New middle school building begins to take shape

With the elementary and high school projects nearing completion, the main focus is now on the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School being constructed in Sanborn.

Progress has been visible in recent weeks, especially on the north side. Steel framing and decking is being installed and the learning area is taking shape. Roofing of that area is expected to begin in mid-October.

"It's coming along really well," Project Manager Mark Pfister said during Monday's school board meeting.

Precast walls for the gym, which will be constructed on the south side of the building, are expected to arrive in early October. Pfister said those walls should "go up really fast" and then the roofing will be added. All roofs are expected to be completed by mid-November and interior work will follow.

"It's looking really nice over there," Pfister noted.

Regarding the rest of the facilities project, a few items remain to be addressed at the elementary building.

"For the most part things are going well, but there are a few growing pains to work through," Pfister said.

Approximately 10-15 items remain on the punch list. Training for use of the elementary systems is completed; however, some training remains to be done at the high school. Pfister said acoustical panels in the high school as well as flooring in front of the food serving area remain to be installed.

The board approved a total of 12 change orders. Additions to the elementary project include installation of TV tracks, modifications to door hardware, placement of additional concrete and wheel stops in the parking area, and provision of more gravel for the bus turn and dumpster drives.

A paint scheme and decals were added to the high school commons. Roof drains were extended due to increased insulation thickness, brick was removed around the south gym to install flashing details and additional exterior repairs were identified.

According to Pfister, the additional work at the high school will be paid out of the project contingency and unused funds from the elementary project. As a result, the overall budget will not be impacted.

• High school gym to be painted

One bid was received for painting the north gym in the high school. The bid from Peters Construction, Inc. includes preparation of the walls prior to application of one coat of white paint. No painting will be done on the south wall behind the bleachers.

In addition, the top three feet of the gym walls will be painted black and the striping, doors and frames will be repainted to match current colors.

Total cost for work specified in the proposal is $12,700.

"The bid quote is quite a bit lower than we would have anticipated," Superintendent Patrick Carlin said.

• SPED deficit, contracts

H-M-S will submit an application to the Iowa Department of Education for allowable growth and supplemental aid for a negative special education balance for 2019-2020. Supplemental aid payments are calculated by the Iowa Department of Management after all balances are finalized. H-M-S had special education revenue of $1,625,736.19 and expenditures of $1,843,716.54. The allowable growth requested totals $217,980.35.

The board renewed an agreement to provide student teaching opportunities for students from the University of Northern Iowa.

Contracts were offered to Maycin Gonnerman, associate; Cheryl Kroese, TLC mentor; and Danette Block, gymnastics instructor.

Clinical therapist Marty Wallace was granted permission to serve students in the school buildings. Carlin said that Wallace would only meet with his current clients. Providing an optional place for Wallace's students to be served will help district families who otherwise struggle to meet their appointments.