TC board approves next phase of STEM remodel project
TEXARKANA, Texas — The Texarkana College Board of Trustees approved Phase 3 of the college’s STEM remodel project, as well as an update to COVID-19 campus protocols that changes mask-requirements to recommended rather than required, at its regular meeting on Monday.
Trustees approved continuation of construction to turn the old Biology building into STEM space and create an atrium between buildings. Phase 3a will cost no more than $2.5 million and Phase 3b no more than $2.4 million, officials say. Funding is from TC’s $15,149,442 Capital Projects budget.
TC’s five-year capital improvement plan was approved by the board in 2018 to enhancing, upgrade and renovate facilities to meet state and federal ADA compliance standards, as well as modernize instructional space.
“I have full confidence that the final phase of this project will be completed on time and under budget as the other phases have done,” President Jason Smith said. “I attribute the success of these projects to our campus project manager, Rick Boyette, director of facilities, and his team who have worked tirelessly over the course of the last three years to stay on pace with this huge undertaking.”
In other news from the meeting, Trustees made mask wearing a recommendation rather than required COVID on-campus policy. The adjustment follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order last Tuesday prohibiting governmental entities — including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities or government officials — from requiring or mandating mask wearing.
TC’s board also announced its selections for the annual National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Awards: Associate Professor of Government Doug Saffel and Chief Financial Officer Kim Jones.
Each year, TC recognizes two individuals as NISOD nominees, one staff member and one faculty member, who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.
VP of Instruction Dr. Donna McDaniel said Saffel is a respected mentor and leader on campus, and that Jones has been the catalyst for the financial strength of the institution over the last decade.
“There are no two greater individuals to represent TC today, so congratulations to both of them,” McDaniel said.