More upgrades possible at H-M-S High School

Initial planning for additional upgrades to the high school building was approved by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn school board on Monday.

CMBA Architects, of Spencer, and Engineering Design Associates (EDA), of Sioux Center, submitted a proposal for architectural and engineering services to define the scope and timeline for updates and renovations to the high school. They will work with Boyd Jones Construction, the project manager for the elementary and middle school facilities projects and recent renovations to the high school.

According to the proposal, the district has identified additional funding that could be earmarked for replacement of outdated and leaking plumbing below the high school, renovations to existing locker rooms and other maintenance items.

CMBA Architects and EDA Engineering would bill for their services on an hourly basis until the project scope is determined.

"If there are multiple projects would they be charged hourly for each, or would we be better off to have a fuller agreement," asked Board Vice President Scott Vollink.

"We would start with the pipes," responded Superintendent Patrick Carlin. "If we have more projects, those would have to be negotiated."

The agreement states that a set fee could be used to complete remaining architectural and engineering services once the project scope is approved.

The district is also consulting with Piper Jaffray Financial Services in regards to refinancing the SAVE loan that funded a portion of the facilities project. Carlin said interest rates have fallen below the amount that H-M-S earns on invested funds.

Tim Oswald is expected to meet with the board in February to discuss refinancing options as well as possibly completing the final sale of bonds for the facilities projects.

• Open campus, job descriptions

The process of creating job descriptions for various positions has been ongoing for two years. Carlin said most districts periodically review the language of their job descriptions. The job descriptions will be included with contracts issued by H-M-S to clarify expectations for each position.

Board members suggested alterations to the language of some job descriptions and recommended separating the duties for positions that are held by the same person.

Guidelines for senior open campus approved by the board will be similar to those of previous years. Full open campus begins Jan. 25 for seniors who qualify for the privilege.

"Open campus has been a good thing for our seniors," said Principal Nate Hemiller. "I do believe it creates positive behavior."

• Facemask requirement extended

At the start of the meeting, Board President Scott Heetland announced that H-M-S would continue its policy that requires facemasks to be worn whenever social distancing is not possible. Further discussion would be tabled until the February meeting. The decision was made in light of possible changes that could be implemented at the federal level.

In other business, the board approved requiring the superintendent to sign the information form along with the building principal or athletic director for any fundraising activities being conducted in the district.

Resignations were accepted from Linda Akwa, high school foreign language teacher; and Russ Spier, middle school boys' basketball coach. A contract for the assistant middle school softball coaching position was issued to Ashley Tessum.

Progress continues on construction of the new middle school in Sanborn, including installation of sheetrock, HVAC systems and plumbing.

"It's looking good," Heetland said. "It's coming along. It's a work in progress."

Change orders approved for the project included increased costs for masonry work in winter conditions and overtime; additional TV locations and equipment; and removal of marker boards from two learning commons and modifications to the media desk. Most of the added costs will be subtracted from the project change allowance.