Dr. Mark Stanton, superintendent of the McDonald County School District, told the board of education at its Dec. 11 meeting he would be exploring the interest and cost of starting a soccer program at the high school. Stanton said he will present his findings to the board at its Jan. 8 meeting.
In other athletics related business, the board unanimously approved a proposal from Greg Leach, high school principal, to add an additional coach to serve both the junior high and high school baseball programs. Leach said this coach would serve as a dedicated pitching coach with a stipend of $2,038.50.
Construction Projects
Prior to the regular meeting, the board held a work session to discuss ongoing construction projects at Pineville and Southwest City and the upcoming project at the high school.
The board was told by Ann Miller, of Nabholz Construction, that the cost of building the ramp and pad for a crane at Southwest City was more than budgeted.
Stanton said he never understood why the budgeted cost was below the actual cost because following a pre-bid meeting at the high school, contractors toured the site and should have been able to estimate the cost.
Stanton was told since the FEMA structures at Pineville and Southwest City required the biggest T-caps of any of the 17 done by the contractor there was a learning curve on what would be necessary for the crane to install them.
The board also questioned what would be done with the material when the ramps and pads are torn out. The board told Miller the school district would want to keep the material and would find a place for storage.
It was noted the cost for glass at Southwest City would be about $10,000 higher due to having to rebid the project and hire another contractor.
Also looking at being rebid is the concrete work for the performing arts center at the high school. The board was told that one contractor forgot to include allowances in his bid and another had a blowout on his way to turn in his bid and did not show up in time.
Miller said the district only received two full bids for the project. She said Nabholz and Paragon, the district architect for the project wanted to be fair to the district so it will get the best bid, but also be fair to contractors since once the bids are submitted and opened they are public knowledge.
The board agreed for the concrete to be rebid, but Miller said Nabholz and Paragon will discuss the issue and make a decision this week on the plan of action.
The total budget for the performing arts center is estimated at just over $5 million.
Other Business
The high school FCCLA and FFA programs updated the board on recent trips to national meetings. The FCCLA went to Little Rock, Ark., while the FFA traveled to Louisville, Ky., and the band updated the board on its plans to attend the Gator Bowl.
The board approved a proposal from Beimdiek Insurance for property insurance throughout the district for 2015 with a deductible of $25,000.
Bills in the amount of $506,143.54 were approved for payment.
General News on 12/18/2014