Discussion begins on elementary building improvements

School board members held their first discussions on possible renovations to the elementary school during their regular meeting Oct. 18.

In June, the board approved a $6,000 contract with Wilkins Architecture, Planning and Design of Kearney to assess possible renovations at the elementary school at 419 Logan Avenue. 

The contract also called for looking at what options may be available for space in the multi-purpose room at the Jr./Sr. high building.

The initial drawing for the elementary calls for removing the front steps, creating a new vestibule and entrance, including ADA compliance,  renovating front offices and bathrooms.

Other spaces, like the teacher workroom would be re-purposed for educational needs.

Hallway flooring in much of the north part of the school would also be replaced. 

Board President Jayson Bishop said he and Superintendent Phillip Picquet meet with the Wilkins firm at the two facilities. 

Bishop said their initial plan estimated what it could cost to do all of the work at the elementary building at once.

Estimated cost in its entirety came in around $2 million. Bishop noted this is a project where portions could be done over a five- or 10-year period versus all at once. 

Bishop asked board members for their initial thoughts and no one indicated they would be in favor of spending $2 million at this time. 

They voiced there are some improvements that need to be made, such as bathroom renovations and flooring in the 1960s addition. 

Board member Chris Fryzek said he was anticipating some more in the range of $250,000, not $2 million.

Board member Angela Gloy said spending money on a new front entrance was not a priority for her, noting the board has already mapped out other priorities for the facilities. 

Picquet noted significant expenditures are ahead for roofing and HVAC improvements that he has already budgeted for.

In other action, the board tabled a bid to complete a full topographical survey of the school property at the elementary site. 

It would be needed as part of a renovation project if changes were made outside of the building, like re-establishing a drop-off loop on the north side of the school.

Picquet said the school has first right of refusal on an activities bus expected to be available from the dealer in December or January. 

He expects the cost to run between $230,000 to $250,000. 

The bus will be fully inspected by the dealer and school before the purchase. 

Board members also heard reports on the student progress made during the fall testing period, compared to testing last spring.