Bonham -- Next August, Bonham High School students will report to a new high school. This week, area residents had an opportunity to hear Bonham ISD Superintendent, Dr. Marvin Beaty, discuss construction at the new school, effects of the last legislative session in Austin on local schools, and a new law effective September 1 which is designed to combat and prevent cyberbullying.
The public forum, held in the Elizabeth May Room of First United Bank in Bonham, was hosted by the Fannin County Democratic Alliance and the Democratic Party of Fannin County.
Speaking from the perspective of an outspoken proponent of the public school system, Dr. Beaty called the recent legislative session "a mess."
"I've never seen anything quite like it," remarked Beaty, "although, I was impressed that Speaker Straus didn't buckle because there were so many issues that could have decimated us."
Beaty also discussed David's Law, a new law that goes into effect September 1 which can allow schools to investigate off-campus cyberbullying if it impacts the school environment. Parents are as likely to be the culprits behind this type of unacceptable behavior as students.
Effective Sept. 1, 2017, David’s Law addresses the need for Texas laws to keep pace with evolving technology. It requires school districts to include cyberbullying in their district bullying policies and notify a child’s parents if he or she is a victim or alleged aggressor of bullying. The law allows schools to combat and prevent cyberbullying by investigating off campus cyber-assisted bullying if it materially affects the school environment. It provides for schools to collaborate with law enforcement when serious or life-threatening cyberbullying situations arise. In recognition of bullying as a mental health issue, David’s Law encourages schools to invest in counseling and rehabilitation services for both victims and aggressors of bullying.
Beaty also answered questions about the eventual lay-out of the new high school. The two current structures that will remain in place are the gymnasium and vocational building.
The entrance to Bonham High school in 2017 will be a parking lot for visitors when autumn 2018 rolls around. The parking lot will cover the area where the high school offices, library and commons are located now. A secure entrance to the new high school will be on the west side of this parking lot; the high school entrance will face east to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun on the glass façade.
Although an International Building Code requirement for a storm shelter was overlooked initially, the new Bonham High School will have a safe room that can withstand an F5 tornado.
As with any new school, security is inherent in the design; the likely need for future expansion was also factored into the plans.
"This building was not meant to be extravagant," Beaty stated, " but it will be functional and durable."
photos by Allen Rich