Marion board hears possible solution for leaky roof

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN DONNA HAJEK
Roofing solutions for Marion Elementary School’s east wing building were discussed at the Unified School District 408 Board of Education meeting Dec. 8.

Martin Hanney, architect from Hanney & Associates Architects, Wichita, presented options and estimates regarding the modifications needed to fix the leaky roof.

Existing air conditioning units and utilization of the skylights in the new project were discussed, as were the roof slope and ductwork needed to complete the project.

Hanney’s projection involves a standing seam metal roof and raising the existing roof top equipment to new roof elevation. Ductwork would also need to be modified. Hanney’s preliminary construction cost estimate was $201,200.

The board approved the administration’s recommendation to continue with the study. The board asked that architectural drawings and engineering studies be compiled for the roofing project and submitted for bids.

The board asked Hanney to consult possibilities for grants that may be available for such projects relating to energy-related issues.

Students who had received honors in football, volleyball and cross-country were present and recognized for their achievements.

Special recognition went to the Marion High School football team as the last champions for the Cottonwood Valley League. Coach Grant Thierolf acknowledged the athletes, their sportsmanship as well as their accomplishments.

Board members heard a report from Fred Miller, director of the Marion County Special Education Coop. Miller noted 22 percent of Marion County students are being served through MCSEC.

Though grades 2 through 10 are being represented at this time, they can serve all student levels.

Board President Rex Savage expressed appreciation for Miller’s report. Savage said he did not remember having this information shared with the board in the past and thanked Miller for taking time to answer questions.

The board also heard bids for the purchase of two new computer servers. Board members accepted the bid from DELL Corporation of $8,087. Other bids received were: Great Plains Computer in Marion for $11,396 and Business Computer Center in Newton $12,514.

JoAnn Good, chairperson for the Professional Development Council, reported on the PDC manual and professional development procedures. She said the state developed this for uniformity, “in case of a move.”

Content, professional education and service to the profession are ways to earn in-service points toward a teacher’s development, Good said.

Teachers use points gained by attending workshops and implementing those ideas learned to renew their teaching license.

“It’s not a teaching certificate anymore,” Good said.

Good told board members that all USD 408 staff members have a professional development plan on file.

A search committee for a new superintendent will include John Heim, superintendent of schools at Emporia, and Gordon Mohn, superintendent at Hillsboro. A third member, to be picked later, will assist. Payment of $500 each plus expenses was also approved.

In other business:

— Insurance renewal with Case & Son Insurance and presented by representative Casey Case was approved.

— Missy Stubenhofer, curriculum and assessment coordinator, reported on the district’s process for review in all curriculums.

— A renewed contract with Pepsi was approved. The 10-year contract will pay USD 408 a sponsorship fee of $15,000. The district must then house one vending machine for every 100 students. Collett said he felt “uncomfortable” promoting unhealthy foods.

Superintendent Gerry Henderson recommended the board to use the incentive money to purchase two wireless and two hard-wired scoreboards. The action passed 6-1, with Bowers opposed.

— Early release for school improvement activities, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17 was changed to Friday, Dec. 19. Students to be released at 12:30 p.m., and will not return until Jan. 6.

— The board approved a request from Tena Ewan, Lincolnville, for her eighth-grade son, Jeremy Ewan, and 10th-grade son, Joseph Mitchell, for out of district admission.

— Board members authorized the preparation of a quit-claim deed on the Florence football field, removing all restrictions on the transfer to the City of Florence. The Board will request a new transfer agreement to be drafted. After a 15-minute executive session to discuss property acquisition, the recommendation passed 6-0.

— The board agreed again to lease the building from the Cottonwood Valley Saddle Horse Association for $300 per month for storage, repairs and maintenance of equipment.

— The board met for about one hour in executive session to discuss personnel.

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