August 11, 2007
2007-08 BUDGET APPROVED
Nemaha Valley school board members approved the 2007-08 budget at a special meeting on Thursday, August 9th. The approved general fund budget is for $3,884,987 and will be funded by a local mill levy of 20 mills. Twenty mills is the local general fund mill levy for all school districts in the state of Kansas. In USD 442, twenty mills amounts to $485,921 that will be paid by local property taxpayers. The additional funding, or 88% of the total general fund budget will be paid from the State general fund. Supt. Brian Harris informed those present that he expects that the final general fund expenditures will be slightly less but not more than the $3.8 million approved.
The supplemental general fund, also known as the LOB (local option budget), was approved for $585,000. According to the State finance formula, Nemaha Valley could budget up to $1,165,496 for the LOB. However, the district has always budgeted considerably less keeping the mill levy one of the lowest in the State of Kansas. 10.325 mills will be required locally to fund the LOB, down from 11.018 last fiscal year. Unlike many area districts, USD 442 does not have a capital outlay fund levy. The total mill levy for 2007-08 will be 30.325, a decrease of .693 from last year.
As the sponsoring district for the Special Education Cooperative consisting of Nemaha Valley, Axtell-Bern-Summerfield, B&B, and Centralia-Frankfort, the board also approved a $1.8 million budget for the coop. Supt. Harris pointed out that all funds are budgeted higher than expected to avoid republication towards the end of the fiscal year.
Architect Keith Blackburn presented a preliminary blueprint for the new preK-8 building that is proposed to be built south of the high school. The front entrance will face eleventh street with bus access and parent access in the front of the building similar to the high school. The total building which includes approximately 20 total classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, and a gymnasium will have 60,500 square feet.
Members also received a proposal from Jerry Stallbaumer with AHRS Construction that the construction company serve as the construction manager at risk for the building. As the construction manager at risk, AHRS would sub-contract different parts of the project to the lowest bidder versus one general contractor for the entire project. Jerry said that AHRS was the construction manager at risk when the city of Seneca built the fire department building. A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a proposal from AHRS.
Seneca Grade/Nemaha Valley Junior High principal, Dr. Amy Beck, reported on the progress that has been made in getting classrooms ready for the new school year. Move into the renovated facility at 709 Nemaha began on July 30 and is complete. The move into the junior high modulars was scheduled for Saturday, August 11. Staff members have been busy putting the final touches on all the classrooms. A public open house will be held late Thursday afternoon, August 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 in all the kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms.
A supplemental contract was approved for Kelsey Scism as high school drama sponsor. Paraprofessional contracts were approved for the following: Sherri Erichsen at NVHS; Courtnay Slifer at Head Start; Jennie Kaster at SGS; Mary Haug at B&B; and Michelle Roberts at Frankfort.
August 11, 2007
2007-08 BUDGET APPROVED
Nemaha Valley school board members approved the 2007-08 budget at a special meeting on Thursday, August 9th. The approved general fund budget is for $3,884,987 and will be funded by a local mill levy of 20 mills. Twenty mills is the local general fund mill levy for all school districts in the state of Kansas. In USD 442, twenty mills amounts to $485,921 that will be paid by local property taxpayers. The additional funding, or 88% of the total general fund budget will be paid from the State general fund. Supt. Brian Harris informed those present that he expects that the final general fund expenditures will be slightly less but not more than the $3.8 million approved.
The supplemental general fund, also known as the LOB (local option budget), was approved for $585,000. According to the State finance formula, Nemaha Valley could budget up to $1,165,496 for the LOB. However, the district has always budgeted considerably less keeping the mill levy one of the lowest in the State of Kansas. 10.325 mills will be required locally to fund the LOB, down from 11.018 last fiscal year. Unlike many area districts, USD 442 does not have a capital outlay fund levy. The total mill levy for 2007-08 will be 30.325, a decrease of .693 from last year.
