USD 410 board tours unfinished projects as new year nears

Unified School District 410 Board of Education began its regular meeting Monday evening with an executive session at the Irv Schroeder County Motors Inc. facilities, followed by a tour of the construction projects at Hillsboro Elementary School and Hillsboro High School.

Contractor Ray Penner of Coonrod and Associates Con?struc?tion Co. in Wichita met with the board as they walked through the facilities.

Buses will be able use the circular drive to unload students at HES, Penner said. But work will not be completed at both facilities when classes start Wednesday.

?We?ll need a good part of next week to finish the (HES) kitchen,? Penner said.

While the science lab at the high school will be ready Wednesday, he said, a couple more weeks are needed to complete other projects, such as as the new weight room.

During the business meeting that followed, principals Evan Yoder and Max Heinrichs reported on accommodations they are making at their buildings until construction is complete, such as modified lunches that will be transported to the elementary school, detours to avoid construction areas in the high school and adjustments to volleyball practice schedules.

Heinrich also reported that the first HHS football home game, against Smoky Valley, probably won?t be played at Tabor College?s field because the lights may not be installed in time. He said an alternative could be using the field at the elementary school or perhaps play the game at Smoky Valley.

Creigh Bell, adviser, and students from the HHS Technology Student Association thanked the board for providing support for their attendance at national convention in Orlando, Fla.

Bell said HHS students placed among the top 10 finalists their divisions, including one national championship and one second place.

Superintendent Doug Huxman told the board that no decision about the lawsuit from the judge has been received.

Huxman also announced the board would meet in a special meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, to approve the budget.

In other business, the board:

n approved out-of-state trips for the HHS band in May 2009 and the FFA national convention Oct. 22 in Indianapolis, Ind.

The board approved paying transportation and sponsor/ administrator fees.

?We are not contributing additional money,? said board president Rod Koons.

In past years, the board has provided some funds to subsidize trips, but earlier made the decision to give the students organizations that responsibility.

n approved an amended ESSDACK Interlocal agreement.

n approved a resolution to change the method of electing board members, changing from a six-member district voting plan to three-member districts and one at-large member.

If voters approve, the election of board members will be staggered until transition for the proposed change is complete.

Huxman said he plans to publish a letter and map that will explain changes to the public.

n accepted the resignation of Janette Brubacher from her classified contract and supplemental assignment.

n heard that the Internet service for non-school subscribers will be discontinued.

Technology director Jason Henry will give a report of the Microsoft changeover at the special board meeting at Tuesday?s special meeting.

n heard that the wrong lockers were installed in the new boys? dressing room. The projected date for nstallationof new ones is November.

n heard from board member Debbie Geis that the Marion County Special Education Cooperative still has a few vacancies to fill.

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