LISD takes another step in opening fitness center
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Louise school trustees gave the nod Monday night to purchase $110,854 in fitness equipment, all of it paid for by a federal grant.

In the district's old elementary gymnasium, trustees are creating a fitness center in unused space formerly housing locker rooms, storage closets, offices and showers.

Louise ISD is creating the center at a cost of about $57,000 to accommodate fitness gear funded by a $200,000, multi-year federal grant for physical education equipment and teacher training.

Besides training PE teachers, the money can only be used for physical education equipment for students in all grades, specifically targeting elementary students.

"This is just the beginning," Superintendent Andy Peters said. "The original grant had these items costing more than $150,000. We just whittled the costs down over the last few months. It is more than enough equipment to run a full-fledged P.E. program for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and after-school and summer activities too."

Coach Marja Lutringer told the board she was excited to have such a facility at a small school, and she and Peters both told the board they believe the fitness center will attract students who don't play competitive sports.

"To actually see results - that's the goal," Lutringer said.

The board decided to purchase larger fitness items from low bidder BodyWorks of Austin at a cost of $75,966.25. They include: Nautilus Nitro Abdominal Plus; Low Back Plus; Bicep Curl Plus; Gravitron, Abduc/Adduction Plus; Lat Pulldown, Leg Extensions, Leg Press; Vertical Chest Plus; Incline Press Plus; Compound Row Plus; Overhead Press Plus; Rear/Delt/ PecFly Plus; Leg Curl and Ventral Tri Ext. Plus. There are also three treadmills, three elliptical machines; two Stairmaster recumbent bikes and an upright bike, all commercial grade.

Smaller gear, such as rubber balls, stop watches, bean bags and jump ropes will come from U.S. Games at a cost of $21,817.73.

As part of the grant, the district is buying a Microfit system for $13,071. Microfit is a health technology program that includes a blood pressure system, skinfold caliper, scale, strength platform and flexometer, all tied into a computer. The system will gauge fitness progress, which the grant wants measured.

All three bids include installation, and every bit of the $110,854 is paid for out of the federal grant. Trustees accepted the bids by a 6-0 vote, with trustee Pam Johnson absent.