By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Centre approved a three-year custodial contract with IServe Inc. of El Dorado. The contract calls for a 2 percent to $8,339 per month beginning July 1 and a maximum 2 percent increase each of the following two years.

In presenting the proposal, IServe President Pam Idleman said the district was getting “a big bang for your buck.”

IServe employs three full-time custodians and a full-time manager at the school. Idelman noted that many more hours were expended under the current arrangement than under previous custodial arrangements.

Amber Peterson and Jeff Bina voted against the proposal. They said they would have been more comfortable with a one-year contract.

Idleman assured the board that an “out” would be possible after a year or two if there was a breach of contract or if both sides agreed the arrangement was not working to the district’s benefit.

Summer projects

Summer maintenance projects at Centre include carpet in classrooms and hallways, $33,395 from Supreme Floor Co., Hillsboro; replacement of windows, $21,223, east side of south wing; track makeover, $6,100 for 300 tons of screenings from Harshman Construction, Marion, and hauling, grading, and compacting by Dalke Construction, Hillsboro; and replacement lockers, not to exceed $8,400, in the main gymnasium boys’ locker room.

Other projects include sealing of cracks in the parking lot, exterior gym priming and painting, and gym floor makeover.

The board approved replacing the main entrance, including doors and frames by Marrow Exteriors and Glass for $18,000. The doors will be 42 inches wide to allow wheelchair access.

The board approved closed circuit cameras entrances with monitors in the central office, remote entry intercom, and 50 key cards for staff members.

Superintendent search

Bill Majors of the Kansas Association of School Boards told the board he was surprised at the number of candidates who have contacted him about the district’s superintendent position.

“I’m pleased we are getting good people,” he said.

He will present three finalists to the board at a special meeting at 7 p.m. June 19.

Other items

The board accepted the Mallory Jacobs resignation as counselor.

The FFA livestock judging team was granted permission to attend a summer workshop July 16-18 at Oklahoma State University. The district will provide transportation. The FFA chapter will cover other costs.

Stan Wiles will be the head football coach. Kelly Steiner will be his assistant.

The board will seek bids on a used mini-bus and a used passenger car for staff.

The board discussed whether to continue the global outreach of the Kansas Online Learning Program to South Korean students, which Kemble initiated. Jeff Bina wanted to drop it, but Rick Basore thought it should be continued. Others were reluctant to give that task to a new superintendent.

Kemble said she would speak to the South Korean educator about a temporary slowdown in the process. She will report to the board at the special meeting.

“This is looking at the road ahead and being a little more visionary,” she reminded the board.