As the sponsoring district for the Special Education Cooperative consisting of Nemaha Valley, Axtell-Bern-Summerfield, B&B, and Centralia-Frankfort, the board also approved a $1.8 million budget for the coop. Supt. Harris pointed out that all funds are budgeted higher than expected to avoid republication towards the end of the fiscal year.
Architect Keith Blackburn presented a preliminary blueprint for the new preK-8 building that is proposed to be built south of the high school. The front entrance will face eleventh street with bus access and parent access in the front of the building similar to the high school. The total building which includes approximately 20 total classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, and a gymnasium will have 60,500 square feet.
Members also received a proposal from Jerry Stallbaumer with AHRS Construction that the construction company serve as the construction manager at risk for the building. As the construction manager at risk, AHRS would sub-contract different parts of the project to the lowest bidder versus one general contractor for the entire project. Jerry said that AHRS was the construction manager at risk when the city of Seneca built the fire department building. A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a proposal from AHRS.
Seneca Grade/Nemaha Valley Junior High principal, Dr. Amy Beck, reported on the progress that has been made in getting classrooms ready for the new school year. Move into the renovated facility at 709 Nemaha began on July 30 and is complete. The move into the junior high modulars was scheduled for Saturday, August 11. Staff members have been busy putting the final touches on all the classrooms. A public open house will be held late Thursday afternoon, August 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 in all the kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms.
A supplemental contract was approved for Kelsey Scism as high school drama sponsor. Paraprofessional contracts were approved for the following: Sherri Erichsen at NVHS; Courtnay Slifer at Head Start; Jennie Kaster at SGS; Mary Haug at B&B; and Michelle Roberts at Frankfort.
August 11, 2007
2007-08 BUDGET APPROVEDNemaha Valley school board members approved the 2007-08 budget at a special meeting on Thursday, August 9th. The approved general fund budget is for $3,884,987 and will be funded by a local mill levy of 20 mills. Twenty mills is the local general fund mill levy for all school districts in the state of Kansas. In USD 442, twenty mills amounts to $485,921 that will be paid by local property taxpayers. The additional funding, or 88% of the total general fund budget will be paid from the State general fund. Supt. Brian Harris informed those present that he expects that the final general fund expenditures will be slightly less but not more than the $3.8 million approved.
The supplemental general fund, also known as the LOB (local option budget), was approved for $585,000. According to the State finance formula, Nemaha Valley could budget up to $1,165,496 for the LOB. However, the district has always budgeted considerably less keeping the mill levy one of the lowest in the State of Kansas. 10.325 mills will be required locally to fund the LOB, down from 11.018 last fiscal year. Unlike many area districts, USD 442 does not have a capital outlay fund levy. The total mill levy for 2007-08 will be 30.325, a decrease of .693 from last year.
As the sponsoring district for the Special Education Cooperative consisting of Nemaha Valley, Axtell-Bern-Summerfield, B&B, and Centralia-Frankfort, the board also approved a $1.8 million budget for the coop. Supt. Harris pointed out that all funds are budgeted higher than expected to avoid republication towards the end of the fiscal year.
Architect Keith Blackburn presented a preliminary blueprint for the new preK-8 building that is proposed to be built south of the high school. The front entrance will face eleventh street with bus access and parent access in the front of the building similar to the high school. The total building which includes approximately 20 total classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, and a gymnasium will have 60,500 square feet.
Members also received a proposal from Jerry Stallbaumer with AHRS Construction that the construction company serve as the construction manager at risk for the building. As the construction manager at risk, AHRS would sub-contract different parts of the project to the lowest bidder versus one general contractor for the entire project. Jerry said that AHRS was the construction manager at risk when the city of Seneca built the fire department building. A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a proposal from AHRS.
Seneca Grade/Nemaha Valley Junior High principal, Dr. Amy Beck, reported on the progress that has been made in getting classrooms ready for the new school year. Move into the renovated facility at 709 Nemaha began on July 30 and is complete. The move into the junior high modulars was scheduled for Saturday, August 11. Staff members have been busy putting the final touches on all the classrooms. A public open house will be held late Thursday afternoon, August 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 in all the kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms.
