April 28, 2008
The lead architect for the bond projects, Kenton Cox, of Schaeffer, Johnson, Cox and Frey Architects, was at the USD 470 School Board meeting Monday night. He reported on the status of development and planning for projects associated with the bond issue.
Cox and his staff have recently sat in on a number of meetings with faculty, coaches, principals and other staff to discuss possible design specifications. Although several additional meetings remain, the majority of gathered input should provide the jest of the information necessary to finalize plans.
Cox discussed a possible timeline of projects with the board and recommended the district proceed with selecting and hiring a construction manager(s) to oversee the construction projects.
So far, the district has been contacted or has received letters of interest from a number of firms specializing in this area. At MondayÕs meeting, the board approved a process for selecting a construction manager(s).
The district will formulate a Request for Proposals (RFP) based upon its priorities and expectations. Following the receipt of RFPÕs, a board member will work with district administration and the architectural firm to narrow the field to approximately three to five firms. Those candidates will then make presentations, with a time limit to the school board. The presentations will target how the firms will meet the boardÕs previously stated expectations and requirements.
At its regular meeting Monday night, the USD 470 Board of Education authorized the sale of old school district office, located at 119 W. Washington. Mel and Dotty Smith purchased the building for approximately $51,000.
The districtÕs business office received and declined several offers under $50,000 prior to this one. The district will now execute the contract and closing through the schoolÕs attorney.
In other news, the board:
á Approved
the agenda and consent agenda.
á Recognized
the following resignations:
Rebecca McClure Ð 3rd Grade at Roosevelt
Blanca Alvarenga Ð ESOL Support at the high school
Juanisela Cabrera Ð Noon Aide at Frances Willard
Brenda Romesburg Ð ESOL Support at Frances Willard
Amanda Wogoman Ð Noon Aide/Bookeeper at Adams
á Recognized
the following new staff:
Sharon Borror Ð Elementary Teacher (building and grade level TBD)
Livia Melgar Jimenez Ð Middle School Spanish
Stacia Peach Ð Elementary Teacher (building and grade level TBD)
Susan Silliman Ð Elementary Teacher (building and grade level TBD)
Melanie Cameron Ð Noon Aide/Bookkeeper at Adams (has since resigned)
á Recognized the following request for early retirement:
Jill Sullivan Ð 3rd Grade at Jefferson
á Accepted
a gift of bottled water, valued at $1000, from the Coca Cola Bottling Company
for the Arkansas City Middle School.
á Accepted
a gift of $1000 given anonymously.
á Heard
a special report from Jefferson Elementary.
á Accepted
a preliminary proposal from Compass Group-Chartwells to manage the districtÕs
food service program.
á Approved
four people, David Stinemetze, Tim Harmon, Paula Miller and Kim Hager, to serve
as sponsors for the 2008 high school activity trip.
á Heard
a report from Tara Taylor, athletic director, regarding spring athletics and
activities.
á Heard
a report from Dr. Jan Voss, associate superintendent, regarding the recent
Early Childhood Pre-enrollment.
á Heard
a report from J.K. Campbell, assistant superintendent, and Will Pfannenstiel,
high school assistant principal, regarding the districtÕs drivers education
program
á Heard
a report from Dr. Ron Ballard, superintendent, regarding Project LEAD program
(Law Enforcement Against Drugs).
á Moved
into executive session.
á Called
the regular meeting back to order.
á Adjourned.
The next regular board of education meeting will be
Monday, May 12 at 7p.m. in the middle school library.