The Perry School Board met in regular session Monday.
At the meeting, representatives from Shive-Hattery presented the District with an Iowa Concrete Paving Association award for the elementary school parking lot paving project. Perry earned the top award based on quality of work done, design and safety for the community.
Following approval of the consent agenda, Buildings and Grounds Director Kevin McLaughlin gave an update on the various summer projects across the district. He says the heat pump, security, technology and maintenance projects are moving forward smoothly and on schedule thus far.
Paul Rathjen with Shive-Hattery then reviewed progress on the design phases of the industrial technology facility. A needs and wants assessment has been completed. The tentative schedule shows the first phase of the project could be completed by the end of next year. Rathjen says the existing space is 5,700 square feet and the new facility would provide a safe space to work on small engines, more classroom space, bring building trades back into the main building and separate the wood and metal shop areas. The proposed new facility would be between 12,000 and 15,000 more space in addition to renovating the current space. Rathjen presented a few different expansion project proposals with the total cost at around $6,250,000. Board President Kyle Baxter expressed concern with the cost, particularly the estimated $3.6 million price tag for the new building itself, which figures out to be around $300 per square foot. He stated that he felt Rathjen was out of line with that figure and if that’s the price point they’re looking at, the District would not be working with Shive-Hattery on the project. Baxter recommended looking at different types of structures to try and save money. No formal action was taken on the agenda item.
Teaching and Learning Director Kevin Vidergar and other District representatives then shared a library and media center plan with the Board. The Department of Education has found Perry to be noncompliant with the current library program. Staff and community members are working together to develop a plan to improve libraries in the District. Improvements include more spaces for students to meet, additional power outlets, more librarian involvement in the classrooms and additional technology and electronic resources assist with projects. No action was taken by the Board.
An agreement with 21st Century Rehab for sports medicine services was then approved. An athletic trainer or physical therapist will be in the district one to two nights per week during practice time to evaluate any injuries or consult with coaches. This also provides coverage for regular season varsity football, wrestling and basketball.
Board policy revisions in regards to classified employee resignation, retirement, suspension, dismissal and reduction in force were then approved as presented.
Based on a Department of Education and Iowa Association of School Board recommendations the Board then approved an update to the District’s anti-bullying and harassment policy.
The Board then approved participation in the School Administrators of Iowa’s mentoring and induction program as required.
Personnel changes were also approved as presented.