With plans underway to move elementary school children from Lost Springs to the high school site, the Centre USD 397 board of education addressed two pressing issues at its Monday meeting: relocating the Interactive Distance Learning room and renovating the food serving area in the kitchen.

Money for the changes will come from capital outlay and will not impact the general fund.

The board approved transfer of IDL equipment from its present location to a room at the north end of the agriculture education building. The move will require construction of a wall and the purchase of four new TV monitors for $900 each.

Technology Excellence in Education Network director Brandi Hendrix said she will help dismantle the IDL equipment. A company will be contracted to install it in its new location.

The total cost will be approximately $11,600.

The current IDL room will house fourth-graders. The adjoining middle school library and the library at the elementary school will be merged with the high school library. The middle school library will be used as a music classroom when fourth-graders are in other classrooms.

The board approved purchase of a proofer/heater cabinet for the kitchen from Sunflower Restaurant Supply for $1,998 and a steam table and serving table from Muckenthaler, Inc. for $3,766.

According to head cook Inge Nordstrom, the items were needed in order to meet state requirements for temperature control of food and to provide efficient serving of breakfast and lunch to an increased student population.

Superintendent Jerri Kemble said someone had suggested making a gravel drive along the west side of the school and making a parking lot for the elementary school, to provide a separate entrance for the children.

She said the transition team reported teachers would like to try to handle the situation themselves by escorting students from buses to their rooms.

“Teachers would rather spend $15,000 on laptops than on a driveway,” she said.

The board asked that teachers come up with a workable plan and report to the board.

The board voted to employ temporary summer custodial help for 500 hours for a cost of $4,200. The three full-time custodians will move equipment and supplies from Lost Springs as each room at the high school site is ready for use.