Augusta board takes step toward facilites’ renovation
by Bridget Cooke
Much of the Augusta School Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 was taken up by discussion regarding forward steps for renovations to be done now that the district has acquired $6.6 million in funds to make needed changes.
Reviewing the Act 32 projects, the board had visitors from both ICS Consulting and H & H Engineering to aid in decision-making. They evaluated funding and discussed engineering, including the issues with cost and the choice of a roof engineer.
H&H Division Manager Josh Kaurich wanted to have a check and review of the current tentative contractor for the roof project on the Augusta High School, which he noted went fine. However, his summary was that he hoped to procure approval from the board to pursue two companies. RSI, a firm from the Twin Cities and another from Madison. In the event they chose one, the tentative contractor, Ritland, would basically serve as a secondary engineering consultant not due to any hesitancy in competency, but a disagreement with a plan that may cost the district unnecessary extra money by disposing of all insulation.
Kaurich noted salvaging a portion of the material would not be cutting corners. Another problem is the need to open up the entire market, which was not happening with the current plan.
“Competition breeds good pricing,” he said to the board. He added that both proposed companies had a two-week turnaround, so the timing would stick to their original schedule.
“I think you’ll be happy in the end and it’ll save you some money,” Kaurich said.
The board approved the measure, but first deliberated which plan to go forward on. A number of options were presented in the event that saving money, but doing less work, was a better option for the district. The board decided to continue with the full scope of work, noting that none of the projects are elaborate and are needed to maintain the district’s facilities. On a roll call vote, the measure passed 4-1 with a no vote by Matt Guse.
Dean of Students Nicole Steinmetz updated the board on elementary events, including a PBIS celebration barn dance earned based on behavior with food, activities and time away from studies. She noted that PBIS November referrals were 13 less than in October and are down 72 from last year. Currently, the month was operating at 13 and the administration is hoping to keep under last year’s number.
She also noted the events Read & Feed and the Book Fair. Steinmetz said it was great to see parents in the building and a number of books read at the fair. Through the book fair, the school earned $1,900 to purchase books for classrooms. They are currently planning the spring arts festival.
There was also an update on the holiday cookie decorating, with students preparing sweet treats for Friday afternoon’s Christmas Tea.
Middle/High School Principal Jason Kestner updated the board on his schools. He said middle school PBIS numbers are down, cut by two-thirds in comparison to 2013, but were the same for the month despite the notable yearly difference.
Other items addressed:
• Approval of summer recreation coordinator resignation
• Approval of bus driver hiring
• Approval of Be You Club activity account
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In September 2013, Cooke was hired as the editor of both the Augusta Area Times and the Tri-County News. She can be reached via ateditor@media-md.net or (715) 597-3313. Follow us on Twitter or check out our Facebook page for more updates!
