Marion-Florence USD 408 considers new school facilities years ago
Sports reporter
Marion-Florence USD 408 board members discussed Monday a plan that would bring the district an indoor pool, school auditorium, and gymnasium.
The project is a bond issue, and superintendent Lee Leiker wants the public to know it will have a say in the matter.
"This is not a project underway until the bond has passed," he said.
Leiker and other board members said so far the response has been a good one.
"It's been a very positive week in regard to the new facilities," Leiker said.
Board vice president Chris Sprowls agreed.
"I have heard a lot of good comments and there is a positive vibe in the air," he said.
Leiker spoke to the Florence Chamber of Commerce and said the reaction was positive there as well.
Although the plan is to have the issue on the April election ballot, that cannot happen until all project costs are finalized.
Clerk Martin Tice said that could be some time in January.
The board selected three architectural firms to interview Friday during a special meeting.
The final firms are Wilson and Co. of Salina, Spangenberg and Phillips of Wichita, and Martin Hanney and Associates of Wichita.
If the plan moves ahead as proposed, the mill levy would not increase, meaning taxpayers will not pay more for the new facilities.
In other news:
— The board voted to leave the vacant food service director position unfilled. Responsibilities will continue to be distributed throughout other food workers.
The board approved a $1.50 hourly increase for elementary cook Terry Cochran and high school cook Martha Pracht for their extra duties retroactive to Oct. 1.
High School cook Margene Dornbush was approved a 50-cent hourly raise for her extra duties as well.
— The board talked about the possibility of a bus taking students back to Florence after home events. The school provides a bus for away events and practice, but decided it was not needed for home events.
High school activities director Tod Gordon said special circumstances for concession stand workers were handled as needed.
The proposal may be looked at again in the future.
— The board approved a FFA national convention trip to Louisville, Ky. Seven members and two sponsors will attend.
— The board listened to an audit report on the budget and accepted it.
— The board discussed and will decide next month whether to replace older buses, or just replace old engines.
— The board approved a $100 donation to the Florence Historical Society for allowing the board to use their facilities for a retreat.
— Board appointments were unanimously passed: Board clerk, Becky Summerville. KPERS district representative, Leiker. BC/BC district representative, Leiker. District treasurer, Tice. E-Rate district contact, Leiker.
— The board approved Summerville's wages be moved to salary after taking over as clerk.
— The board approved a transportation request for a Bible study group run by Janet Killough to travel to Wesley Hospital, Wichita, to work with pediatrics.
The group, which meets at MHS during breakfast or lunch hours, is not school-sponsored. However, the board was in agreement to allow the request because the group was not attending a sanctioned religious event.
