Colo-NESCO School Board discusses construction, return to learn update
Brett Van Waus
The Sept. 28 Colo-NESCO school board meeting began with a construction update from Director of Buildings and Grounds Bill Lytle. Two major projects nearing completion are the Colo and Zearing parking lots. In Colo, the project is only waiting on light poles, while at the elementary site in Zearing siding is needed for the entryways to the gym and cafeteria.
A tentative schedule for future projects was presented to the board. Bids were sent out with a pre-bid meetings that were set to be held Oct. 7. Bids must be received before 2 p.m. on Oct. 15. Oct. 19 is the estimated date for bids to be awarded with Nov. 3 set as the tentative preconstruction meeting date. Nov. 9 is the estimated beginning construction date at the Zearing elementary site, with May 31 set as the current date to start construction at the Colo middle school and high school site. The goal is to complete these construction projects by the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year.
Under superintendent comments, Mr. Walker suggested that the board may opt to change the school calendar to begin construction earlier this summer, with one option being to eliminate spring break. District administration plans to advertise for a Spanish teacher for the second semester of the school year in place of the current online course.
In other news, the Board approved an agreement with Woodward-Granger for two students to attend Woodward Academy, early graduation requests for two students, the use of electronic funds for local utility bills, and a cost of $5,515.00 for the McCallsburg air handling unit. Additionally, the board approved a change in commercial property that will save the district over $3,000 after the removal of the three-story building at Zearing. The district also received a rebate from Alliant Energy for energy savings of $12,756.00 at the elementary and $27,915.00 at the middle/high school site due to the district's construction sites.
The Board also agreed to interview search firms to assist in hiring a new superintendent for the 2021-2022 academic year after Jim Walker steps down at the end of this academic year.
The next regular meeting will be held Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Zearing Elementary Media Center. The public may access the meeting via Zoom. A link will be posted with the next meeting's agenda.