Centre school board contemplates new science classroom
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Mike Blaske, architect with Bowman, Bowman, Novick Inc., Manhattan, provided information Sept. 12 to Centre USD board of education regarding possible relocation of science rooms at the high school.
The number of science students has increased in recent years due to more science requirements for college entrance.
Superintendent Robert Kiblinger said the present lab accommodates eight comfortably but often has to accommodate more.
"I'd hate to tell you the exact numbers," he said.
Board members toured high school facilities at their August meeting to view possible sites for a new and expanded science classroom.
Options appeared to be the former home economics room, now Family and Consumer Science (FCS), and classrooms in the vocational agriculture building.
After architect Brent Bowman toured the building, he sent Superintendent Kiblinger a letter recommending remodeling the FCS room.
He gave three reasons for his recommendation: 1) the room is centrally located in the academic wing with adjacent classrooms; 2) the room needs a "freshening up" while the vo-ag rooms have been more recently redone and receive good maintenance; 3) Large space provided by remodeling the FCS room will allow flexibility for special projects or group study.
An architectural drawing presented by Blaske placed the science lab at the west end of the FCS room and classroom tables on the east.
Several of the kitchen units would be retained. An entrance into the present science storage room could be created, if necessary.
Blaske said remodeling the FCS room would be the most cost-efficient choice because it already has sewer and water, and a service tunnel under the room would make it easier to install the necessary wiring and plumbing.
Blaske presented an estimated quote of $157,100 to remodel the 1,850 square foot room. He said the new lab would accommodate 20 comfortably and could hold up to 24 students, if necessary.
After Blaske left the meeting, the board continued to discuss options. Most seemed to favor the FCS room but two wanted to consider the ag building sites.
Jennifer Kassebaum suggested they get another architect to look at the project because of problems incurred in past projects.
Board president Clark Davis pointed out that Bowman and Bowman has a 20-year track record with the school, and problems have arisen with contractors, not the architect.
Brent Methvin suggested costs associated with renovating the current science lab and classroom should be included in the total cost of the project.
The discussion led into a lengthy brainstorming session on long-term plans for the high school site and possible incorporation of the K-4 grades.
No action was taken. The science room relocation will be revisited next month.
Total cost of installation of an underground water tank at the high school was reported as $14,256.96, well under the $18,000 allowed for the project.
The school district and Lincolnville and Lost Springs fire departments are hoping for a better ISO rating soon.
Kiblinger said Lincolnville will get a newer fire truck and firefighters will undergo more training in October. The ISO update will be done in November.
Board members learned the school's student insurance coverage does not cover students in overnight lodging, only during the day. Parents could buy short-term insurance for overnight stays. The same applies to extended senior class trips.
Students on after-prom trips must be accompanied by at least one district employee to be covered by the school's insurance.
The board accepted an audit report presented by Jay Langley of Clubine and Rettele, an accounting firm in Salina. He gave the district a clean bill of health.
"The staff was easy to work with and are very thorough in what they do," Langley said.
He noted, since the Enron debacle, auditors are required to look for and make districts aware of places where fraud risk is present. He said gate receipts at sports events pose such a risk and need to be monitored.
The board approved a revision to the 2005-06 superintendent/principal's contract. It eliminated the clause: "without prior approval of the board, no more than five days vacation leave may be taken at one time." The contract was approved in August and extends to June 30, 2007.
In accordance with state reimbursement rates, the board increased adult/guest prices on meals to $1.35 for breakfast and $2.60 for lunch.
Jesse Brunner was appointed as district delegate to Kansas Association of School Boards state convention Dec. 2-4 in Overland Park.
The board approved payment of a vehicle fleet insurance premium of $15,509.96 to State Farm Insurance. The premium is $1,128 lower than the previous year.
Kiblinger reported proceeds of $1,144.50 from an equipment disposal auction held in August.
At least 26 certified staff members reportedly participated in the sick leave bank, with 32 days donated. Twenty classified staff members donated 25 days.
The next meeting will be held Oct. 10 at the Lutheran Parish Hall in Ramona.
