At the Monday meeting of the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Board of Education, the group discussed bids for the preschool renovation project. When Kids Korner Daycare moves out of the elementary, the district plans to renovate the space to accommodate classrooms to expand the preschool. According to ISG engineer, Nathan Compton, the project was estimated at around $950,000. There was only one bid for the project from Sande Construction at about $1.4 million. Compton said the mechanical/electrical part came in substantially over their estimate.
Superintendent Joe Nelson said it is unfortunate that the bid was so much above the estimate, but the good news is that the project will be almost entirely funded by COVID relief dollars. He added that he received verbal approval for increased funding for the project as it was above what the district had previously received approval for. The board ultimately voted to accept the bid. Nelson added that the project has a very tight timeline with plans to start demolition June 1 and have the space ready for preschool right after Labor Day.
Middle School Principal Steve Haberman gave a report. He went over the school’s report card which show “commendable” scores in English/Language Arts and Math. The school also exceeds state averages in proficiency and growth. Haberman also discussed staff professional development and the focus on social and emotional learning.
The board talked briefly about the 2022-2023 school calendar. As Nelson explained, the calendar for next year will look very similar to this year. School will start on August 23. The district will again have 1:30 early-outs on Wednesdays for Professional Development and Spring Break will be kept on the calendar.
There were several staffing changes on the agenda. The board approved several resignations. These include Robert EnTin – Part Time High School Business Teacher, Jordan McLaughlin – Asst. High School Football Coach, Jeff Meyer – High School Freshman Boys Basketball, Kate Orness – High School Special Education Teacher, Darcy Robb – Elem Para, Macoy Rohrer – High School 9th and JV Softball Coach, Patty Stockman-Sann – Concession Coordinator, and Kim Vierkant – Elem Title I. Work agreements were approved for Skylar Marker as lead teacher for the Early Learning Center and Austin Heeren for HS Girls Golf Coach.
The board set March 10 at noon for the FY22 Budget Amendment Hearing to show an increase in spending. Board secretary Anita Frye noted that this will not change property taxes; it just gives the district permission to spend the money. The increases are due to ESSER (COVID relief) funds and the building projects.
