New Jumbotron 2009

Eanes ISD voters did not approve the installation of millions of dollars of artificial turf on the two practice fields in front of WHS. The Eanes ISD leadership "changed the scope" of the 2006 to include this wish list expenditure.

The $318,000 batting cage (for two) was also not approved by the Eanes ISD taxpayers and voters. Nola Wellman recommended this extravagant purchase and the Eanes ISD board of trustees approved it.

Now Eanes ISD leadership is at it again.

Funding the wish list ... this time a new high definition JUMBOTRON.

$663,000

EANES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Date:	February 25, 2009
Board Action #:	018/09
Subject:	High Definition Video Production Equipment for Performing Arts Center and Stadium RFP #2009-0003

RECOMMENDATION:

It is the Superintendent’s recommendation that the Board authorize the expenditure of bond contingency funds not to exceed $662,037 for the purchase and installation of high definition, current generation broadcast video equipment for the Westlake High School Fine Arts Facility and Chaparral Stadium.

Proposal # 2009-0003 was sent out to five (5) vendors as well as posted on the Eanes ISD website. One complete response was received from Omega Broadcast Group for $662,037, as well as two (2) no bids, one (1) incomplete response, and one (1) response for products not specified.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In 2002 a system of broadcast television cameras and video equipment was purchased as part of the Daktronics ProStar package at Chaparral Stadium. Initially used for events in Chaparral Stadium, the system was also later used in the Fine Arts Facility for events such as the annual Battle of the Bands, Choir Musical, Zenith, community dance recitals, Convocation, and numerous concerts/events. This has enabled the students in the Technical Theatre classes to learn about broadcast video production. An important by-product of this curriculum is the video product that patrons realize on the jumbotron and DVDs that are purchased by many theatre goers.

In the years since the original equipment purchase the broadcast industry has switched from standard definition to high definition. This allows greater resolution, clarity, and color. High definition television is also completely digital allowing it to be edited and distributed with ease. The move to high definition would give us the capability to air high definition video content on local cable television

Video technology has a finite lifetime and much of the existing equipment is approaching the end of its useful life. Rather than investing in outdated technology to keep our existing equipment operational, the time is opportune for upgrading to current High Definition equipment. This upgrade will make the Fine Arts Facility and the Technical Theatre department one of the leaders in the nation.