Staff writer
USD 411 Board of Education is continuing plans for district expansion in 2013. The board discussed building plans, heard architectural updates, approved a construction contract, and learned of additional funding Monday at the regular December meeting.
“We got the latest updates from the steering committee and Josh Walker of Loyd Construction on specifics for how the new wing will work,” Superintendent John Fast said.
Board members spent considerable time discussing roofline angles, drainage details, and interior additions such as counters, cabinets, and equipment.
Fast said the wish list includes technology items, big upgrades in the agriculture shop like welders and hoists, appliances in the Family and Consumer Science wing, and bio-technical equipment for the science lab.
“Since we are enlarging our weight room, we also need to look at more fitness equipment,” Fast said.
Board members reaffirmed items on the district’s wish list, and approved a contract for Walker as the construction contractor.
“A side note I might add is that we have found out from our auditor that we are eligible to get additional state and federal funding for two years for expenses in our new building project after we are up and running,” Fast said. “This is in addition to the state aid we will get at 40 percent because we are a ‘poor’ district. This is good news, indeed.”
Board members heard a presentation from King Solar outlining three scenarios for using solar volpaic panels to reduce electrical usage at school facilities. No action was taken.
Board members also heard a presentation from third-grade teacher Allison Krehbiel, new to the district this year, in which she gave information about her background, plus projects she was incorporating in third grade this year.
The board heard the first reading of the district’s crisis plan. The state mandates it must be updated every three years.
“We will readopt this plan at our next meeting in January,” Fast said.