With only two months until most construction is completed, the regional career academy and Greene County High School are still $257,100 under budget. That’s even after adding items like an extra scoreboard in the gymnasium, more lockers, upgrades at the main reception desk and in the kitchen, and seeding one of the dry basins on the property.
The board of education at its regular meeting June 17 approved change orders totaling $72,448. The original contract amount was $31,223,000; previously approved change orders brought the cost down to $31,038,344.
Sam Harding, owner’s rep for the project, said months ago that considerably less over excavation was needed at the site, saving the district money. The reduced cost hadn’t been calculated in a change order until the one approved at Wednesday’s meeting. That amount – $136,059 – along with a change in the gym floor at a savings of $5,900 and two other smaller changes, allowed “add-ins” totaling $71,572 while still seeing a reduction in the project’s bottom line.
Bottom line for the project is now $30,965,896.
The board approved a contract with IMEG Corp of Des Moines for commissioning (inspection) of the mechanical systems at the new construction at a cost of $57,600. IMEG was the only company that submitted a proposal. According to school superintendent Tim Christensen, that amount is about half what was included in the budget for commissioning.
Substantial completion is still set for Aug. 1 for the career academy, academic and commons areas, and for Aug. 15 for the gymnasium. The auditorium will be completed by Oct. 1.
School superintendent Tim Christensen asked the board to be prepared at the July 15 regular meeting to discuss ways to hold an open house for the public while following Covid-19 social distancing guidelines.
The board approved a contract with 21st Century Rehab for sports medicine for the 2020-21 school year.
21st Century will provide the same services as last year, including pre-participation concussion baseline screenings. The contract cost has increased $1,000 to $7,000 for the year. Per activities director Todd Gordon, other proposals weren’t sought. “We’ve been very happy with the job they’ve done,” Christensen said.
The board also renewed contracts with New Opportunities for Headstart classrooms and food services for youngsters in Headstart.
The board approved the purchase of 200 Chromebooks, licenses and cases at a total cost of $55,560; the purchase of 122 HP ProDesk mini desktop computers for the high school at a cost of $80,942; and the purchase of 20 Acer Chromebook tablets and cases for pre-kindergartners at a cost of $4,947. The Chromebooks and Chrome tabs will be paid for with CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funds.
The board approved the sale of the student-built house at 202 Briarwood Bend for $240,000. Subcontractors have done more of the work than in previous years due to the shortened student attendance time. The original price for the house was $250,000, but the buyers are taking care of installing the concrete driveway and seeding the yard.
Superintendent Christensen gave an overview of the Return to Learn plan, which is due at the Department of Education by July 1. He described the plan as “a huge beast in terms of knowing more and more every day, or less and less. I’m not sure which is appropriate.”
The plan became a requirement in April when Gov Kim Reynolds closed Iowa schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to Covid-19. She waived instructional time requirements for districts that offered continuous (online) learning and developed a Return to Learn plan.
Christensen explained the purpose of the plan is to be sure Iowa school districts are prepared in the event they must transition to online learning again, as they did in April. “The purpose of the plan is not to start the fall online. We don’t know what that looks like yet. But if we have to go online, we have to have a plan that shows we’re prepared.”
He said at this time the plan and hope is to be able to begin the school year with students in their seats in school. High school students will start Aug. 27. Elementary and middle school students will start Sept. 8.
The plan addresses health and safety of staff and students. He has surveyed staff about any special needs and/or underlying health conditions. Staff may teach only online if need be. The school nurses have sent queries to parents about health conditions of students. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizer is being ordered.
Also in the plan is how social distancing and cleaning will be addressed on school buses and in other school vehicles.
Christensen said school nurses will communicate daily with Greene County public health about absences and illness. Procedures for sending students to the school nurse will also change, with other school staff dealing with minor events like a skinned knee.
On more academic matters, the Return to Learn plan discusses how students’ knowledge will be assessed at the beginning of the school year. “That’s the biggest issue all schools will have Day One and ongoing,” Christensen said.
The plan will address equity for special education students and those who are English language learners, as well as consideration of social and emotional-behavioral learning. It also addresses staff professional development and parent communications.
Only three members of the board attended the meeting. Board president Steve Fisher attended electronically and board members Steve Karber and Catherine Wilson were in person. Board members John McConnell and Mike Dennhardt were absent.
The July 15 meeting will be held in person at the administrative building. Seating for the public will be limited to allow for social distancing. The meeting may be livestreamed. A link will be included on the agenda if livestreaming is planned.