A supplemental contract was approved for Kelsey Scism as high school drama sponsor. Paraprofessional contracts were approved for the following: Sherri Erichsen at NVHS; Courtnay Slifer at Head Start; Jennie Kaster at SGS; Mary Haug at B&B; and Michelle Roberts at Frankfort.
USD 442 Board of Education
July 17, 2007 Meeting
News Release Nemaha Valley school board members voted unanimously to hold a bond election in November, 2007, asking voters to approve a bond for a new elementary/junior high school building south of the high school. Voters will be asked to approve a bond for a new building containing classrooms for students in pre-K through eight with a gymnasium. A second question on the ballot will ask voters if they want to include an auditorium with the classrooms and gymnasium. Proceeds from the bond will be combined with the insurance settlement for the fire loss at 709 Nemaha and capital outlay funds to finance the new building. The members voted to retain the services of Steve Shogren with George K. Baum and Company to develop the public campaign for the bond issue. Mr. Shogren was approved as the fiscal agent for the project at a special meeting on June 28.
Board members will adopt a resolution for the bond election plus conduct regular business at a special date and time on Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the district office.
Board members also approved the 2007-08 budget for publication. The general fund proposed expenditures will be up slightly from last fiscal year but the mill levy remains at 20 mills as set by State statute. The mill levy for the supplemental general fund will be down .693 mills, from 11.018 to 10.325. The reduction in the mill levy is made possible due to increased valuation in the district. The total mill levy for the district will be 30.325, down from 31.018.
At this first meeting of the fiscal year, special appointments were made and several routine resolutions were approved. Kim Henry was elected as board president and Bob Niehues will continue as vice-president.
Special Board Meeting
Nemaha Valley Schools
May 23, 2007
The Nemaha Valley Board of Education received a report from the Public Planning Group at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 23. The purpose of the planning group which was appointed by the Board of Education was to seek input toward the building or rebuilding options available. The planning group met five times during April and May. In addition, the group held informational meetings for the public on May 6 in Kelly and May 9 in Seneca.
At the public meetings, three options were discussed. First, to rebuild pre-kindergarten through eighth grade on the current site with code upgrades. The second option was to rebuild and build two buildings; one a pre-kindergarten through fifth grade facility on the 709 Nemaha site and the second a middle school, grades six through eight south of the high school. The last option was to build a new pre-kindergarten through eight facility south of the high school. In addition, an auditorium could be included with any option. A combination survey and comment form was distributed at each public meeting and also printed in the local newspaper.
Larry Kuckelman, spokesperson for the Public Planning Group, narrated a power point presentation for all those present at the meeting. Larry reported that 155 community surveys were returned. Five percent favored option 1 (preK-8 at the current site); 12% favored option 2 (two buildings); and 83% favored option 3 (preK-8 south of the high school). Larry also shared several of the comments that were written on the survey forms.
The public surveys also showed the majority favor an auditorium; however, cost was a common concern. Several people commented that the school should be built first and that the auditorium could be an option.Staff survey results were also shared. Staff results mirrored the public survey results with 85% favoring option 3 with the entire elementary school being built south of the high school. In summary, the planning group made three plan recommendations to the Board of Education. Plan 1 would be to build preK-8 classrooms only south of the high school with current resources, do research and let the community decide on the gym and auditorium. Plan 2 would be to build preK-8 classrooms and gym south of the high school with partial funding from a bond issue and have a separate bond issue vote on the auditorium. Plan 3 would to build the classrooms, gym and auditorium and rely on a bond issue for partial funding.
The Board of Education will meet for a special meeting on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00 in the high school IDL room to decide what direction they want the architect to take for rebuilding and/or building alternatives. Principal architect, Keith Blackburn with Horst, Terrill & Karst will be in attendance at the meeting.
