CMS to liquidate some properties

The Clovis Municipal Schools Board on Tuesday began the process of liquidating some system properties in a sealed bid process that must be approved by the state.

CMS Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Technology and Athletics Jay Brady outlined the process for board members, noting each property for sale must first have a resolution passed by the board for a sale.

The downsizing is part of the system's master plan introduced earlier this year.

"Downsizing, selling properties is a national trend," Brady said.

Resolutions were passed for the former Raintree Supermarket building and some adjoining properties at Norris Street and Llano Estacado Boulevard appraised at $3.3 million, vacant land at 1309 Maple St. and 1200 Hickory St. valued at $221,000 and the former Student Support Center, valued at $1.3 million.

Once CMS has permission from the State Board of Finance, a decision is expected in January or February, according to Brady.

A sealed bid sale will be held on the properties.

In other business at Tuesday's meeting:

• Board members were treated to two Christmas songs performed by the Clovis High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Tami Martin.

The choir performed "Deck the Halls" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High."

Martin gave the board a report on the growth of the choir program in the school system this past year.

"We've been proactive in the middle schools. Our numbers are growing," Martin said.

Martin told the board the CHS Choir is "number 1 in the state."

Martin added Tuesday's school board performance was the last of 17 completed in the past two weeks.

Also in the session, the choir was given approval for a trip to Irving, Texas, in February for the American Classic Choir Festival.

Martin said the trip not only will include attending the competition but also attending an opera performance and going to Six Flags Over Texas.

• Board members heard a presentation from CHS Wildcat Band Director Daniel Perez and his drum majors on how they fared this fall.

In this presentation it was reported 19 of the band members have been chosen for all-state band.

The next school board meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the administration building's board room.