The Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees on Monday voted unanimously to commit bond funds for purchasing and installing a new phone system at Windsong Intermediate School.

“The current phone system was the system purchased and installed when Windsong opened in fall of 1999,” Superintendent Trish Hanks said. “The current Cortelco system at Windsong was discontinued six years ago.  Because of this, it is becoming much more difficult to get parts to replace components that fail.”

The cost of installing a new Voice-Over-IP digital phone system will cost approximately $48,000.  Windsong, Friendswood High School, and the support services and administration offices of the district are the only facilities that remain on analog phone systems.

The board voted 5-0-1, with Daniel Hopkins abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve purchases of various items using bond funds.

Purchases included foundation repair to a portion of the high school, for $6,000, as well as fencing projects at Westwood and Cline for a total cost of $11,856, and the installation of tile at the high school boys gymnasium, at a total of $6,750.

The board voted unanimously to approve a fee schedule for advertising in the gymnasium and Henry Winston Stadium.

” The money raised through the gymnasium advertising contracts will be used by the boys and girls basketball programs, wrestling and volleyball,” Hanks said.  “This money will be used to buy items to help with strength and agility training that can be done outside the weight room, and facility improvements.  When a group wants to make a  purchase the head coaches of each of the sports mentioned above, athletic director and principal will review the request and make the final decision on the purchase.”

Revenues received through advertising at the stadium will be used to support the high school’s athletic programs and maintenance of the stadium.

The board voted unanimously to approve a contract with Collegiate High School at College of the Mainland.  The district has four students enrolled in the program, at a cost of $3,000 per student.  Students enrolled in the program are taking courses to receive an associate degree.

All other items were approved by unanimous vote.  Board Member Mike Shaw was absent.  Agenda