Special Board Meeting
Nemaha Valley Schools
May 23, 2007The Nemaha Valley Board of Education received a report from the Public Planning Group at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 23. The purpose of the planning group which was appointed by the Board of Education was to seek input toward the building or rebuilding options available. The planning group met five times during April and May. In addition, the group held informational meetings for the public on May 6 in Kelly and May 9 in Seneca. At the public meetings, three options were discussed. First, to rebuild pre-kindergarten through eighth grade on the current site with code upgrades. The second option was to rebuild and build two buildings; one a pre-kindergarten through fifth grade facility on the 709 Nemaha site and the second a middle school, grades six through eight south of the high school. The last option was to build a new pre-kindergarten through eight facility south of the high school. In addition, an auditorium could be included with any option. A combination survey and comment form was distributed at each public meeting and also printed in the local newspaper.Larry Kuckelman, spokesperson for the Public Planning Group, narrated a power point presentation for all those present at the meeting. Larry reported that 155 community surveys were returned. Five percent favored option 1 (preK-8 at the current site); 12% favored option 2 (two buildings); and 83% favored option 3 (preK-8 south of the high school). Larry also shared several of the comments that were written on the survey forms.The public surveys also showed the majority favor an auditorium; however, cost was a common concern. Several people commented that the school should be built first and that the auditorium could be an option.Staff survey results were also shared. Staff results mirrored the public survey results with 85% favoring option 3 with the entire elementary school being built south of the high school.
In summary, the planning group made three plan recommendations to the Board of Education. Plan 1 would be to build preK-8 classrooms only south of the high school with current resources, do research and let the community decide on the gym and auditorium. Plan 2 would be to build preK-8 classrooms and gym south of the high school with partial funding from a bond issue and have a separate bond issue vote on the auditorium. Plan 3 would to build the classrooms, gym and auditorium and rely on a bond issue for partial funding.
The Board of Education will meet for a special meeting on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00 in the high school IDL room to decide what direction they want the architect to take for rebuilding and/or building alternatives. Principal architect, Keith Blackburn with Horst, Terrill & Karst will be in attendance at the meeting.
U.S.D. #442 Board of Education Meeting
September 10, 2007Nemaha Valley school board members learned that students had met Adequate Yearly Progress last school year on State assessment tests. Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is a requirement of the federal No Child Left Behind law and is the process for judging whether public schools and districts are on track for achieving 100% proficiency by 2013-2014. Included in the determination of AYP are both Math and Reading Assessment results, assessment test participation rates, the attendance rate for elementary and middle schools, and the graduation rate for high schools.A school or district makes AYP through a combination of factors. Every student group must meet or exceed the annual targets in Reading and Math. The K-8 reading target for 2006-07 was 71.7% for grades K-8 and 73.7% for students in grades 9-12. In Math, the target was 67.2% for K-8 students and 57.0% for ninth through twelfth graders. Students in grades three through eight were unable to take the State assessments in the spring of 2007 due to the building fire. Consequently, the State allowed the scores of the high school students to be used when determining AYP for Seneca Grade/Nemaha Valley Junior High. Nemaha Valley student scores were well above the State AYP target numbersAlso used in determining AYP is the participation rate in the State assessments (95% or more), the attendance rate (90% or increase from the previous year), and the graduation rate must be 75% or increase from the previous year. emaha Valley met all criteria to make AYP as required for 2006.07.
Relating to the same matter, the NVHS School Improvement team presented a power point presentation on how the high school staff is working to continually improve test scores. Counselor Briana Evans also reviewed the testing schedule for high school students.
The board also approved the six Career and Technical Education programs for which the district receives additional State funding. Those programs are: Auto/ Mechanics, Business/Office Education, Engineering Technology, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health Science Education, and Precision Production (Metals and Cabinet Making). Several different classes fall under each category and are currently offered at NVHS. Supt. Harris explained that considerable time is spent by the staff in order to meet the requirements of the programs.
The board members continued discussion from the August 29 special meeting of utilizing a Construction Manager At-Risk for the proposed elementary school building. Two other alternatives were discussed. One alternative is the traditional Design-Bid-Build method and the other to hire a Construction Manager to oversee the project. After considerable discussion, it was approved to seek bids for the Construction Manager At-Risk option.
