Like their neighbors Port Neches-Groves Independent School District and Nederland Independent School District, Port Arthur Independent School District fans will also be able to cheer their team with the help of a high tech video score board.

Trustees were informed at a special PAISD board meeting at the Stilwell Technical Center, 4801 Ninth Ave., on bond projects. The scoreboard would be up and operating for the first game this season. In fact, the scoreboard will be delivered Monday morning at Memorial Stadium.

According to Carl Spears of PAISD, the 42-foot by 32-foot scoreboard will have a custom sports sound that is “very impressive.” In addition to a big screen displaying scenes of the game, there will also be a rolling video screen with advertisements.

The district also ordered ground cameras for instant replay and crowd reaction.

Also, Spears reported there will no longer be rails in front of the concessions stands for better access, and an elevator will be added to a new two-story press box to be completed at the start of next football season as part of stadium renovations.

Also presented at the meeting:

• Architects with SHW gave presentation on the conversion of Stilwell Technical Center into the new administration building once the new Memorial High School is completed and students moved there. Centralization and security played a part in the designing process where departments would be placed to improve the work environment and maximize efficiency including a new board room. The entire project will be completed by 2010.

• Architects with Harrison/Kornberg gave a presentation on two different possible designs for the new Washington Elementary. The present building will soon be demolished and students are attending classes at Memorial Ninth Grade Campus for this school year.

Both plans had second through fifth grade classroom on the second floor of the new Washington school. Some trustees, however, had questions about the need for a second story and the plans may be revised. The goal of the plan is to cluster five different classrooms for each grade and to centralize departments such as the media center.

• Architects with PBK reported the addition of a NJROTC space to the Career and Technology Education building at the new Memorial campus. The NJROTC classroom will have controlled access after hours for students entering and exiting. Also, two football practice fields, two soccer practice fields and baseball fields have been added.

• New roofing, glass and windows will be added to the old Wilson Middle School to convert it into the Port Arthur School for the Arts. The auditorium, foyer and support rooms are being renovated. The auditorium should be completed by January 2010.

Mark Porterie, assistant superintendent for operations and executive/administrative leadership support, said the bond projects have been very interesting and very exciting.

“We’ve been working extremely hard and once everything is built, it will be a sight to behold,” he said.

Johnny Brown, school superintendent, said the students’ interests will be served better in an environment for learning.

“We want to stress quality to do our best for learning. And I want everyone to know we have a strategy for moving the district forward in academics. We have plans to move us higher than before,” Brown said.