Fast, who documented his report with pictures, said a leak was first noticed outside the kitchen door. He said the line was capped at the northwest part of the building.

The next day school officials realized they were "looking at a huge project" and classrooms were cold.

Fast said first-, second- and third-grade classes were relocated to Goessel Mennonite Church.

"We brought our own tables and chairs," he said.

Music class was held in the sanctuary.

"I really commend (pastor) Kevin Goertzen and (maintenance attendant) Bryce Woelk for letting us come to the church," Fast said.

The board followed Fast's recommendation and voted to pay the church more than the church requested for use of the building since this was an emergency situation and not something that had been scheduled in advance.

The fourth-grade class met in the high school computer lab, fifth-graders were relocated in the driver's education room, and sixth-graders met in the high school auditorium. Recess was in the big gym.

"Lunch was a challenge," Fast said.

Board member Mary Rosfeld commended Fast.

"It was very well organized," she said of the relocation effort.

"It seemed to go smoothly," Board Chair Lynel Unrau said.

Fast commended the staff, children and church for their efforts. He expressed appreciation to Curt Graves, junior/senior high school principal, for helping to organize the move.

Graves said, "The entire K-12 did an awesome job of educating kids while confronting adversity."

Board member Lynette Duerksen expressed appreciation for the daily updates to parents.

Fast said he thought the gas line repair work could take two weeks, but the project was completed in about half that amount of time.

School board clerk Patsy Schmidt said the repair crew were hard workers and polite. Unrau also commended them.

Fast said a local business had declined the project. Superior of Wichita, which has been in business since 1966, was recommended, and Fast said a representative of the business was at the school within 45 minutes.

"These folks really worked to protect our facility," Fast said. "I was extremely impressed with their work.... They did a really super job."

Fast showed pictures of the process, including pictures of the deteriorated pipes. He said the old pipes were replaced with PVC pipes that were fused with heat and pressure. A locate wire was included so the pipes can be found easily in the future. One section of pipe was not replaced.

On another matter, Fast showed pictures of progress at the press box site. The foundation has been poured and plans were to start framing within the next few days.

Contractor Ron Dirksen had suggested installing a culvert the entire length of the ditch. Although the culvert would make the project more expensive, it would be safer.

Fast also pointed out that a sidewalk will be added along the fence. An "apron" by the gate slopes so water will drain.

The board considered various options for dealing with a low spot in front of the visitors stand, where drainage could be a problem.

The board briefly discussed current and future projects.

"I really think it is important to finish the projects we've started before we begin new projects," Fast said.

He listed capital-outlay projects that have been completed: track, grade school sidewalk, new bus, elementary school computer lab, and elementary school windows.

In-progress projects include: press box/concessions building, bleachers and maintenance building.

Other needs would include: bus lane repair in front of the high school, elementary school gym floor and a technology initiative (equipment and training).

Unrau mentioned a roof issue that needs to be addressed.

In regard to the technology initiative, Fast said two board members and four teachers will go with him Jan. 13 to visit three different schools to see how they are using laptop computers in their classrooms. The three schools are Little River Middle School, Moundridge Elementary School and Sedgwick High School.

Fast invited other board members to go also.

"We have put money into buildings," he said. "We also need to put money into learning." He encouraged the board to "keep up with technology."

Duerksen demonstrated an automated external defibrilator.

"They have a built-in safety feature-they will not shock a person who does not need it," she said.

"There are situations where these really do save lives," she said. "Fortunately, we've never had a situation: at the school.

Board member Dewayne Voth asked what age could benefit from the device. Duerksen said an adult-sized device would generally work on people age 8 and above, and a pediatric device would be needed for children below 8.

The suggestion had been made that the school consider purchasing an AED. No decision was made.

In other business:

-- Fast reported that last year's fourth-grade class attained the state's "Standard of Excellence" in math. The fifth-grade class achieved that level in writing and reading.

-- the board accepted the resignation of Sandy Banman as high school volleyball coach. In her letter, Banman stated she has enjoyed her 17 years in that position.

Banman will retain her other duties as athletic director and track coach.

-- Fast said the parent/teacher organization is gathering food for donation to the Tabor Food Pantry.

-- Graves reported winter sports are under way. Two students are going to Hillsboro for wrestling. All basketball teams have about 15 athletes.

Scholars bowl competition has begun. Goessel was well represented at the district meeting of the Kansas Musica Educators Association.

-- Graves said the junior high student council had raised funds to purchase a set of doors in the junior high entrance. The doors would help limit the amount of cold air that flows into the halls, which are not heated. The project would likely cost $2,000 with installation. The student council asked the board to help with $500.

The board followed Fast's recommendation to do so.

-- Duerksen thanked Patsy Schmidt for her work in organizing the staff Christmas dinner.

"We're one of the few districts that do something for our staff," Schmidt said.