Supt. Brian Harris gave the board members an update on the enrollment numbers for the current school year. It appears that the numbers at the grade school are stable and will be for the next few years. However, the high school enrollment is down 25 students from last year and, based on current numbers, there will also be a decrease next year. The decline at the high school has been expected as incoming freshman classes are smaller than the graduating senior classes.
Members will be meeting at a later date to establish new district goals. A contract addendum was approved with bus contractor, Durham School Services. The board formally approved the bid from Ohlsen Backhoe to backfill the basement area at 709 Nemaha in the amount of $13,500.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Monday, October 8 and will be held at Seneca Grade School.
Special Board Meeting
USD 442
August 29, 2007
The USD 442 Board of Education met for a special meeting on Wednesday, August 29. The main purpose of the meeting was to consider a construction manager at-risk concept for the proposed new elementary school. Jerry Stallbaumer, AHRS Construction, was in attendance at the meeting to answer questions and to explain the responsibilities of a construction manager at-risk. Jerry explained the difference between a construction manager at-risk, a construction manager and a general contractor. Supt. Brian Harris reported that after checking on the competitive bid law and discussing the concept with the Kansas Associations of School Board attorney, the district will have to advertise for proposals for the service in order to comply with the law. A date would be set to receive the proposals and a construction manager at-risk would be approved at that time. Board members will make a decision at the September 10 regular meeting as to which concept they will use for the building project pending approval of the bond election in November. In a related matter, members formally approved the site plan for the new building.
Members approved to accept the resignation of school psychologist, Lisa Pierce, contingent upon finding a suitable replacement according to board policy. A contract was approved for Cindy McWilliams as data entry clerk for Special Education Medicaid costs and annual student data entry for the State Department of Education. A supplemental coaching contract was approved for Shirley Schmitz, as head junior high girls basketball coach.
Members approved a transportation arrangement for Sts. Peter & Paul band students for one year and directed Supt. Brian Harris to bring back to the board other alternatives for the future after more time has been spent researching other options.
The next regular board meeting will be September 10 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the high school IDL lab.
For immediate release
August 11, 2007
2007-08 BUDGET APPROVED
Nemaha Valley school board members approved the 2007-08 budget at a special meeting on Thursday, August 9th. The approved general fund budget is for $3,884,987 and will be funded by a local mill levy of 20 mills. Twenty mills is the local general fund mill levy for all school districts in the state of Kansas. In USD 442, twenty mills amounts to $485,921 that will be paid by local property taxpayers. The additional funding, or 88% of the total general fund budget will be paid from the State general fund. Supt. Brian Harris informed those present that he expects that the final general fund expenditures will be slightly less but not more than the $3.8 million approved.
The supplemental general fund, also known as the LOB (local option budget), was approved for $585,000. According to the State finance formula, Nemaha Valley could budget up to $1,165,496 for the LOB. However, the district has always budgeted considerably less keeping the mill levy one of the lowest in the State of Kansas. 10.325 mills will be required locally to fund the LOB, down from 11.018 last fiscal year. Unlike many area districts, USD 442 does not have a capital outlay fund levy. The total mill levy for 2007-08 will be 30.325, a decrease of .693 from last year.
As the sponsoring district for the Special Education Cooperative consisting of Nemaha Valley, Axtell-Bern-Summerfield, B&B, and Centralia-Frankfort, the board also approved a $1.8 million budget for the coop. Supt. Harris pointed out that all funds are budgeted higher than expected to avoid republication towards the end of the fiscal year.
Architect Keith Blackburn presented a preliminary blueprint for the new preK-8 building that is proposed to be built south of the high school. The front entrance will face eleventh street with bus access and parent access in the front of the building similar to the high school. The total building which includes approximately 20 total classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, and a gymnasium will have 60,500 square feet.
