Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

School District May Settle Lawsuit

Gurdon School District may settle its lawsuit against B.B. and B. Construction, Co. within the month.

The original suit was filed on two construction companies, Caltrex Construction, Co. of Greenville, Texas and B.B. and B. Construction, Co. of Hot Springs, both concerning the poor job of the Gurdon High School parking lot.

Caltrex Construction, Co. has gone out of business since the suit was filed. The district was asking for $45,000 the cost of the base work that was substandard. Because Caltrex was not bonded, there is no way for the district to recoup its loss.

A settlement offer was made by B.B. and B. Construction. Taylor King, attorney for the district, was given the authority to negotiate a settlement with B.B. and B Construction.

King relaid to the board that even with a judgment against the companies, "It won't be worth the paper it's written on."

School board president, Jesse Runyan expressed his concern the district received the amount it deserves of the cost incurred.

Bobby Smithson, superintendent, noted his mistakes in the construction. "It's my job to see the job was done right," he commented. Smithson referred to his paying Caltrex Construction when the job appeared finished and not running 'compaction tests.'

Reminding the board, Smithson spoke of the Caltrex Construction as "The one we caught stealing top soil, then told them to stop, and caught them again with half loads of top soil." A trial is set for December 2.

The school board decided in executive session to postpone hiring a Math I teacher until after the end of the semester. But it did decide to advertise for a media specialist, currently there is a media aide.

The board has begun the process of Act 1301 the School Uniform Initiative Act which requires schools to see if there is any interest in the community to implement a school uniform policy.

No action has been taken for the moment. There may be in the future a vote of the school district concerning the issue.

Smithson continued on the parking lot problems. Speaking to another contractor, Smithson received an estimate for sealing the parking lot. "We can have the parking lot sealed for $5,000 probably adding five years to the asphalt," he said.

The first test results have come back under the new drug testing policy of students in activities. Only one positive came back. "They are waiting for a copy of one students prescription, but that was all," conveyed Smithson.

Board member, Jim Weems conveyed concern about the American Civil Liberties Union. "We'll move carefully and will seek legal advice before we do anything," said Smithson. The board discussed the legality of the testing briefly, then continued.

The board also agreed to donate the visitors side seats and the 10 inch metal halo lights to the Cabe Field city ball park. A group of parents had requested them.

Sealed bids were open dealing with the sale of two buses and a few other vehicles. After reviewing the bids, the board voted to let Jimmy Martin make the final decision on accepting the bids.

Bids for the completion of the track were looked over. Smithson convinced the board to wait until the work is completed at the Gurdon Primary School before making a decision on spending the bond money.