Board Tours Facilities

DSC01625Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Last night the USD 442 Board of Education spent about an hour touring the construction, remodeling and demolition sites for the Seneca Grade School.
The evening started with tours of the two junior high modular units in place at the high school. Architects from Horst, Terill and Karst were present to help tour participants visualize the layout of the facilities once the large modular unit is in place. It is hoped that it will begin arriving this week.
The tour then moved to the 709 Nemaha site and began with a discussion of the modulars. Since the modular unit for the second grade is under construction, it is hoped that it will arrive at the end of the month.
Moving inside the building, the tour began with the newest wing which will house the 5th graders. It then moved downstairs to the old music and band areas. This area will become a music room and an indoor physical education area. The 1993 addition was next on the tour. The classrooms will house the 3rd and 4th graders. The basement will contain 2 classrooms, the computer lab, the library, the technology hub, the nurse’s office and serve as the lunchroom. The old junior high wing was next on the tour. Kindergarten and first grade will find their home in this area. The office will be located at the north end of this area by the main entrance to the building.
Moving back outside the tour group then got an upclose look at the progress of the demolition. Demolition is scheduled to be completed by August 1st. Last night the board approved AHRS as the construction manager for the back filling of the site. It is hoped that once the hole is filled, the fence can be moved making the playground available for the students. This is projected to be completed around Oct. 1st.
Since there are a number of things that could set back the availability of the various classroom facilities, the superintendent was given authority to change the school calendar if needed. Currently, they are planning to announce the start of the school year prior to enrollment on August 2nd and 3rd. Grade school and junior high parents should receive an “enrollment packet” in the mail by the end of the month. The grade school and junior high enrollment will occur in the high school commons.
Progress is also being made on a new facility. Horst, Terril and Karst are scheduled to have a preliminary design to the board by August 6th. The board will meet on August 9th to discuss the plans and meet with their bonding agent who will assist the board in the wording of the bond issue. The board approved a special election for a bond issue in November.

Additional pictures are available on Flickr.