Superintendent of Schools for San Saba ISD at 325/372-3771 or by email at lglaze@san-saba.net.