Bond restructuring saves big bucks

Long-time Aledo soccer coach Derek Vierling was honoerd for his 25 years of service at the May 18 school board meeting. Shown behind Vierling are (from left) school board members Forrest Collins, Jeremy Pruett, Zach Tarrant, Laura Pace, David Lear, Lynn Morgan, and Jim Scott; and Aledo ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn.

Laura Pace was sworn in as Aledo ISD's newest board member at the board's May 18 meeting.

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The recommendation for the action came after Aledo ISD staff and the district’s financial advisory firm, BOK Financial Securities Inc., reviewed the district’s financial and debt position.

According to information from BOK Financial Securities, the district’s taxpayers have saved $62.7 million through bond refunding, bond prepayment and lower interest rates from the use of variable-rate bonds.

In other good news, the board recognized soccer coach Derek Vierling’s 25 years of service to the district. Vierling started the soccer program in Aledo, and the board voted to name the school’s soccer field after him.

Vierling went to the meeting knowing he was going to be recognized for his years heading the soccer program, but was taken aback and visibly moved at the announcement of his namesake soccer field.

“I was totally shocked,” Vierling said afterward. “I can’t even put into words — people are gonna play it at Vierling Field. I mean, that’s just crazy. It’s awesome.”

Vierling said he wrote in a thank-you note to the school district that he bleeds orange and black.

“I love Aledo, I love everything about it, I love the sports, I love the school. I have been so blessed to have been here for this long, and to now have this field, I’m very humbled.”

In other action, the board:

• issued several commendations to staff and students;
• approved the purchase of IXL Learning Language Arts and Math for $84,900 for the 2026-27 school year;
• approved the purchase of Really Great Reading for $77,527.99 for the 2026-27 school year;
• approved a one-year extension of its custodial service agreement with McLemore Building Maintenance;
• approved a one-year extension of its grounds services agreement with Lawn Patrol;
• approved a proposal from Viva Railings to upgrade and repair the railing system at the Aledo Middle School cafeteria;
• approved two new staffing positions in child nutrition;
• approved an engagement letter with Pattillo, Brown & Hill LLP to perform the district’s financial audit for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2026; and
• approved a contract with civil engineering firm TNP to evaluate the civil engineering, design and other work at the Aledo Middle School/Early Childhood Academy parking lot.

According to Chief Facilities and Construction Officer Caleb Bell, the 1-inch asphalt on the south side of the middle school is failing. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation’s plans for upgrading FM 1187 south of the railroad tracks will eliminate the drive-through at the Early Childhood Academy, necessitating a change in traffic flow around the entire facility.