Members also received a proposal from Jerry Stallbaumer with AHRS Construction that the construction company serve as the construction manager at risk for the building. As the construction manager at risk, AHRS would sub-contract different parts of the project to the lowest bidder versus one general contractor for the entire project. Jerry said that AHRS was the construction manager at risk when the city of Seneca built the fire department building. A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a proposal from AHRS.
Seneca Grade/Nemaha Valley Junior High principal, Dr. Amy Beck, reported on the progress that has been made in getting classrooms ready for the new school year. Move into the renovated facility at 709 Nemaha began on July 30 and is complete. The move into the junior high modulars was scheduled for Saturday, August 11. Staff members have been busy putting the final touches on all the classrooms. A public open house will be held late Thursday afternoon, August 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 in all the kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms.
A supplemental contract was approved for Kelsey Scism as high school drama sponsor. Paraprofessional contracts were approved for the following: Sherri Erichsen at NVHS; Courtnay Slifer at Head Start; Jennie Kaster at SGS; Mary Haug at B&B; and Michelle Roberts at Frankfort.
USD 442 Board of Education
July 17, 2007 Meeting
News Release
Nemaha Valley school board members voted unanimously to hold a bond election in November, 2007, asking voters to approve a bond for a new elementary/junior high school building south of the high school. Voters will be asked to approve a bond for a new building containing classrooms for students in pre-K through eight with a gymnasium. A second question on the ballot will ask voters if they want to include an auditorium with the classrooms and gymnasium. Proceeds from the bond will be combined with the insurance settlement for the fire loss at 709 Nemaha and capital outlay funds to finance the new building.
The members voted to retain the services of Steve Shogren with George K. Baum and Company to develop the public campaign for the bond issue. Mr. Shogren was approved as the fiscal agent for the project at a special meeting on June 28.
Board members will adopt a resolution for the bond election plus conduct regular business at a special date and time on Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the district office.
Board members also approved the 2007-08 budget for publication. The general fund proposed expenditures will be up slightly from last fiscal year but the mill levy remains at 20 mills as set by State statute. The mill levy for the supplemental general fund will be down .693 mills, from 11.018 to 10.325. The reduction in the mill levy is made possible due to increased valuation in the district. The total mill levy for the district will be 30.325, down from 31.018.
At this first meeting of the fiscal year, special appointments were made and several routine resolutions were approved. Kim Henry was elected as board president and Bob Niehues will continue as vice-president.
Special Board Meeting
Nemaha Valley Schools
May 23, 2007
The Nemaha Valley Board of Education received a report from the Public Planning Group at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 23. The purpose of the planning group which was appointed by the Board of Education was to seek input toward the building or rebuilding options available. The planning group met five times during April and May. In addition, the group held informational meetings for the public on May 6 in Kelly and May 9 in Seneca.
At the public meetings, three options were discussed. First, to rebuild pre-kindergarten through eighth grade on the current site with code upgrades. The second option was to rebuild and build two buildings; one a pre-kindergarten through fifth grade facility on the 709 Nemaha site and the second a middle school, grades six through eight south of the high school. The last option was to build a new pre-kindergarten through eight facility south of the high school. In addition, an auditorium could be included with any option. A combination survey and comment form was distributed at each public meeting and also printed in the local newspaper.
Larry Kuckelman, spokesperson for the Public Planning Group, narrated a power point presentation for all those present at the meeting. Larry reported that 155 community surveys were returned. Five percent favored option 1 (preK-8 at the current site); 12% favored option 2 (two buildings); and 83% favored option 3 (preK-8 south of the high school). Larry also shared several of the comments that were written on the survey forms.
The public surveys also showed the majority favor an auditorium; however, cost was a common concern. Several people commented that the school should be built first and that the auditorium could be an option.
Staff survey results were also shared. Staff results mirrored the public survey results with 85% favoring option 3 with the entire elementary school being built south of the high school.
