BISD trustees will host a special public forum at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 8, to discuss the future of the old school building affectionately known as the “Alamo.” (Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) The Bullard Independent School Board will host a special-called meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at the BISD Board Room in the administration building.

In addition to a discussion of the annual tax rate, the board will host a public forum regarding future use of the old rock building north of Bullard Elementary School, more affectionally known as the “Alamo.”

“We want to be sure the board has reviewed the many options regarding that building, and we would like to hear the public’s comments,” said BISD Board of Trustees President Dr. John Alexander.

While there is a sentimental attachment to the old building, which is the last of the buildings to remain from the original school complex, traffic in and around Bullard Elementary School and Bullard Intermediate School remains a problem during the school year.

Traffic flow before and after school is so dangerous in the area that trustees are considering razing the old building as part of the solution.

“Traffic safety and the safety of our students is our number one priority,” Alexander said. “The time has come to review the future of that building.”

Trustees have addressed the traffic problems at several district campuses, and Alexander said it is the goal of the board to “definitely come up with a good plan.”

The “Alamo” has been deemed uninhabitable for use as a classroom and is being used mainly for storage. Renovations to the building have been estimated in excess of $200,000.

Anyone who wished to address the board regarding the future use of the building must sign up before the meeting Thursday, July 8. Respondents will have a maximum of five minutes and must address only the matter of the future use of the building. The forum will not be available to address other matters pertaining to the district.

“We are requesting any comments or input,” Alexander said of the future of the old building. “The board is very proactive in discussing the future of our district.”

For more information, call BISD at (903) 894-6639.