Getting ready for the new school year

en completed at Clay Central/Everly Elementary, but there have been delays in getting other work done in the Royal building.

According to reports presented at Monday's board meeting, Site Services completed asbestos abatement in the steam tunnels, but the district is waiting for SwiftAir to begin piping replacement.

Installation of the window wraps is done, as is electrical work in the calm down room.

Carpeting remains to be installed on the music room stage and the bus barn still needs to be painted. SwiftAir also has two items to complete in the calm down room before padding and a new door can be installed.

One company provided bids for improvements to the Nature Learning Center playground. Board Member Allyn Heikens said the SIAC committee talked about having the project done in phases.

"That is the thinking now, rather than do it all," Assistant Superintendent Jeff Scharn responded.

Director of Student Services Michelle Huntress is working with another company which had not yet submitted bids for consideration. The board decided to table a decision until that bid is received.

• Roller shade purchase

Scholastic Equipment Company submitted the low bid for six spring roller shades in the music room. Total cost for the shades and installation is $1,229.88. The board had previously received a bid of $4,962 for room-darkening blinds for the room.

Riverside Technologies, Inc. will install a Meraki firewall (router/security appliance) and provide three-year advanced security licensing and engineering services, at a total cost of $13,079.

A bid of $20 from Jillian Hicks for a surplus Baldwin piano was accepted.

• Handbook language

Few changes were made to the 2023-24 handbooks (faculty, parent-student, support staff, bus driver, Chromebook and iPad). Huntress asked for board input regarding language that would limit staff from using personal days during the final two weeks of school.

"It's a challenging time of the year with the number of field trips and other things going on," she noted. "It would be good for staff and students to give them consistency."

"I understand everything you are saying, but there might be a situation where a staff member is between a rock and a hard place," Heikens observed.

Board President Denny Dalen said he was comfortable with language reflecting the possibility of exceptions being granted, such as family-related situations.

Regular board meetings will continue to be held at 6 p.m. on the Wednesday following the fourth Monday of the month. An exception is next month's meeting, which will be held on Monday, Aug. 28.