In summary, the planning group made three plan recommendations to the Board of Education. Plan 1 would be to build preK-8 classrooms only south of the high school with current resources, do research and let the community decide on the gym and auditorium. Plan 2 would be to build preK-8 classrooms and gym south of the high school with partial funding from a bond issue and have a separate bond issue vote on the auditorium. Plan 3 would to build the classrooms, gym and auditorium and rely on a bond issue for partial funding.
The Board of Education will meet for a special meeting on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00 in the high school IDL room to decide what direction they want the architect to take for rebuilding and/or building alternatives. Principal architect, Keith Blackburn with Horst, Terrill & Karst will be in attendance at the meeting.
USD 442 Board of Education
April 26 Special Meeting
Nemaha Valley school board members gathered for a special meeting on Thursday, April 26 to approve the final plans for classroom locations for next school year. Dr. Amy Beck, SGS/NVJH principal, presented plans for grades K-8 classrooms beginning 2007-08 and thereafter until a permanent facility or facilities is built. The plan calls for grades K through 5 to occupy the remaining classrooms at 709 Nemaha plus two pre-owned modular units which will be placed one to the north and one to the south of the remaining building. Grades six through eight will occupy one large pre-owned unit which will house the core subjects – Math, Social Studies, Science and English. A smaller pre-owned unit will also be used for the 6-8 special education classes and 6th grade Reading, Basic Skills and Math. These two units will be placed south of the high school. Junior high students will also use the high school building for lunch, physical education and a few classes that will be taught by high school staff. Athletic practice schedules were presented dividing time in the two gyms between junior high and high school teams.
Mr. Harris presented a summary of the lease costs for the modular units which will be covered 100% by insurance. If the occupancy is for 18 months, the total cost will be $263,417 or 24 months, $297,659. These prices do not include one time costs such as delivery, set-up, skirting, tear down costs, and hook-up to electrical and sewer. Delivery will occur in June and July.
Superintendent Harris also provided the latest information for the demolition of the 1938 structure. A contract will be signed the first week of May with a firm to remove the asbestos and that removal will take place between May 14 and May 25. Final demolition will occur after the asbestos is removed. Mr. Harris stated that he was given the approval from the insurance company to release the figure of $4.6 million as the minimum settlement on the 1938 building. This figure may be adjusted upward following more discussion between the insurance adjustor and architect. The $4.6 million does not include demolition, excess costs (modular units), reoccupancy costs (repair of remaining building), contents and computer equipment.
The board approved a plan to compensate K-8 staff members for additional work throughout the summer to prepare for next year due to the loss of lesson plans and textbooks in the fire. Also approved was the purchase of new textbooks to replace those lost in the fire. Amy Beck explained the textbook selection process that had recently been completed by the K-8 staff members. The insurance company will cover part of the replacement costs as books will be depreciated up to 50% based upon age. Dr. Beck explained that two or three companies had donated textbooks after the fire and most of those will be utilized for the future textbook needs.
All certified personnel were approved for the 2007-08 school year. Summer school teachers were also approved. Carla Meyer and Shelly Schmelzle will teach grades K-8 at the Bowman Building. Carrie Kohake was approved as the 7-12 summer school teacher and Dirk Colgrove will teach summer band. Jeff Koch will teach driver education along with Connie Ronnebaum.
The dismissal time for students on the last day of school, Wednesday, May 23, was changed from 1:30 to 11:45. No lunches will be served that day.
