New ECMS occupation set for Jan. 22
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

If all goes as planned, students should hold their first day of class in the new El Campo Middle School on Jan. 22.

El Campo ISD's board of trustees took a Tuesday evening tour of the school, which is in the final stages of construction at its FM 2765 location.

"I think we're going to have an outs tanding s

facility," Superintendent Mark Pool told trustees during the meeting held after the campus tour. "I don't think it's extravagant, but it is very nice."

Pool said his plan for now is to switch from the old campus at 1401 MLK Blvd. to the new facility starting on Saturday, Jan. 19 and continuing through Monday, Jan. 21. That Monday is scheduled as a teacher professional development day, a holiday for students.

The opening date for the new ECMS has been pushed back due to construction delays caused by weather and other considerations.

The district originally planned to make the switch to the new facility over the seasonal break. Construction was delayed from its original comple- tion date by unusually rainy weather in January and February and again in June and July, and also because of a shortage of brick masons.

The new middle school and a practice gym at the high school - being built as a result of a $19.9 million bond package approved in 2005 - both were built behind schedule.

Pool told trustees the district officially accepted the new practice gym as of Nov. 12 and began using it that very afternoon.

"For the most part, that building is complete," Pool said. "Some minor items need repair or installation, but the builder is working to finish those as soon as possible."

Pool said the gym's original completion date was Aug. 6, and the builder was allowed credit for missing 34 days due to either weather or changes made when Derby Doll and student dressing rooms were swapped because of space considerations.

A fine of $400 per calendar day will be assessed against the builder for those delays, Pool said. That's estimated at $25,600.

He said he wants the board to formally accept the gym and authorize a final payment to the builder at its December regular meeting.