MISD trustees approve $3.2M plan to relocate ESC staff to CTE center

On February 17, Midland ISD trustees made a significant decision to transform unused areas of the district's Career and Technical Education Center, known as The Den, into new faculty offices. The board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $3.2 million for the undertaking.

District leaders have expressed growing concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the Education Support Center, which is currently home to administrative staff.

During the regular board meeting, Superintendent Mark Ruffin informed trustees that the ESC building is experiencing aging issues and has notable structural concerns. He pointed to cracked bricks, separations in the drywall, and sinking ceiling tiles as persistent problems affecting the facility.

The trustees approved a construction budget of $3.2 million, which is significantly lower than the $5.4 million allocated in the district's 2022 bond package for ESC repairs, resulting in $2.2 million in savings. The district has decided to relocate ESC staff temporarily to the CTE center rather than renovate the deteriorating building.

Meeting documents reveal that the newly redesigned office space is set to maintain flexibility, allowing for potential conversion into instructional classrooms or areas designated for student use as career and technical education programs continue to grow.

The district's Long Range Planning Committee has conducted a review of the ESC's condition and recommended relocating staff to The Den. The committee announced that the relocation aims to tackle pressing facility issues while maintaining flexibility for future choices regarding the ESC property.

In a recent statement, Board President Eddie Winn described the plan as a practical solution.

Winn stated, “This relocation addresses immediate concerns at the ESC in a cost-effective way and provides flexibility for future growth of our facilities and programs.”

District officials announced that construction will begin this summer, aiming to minimize disruption to students and staff. The schedule coincides with a decrease in campus activity, enabling the district to ready the facility ahead of the upcoming school year.

The future of the ESC building is currently uncertain. Trustees have yet to disclose their plans regarding renovations, replacement, or possible repurposing of the site. 

District leaders have announced that the relocation will provide a safer, more adaptable workspace for employees while safeguarding taxpayer investments.