Board Approves Calendar, Renovations to Buildings
Summary of the January 21st Board Meeting
The Scottsbluff Public School Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, January 21st, at 7:00 p.m. in the Scottsbluff High School Meeting Room. Board members in attendance were President Bob Kinsey, Mark Lang, Kim Magana, Megan Massey, Mike Shedd, and Paul Snyder.
The board heard a report from Dr. Edward Zimmer from Lincoln on the historical preservation of Bluffs Middle School. Dr. Zimmer toured the middle school earlier in the day and was to give a public presentation on historical preservation of buildings to the community at 7:30 p.m.
In unfinished business, the board adopted a new policy into the high school handbook to address parking and reckless driving on campus. The new policy in effect immediately states, “Students parking on campus in non-designated locations, in handicapped zones, or in visitor spaces will be subject to having their vehicles towed at the owner’s expense.” It continues on with reckless driving stating, “Students responsible for driving in a reckless manner on school property will be suspended from school for a minimum of five (5) days with suspension possible up to and including expulsion from school, depending upon the severity of the reckless driving act. Upon return to school, the student will be banned from parking on campus for the remainder of the current school year.”
Also in new business, the board listened to a presentation by the district’s architect, Bill Cramer with Schemmer and Associates, on the scope and cost of elementary upgrades. The list of renovations for each building includes complete replacement of heating and ventilation systems and the addition of air conditioning. The new systems will allow heating and cooling at the same time in separate building zones. Building renovations would also include electrical service upgrades to support new mechanical loads, along with lighting upgrades, and installation of adequate electrical outlets throughout buildings. There would also be general construction to support HVAC and electrical modifications.
Under the proposed renovations, Lincoln Heights elementary would also add a 2,800 square foot, 2 level addition to the west side of the building. This new addition would house additional classrooms, the library, and an elevator to serve the entire school. Renovations would also move the office back to the original main entrance on the east side of the building, and upgrade restroom facilities.
The board approved the listed renovations to be complete for an estimated $4,480,437, with the bidding process to begin in mid-February with construction and renovation complete by the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. In case there is not enough contractors to work on all four elementary buildings over the same time period, the project will be spread over two summers.
During Mr. Crammer’s presentation, the topic of adding classrooms at Westmoor was also discussed. Administration indicated the enrollment across the district is on the rise, and the need for additional classroom space will become a necessity. The board directed Schemmer and Associates to design and estimate a cost to add six additional classrooms at Westmoor elementary.
The retirement of Roosevelt Kindergarten teacher, Mari Pauley, was accepted by the board. Ms. Pauley taught at Roosevelt for 37 years. The board thanked her for her years of service and dedication to the students and Roosevelt.
Action was taken to add two new business courses at Scottsbluff High School. The new classes would focus on marketing, visual design, and digital video. The courses would use Adobe products and teach students to create materials to improve communications, marketing and project management.
The board also adopted the 2008-2009 school calendar. During discussion with the architect, he indicated that starting school in the elementary buildings two weeks later, or after Labor Day, would be a significant benefit to the timely completion of the elementary construction projects prior to the start of school. The staff and administration felt that the high school calendar needed to be the same as the Gering High School calendar in order to share academic courses and staff. Beginning high school classes in August would allow for first semester class to be complete before the Christmas holiday break. It was suggested that by making a minimal change to the length of the elementary and middle school day, students could start on September 2nd, but be finished on the May 21st, which is the same ending date as the high school for 2008-09 The board approved starting high school students on August 18th, starting middle school and elementary students on September 2nd, and ending school for all students on May 21st. The board directed the administration to look into adjusting the school day to meet state hour requirements.
The final item in new business was the approval of selling surplus property at Highland School. Educational materials, school trophies, and other Highland School items of sentimental value will be sold during a silent auction. The date will be advertised.