USD 442 Board of Education Meeting
April 9, 2007Superintendent Brian Harris and Principal Amy Beck presented very tentative plans for facilities to house the elementary and junior high students next school year and probably the year after that to school board members at the April 9 regular monthly meeting. Mr. Harris said that the plan will be studied more and a firm recommendation made at a special meeting on Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. The tentative plans are to use the remaining classrooms at the 709 Nemaha site for grades kindergarten through four or five. Modular units will be needed at the site to accommodate some of those classes. The junior high students will be housed in modulars close to the high school; however, the exact placement of those modular units has not been determined.Mr. Harris discussed with board members several issues that must be considered in the next few weeks and over the summer months for next school year. These issues included storage, placement of mobile units, the possibility of not being able to start school on August 15, 5th grade band, junior high and high school athletics sharing one facility, breakfast/lunch for the grade school and the increased use of the high school. Architect Keith Blackburn was present to address the latest issues involving the destroyed portion of the grade school and what work needs to be done in order to utilize the remaining portions for classrooms. The status of demolition and repair is dependent upon the decision of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on the removal of asbestos from the remains of the building. Mr. Blackburn stated there were two options, one which would take considerable more time. AHRS Construction will begin repairs on the west wall of the pre-existing gymnasium as soon as debris can be removed from the area allowing work space. A decision from the KDHE was expected by April 13. Nine individuals were nominated for the public planning group that will develop ideas of what the community wants for a facility or facilities to replace the 1938 building. Superintendent Harris was asked to contact the nominees to confirm their interest in serving on the committee.One bid was received for a storage building that will be built west of the football stadium. The board approved a bid for $122,576 for a 50’ x 100’ building from AHRS Construction, but will ask for a price on a 50’ x 120’ structure before making the final decision at the April 26th meeting. Supt. Harris asked for more time to study replacing the HVAC controls at the high school before the board gives final approval for the project. He stated that there may be simply too much going on this summer at the high school for the work to be done. He will make a recommendation on this project and also the possibility of replacing a suburban at the special meeting. Mr. Harris was given the authority to collect bids to replace the carpet in the high school hallways, office and stage.Gary Niehues was approved to fill the unexpired term of Carol Massieon who resigned from the board at the March 12 meeting. The unexpired term ends June 30, 2007. Niehues was recently elected to the position in the general election effective July 1, 2007.Board members approved membership for the 2007-08 school year in the National School Boards Association, the Kansas Association of School Boards and the KASB Legal Assistance fund. Resignations were accepted from Betty Hecht, high school English teacher, and from Anne Hobbs & Monica Haug as co-directors of the school play. Summer maintenance workers approved were: Brooke Glissman, Katie Schmelzle, and Jessica Heinen.
Nemaha Valley Schools
Special Board MeetingMarch 27, 2007Nemaha Valley school board members were informed at a special meeting on Tuesday, March 27 that the entire original 1938 grade school building structure is not repairable. This followed a site study by the insurance adjuster and architect. However, all the additions that have been made to the building in 1983, 1993 and 2005 are repairable and it is hoped that students may return to those classrooms when the new school year begins.Keith Blackburn, architect with Horst, Terrill & Karst, explained to those present the repairs that will be needed to ready the classrooms for occupancy next August. The east wall of the junior high hallway (1983 addition) which was the west wall of the gym needs to be completely replaced. The west wall of the junior high hallway also sustained damage and will also be rebuilt. AHRS Construction has been asked to bid the structural work and repairs that need to be done over the summer months. Administrators will be meeting soon to decide how many temporary mobile units will be needed to replace the classroom space that was lost in the fire. Superintendent Brian Harris informed the board that there may need to be some flexibility in the school calendar in the event that the repair work is not quite complete by August 15.A timeline of the building and/or rebuilding process was shared with all in attendance. The board approved the formation of a public planning group who will seek input from the public and present their findings to the board of education in May. Nominations for members of the planning group are to be submitted by April 4 to personnel at the central office. The board will approve members of the committee at the April 9 meeting.Demolition of the fire damaged building will begin after the insurance settlement is presented to and approved by the board. A special meeting is expected in May in which the board will give the architect approval to proceed with drawing plans and making cost estimates.Supt. Harris and principal Amy Beck reported on the progress that has been made since the fire. Dr. Beck reported that all is going extremely well at the temporary facilities. Each expressed their thanks to the staff and community for the support and hard work the last few weeks.
Nemaha Valley Schools
Regular Board Meeting
March 12, 2007 Supt. Harris updated those present on the grade school fire that occurred over the week-end. Most of the furnishings were removed from the west classrooms that received smoke damage only. Several volunteers helped staff members move the items to the temporary classroom locations that will house K-5 students. He reported that several donations have been received.
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