Kevin O’Connor Kommentary November 5

College Station ISD Administrators Expanding Community Engagement Programs

College Station ISD is expanding how the district engages with community members. An update given at CSISD’s November board meeting included the creation of an adopt a school program and in January launching a pilot mentoring program at College Hills elementary, Oakwood intermediate, and Consolidated high schools. CSISD communications director Austin Dunson also said the distribution of the district’s newsletter is expanding beyond parents of CSISD students. Dunson also said the newsletter and the future installation of video scoreboards at Consolidated and College Station High School football stadiums will generate advertising revenue. Dunson’s presentation followed creating a central office position of community engagement coordinator and the hiring of Krista Thomson last August. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 19, 2024 College Station ISD board meeting. Click below to hear comments from Austin Dunson during the November 19, 2024 CSISD board meeting. Listen to “College Station ISD administrators expanding community engagement programs” on Spreaker.

College Station City Council Discussion On Preferential Treatment For Local Bidders

Before the College Station city council awarded a bid to an out of town company that saved the city $7 dollars over a bid from a local company, there was a discussion about giving preferential treatment to local companies. Newly elected councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney said “we’re seeing that money march right out of the community.” Capital projects director Jennifer Cain said the type of bid that was used, called an invitation to bid, required staff and the council to give the contract to a qualified company with the lowest price. Cain said another type of bid, sealed competitive proposals, price is one of the factors that can be considered. City manager Bryan Woods added that bids where location can be considered, that is very limited due to Texas state law. Click below to hear comments from the November 14, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Listen to “College Station city council discussion on preferential treatment for local bidders” on Spreaker.

Public Dedication Of A New Monument Outside The Brazos County Courthouse Takes Place Tuesday Afternoon

A new monument will be dedicated outside the Brazos County courthouse Tuesday afternoon (November 26). The monument is a bronze replica of the Victory or Death Alamo letter written in 1836 by William Barrett Travis and delivered to Sam Houston. Fain McDougal, who is the Brazos County representative of the Alamo Letter organization made the request to county commissioners last April to add the monument. Tuesday’s dedication program starts at 1:30. Click below to hear comments from Fain McDougal during the April 23, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.   News release from Brazos County: Brazos County residents and Texas history fans are invited to the dedication of a new monument at the Brazos County Courthouse. A bronze replica of the Victory or Death Alamo letter written by Lt. Col. William Barret Travis will go on permanent display on November 26, 2024, between the two flag poles in front of the courthouse. Travis’ letter was written on February 24, 1836, and heroically dispatched through the Mexican Army to General Sam Houston. The Brazos County Commissioners Court accepted the donation of the Alamo letter plaque during its regular meeting on April 23, 2024. Brazos County Alamo Letter Society Chair Fain McDougal said, “This Alamo Victory or Death letter plaque at our courthouse will serve as another reminder to future generations that freedom is not free, and the price of liberty does not come cheaply.” The public is invited to attend as local dignitaries gather on the front lawn of the Brazos County Courthouse on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 1:30 pm to remember the bravery of those who fought for Texas’ independence, and to dedicate the large granite and bronze monument in their honor. Visit www.alamoletter.com for more information on this statewide initiative.