Noting that the renovation and construction at the high school is "pretty well wrapped up," a presentation from the construction company was on the agenda when the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education met in regular session on Oct. 14.
Adam Bailey with Hausmann Construction spoke to the board and said only a few items need to be completed at the high school in coming weeks. Among them is an inspection from the State Fire Marshall, which is scheduled to take place later this week.
He then showed pictures of the work that is currently taking place at the Early Learning Center (ELC) and explained the work that needs to get finished outside before winter.
Bailey noted that due to this spring's wet weather, the firm had to tear out some wet spots and re-work them. He shared a timeline for the work in coming weeks and presented a list of the order in which work will be done in the classrooms and other parts of the building.
Bob Soukup with Carlson West Provondra Architects spoke to the board via Zoom and thanked all those involved in the project for the work that has been completed.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan told the board he has been meeting with the contractor and architect twice a month for updates on the project.
An updated drawing was presented to the board for the playground equipment at the ELC.
The most recent drawing shows the playground being moved across the trail on ground that is level and will allow for possible future expansion.
The bid, which includes the playground equipment and installation, of $507,636 from Creative Sites, LLC was approved.
Funding for the project comes from $100,000 that is part of the bond funds, approximately $75,000 (so far) from the Wayne Community Schools Foundation and a grant from the Nebraska Recycling Center for 25% of the rubber surface costs. The school will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs through the Special Education department in the next fiscal year. Additional grants will be sought to assist with the remainder of the cost.
As part of new business portion of the meeting, board members approved a payment of $902,875.68 to Hausmann Construction. This payment is a release of 5% of the retainage on the building project. Also approved was payment application No. 14 in the amount of $1,229,344.65 to Hausmann Construction for work completed on the project.
Board members spent a considerable amount of time going over the district's policy on Option Enrollment.
Superintendent Lenihan told the board that the number of option enrollment students the district would accept needs to be submitted in October each year for the coming school year. Lenihan shared current enrollment numbers with each of those students moving up a grade level next year. Several of the classes are at or near capacity. For Wayne, this number is 75 students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade; 90 students in grades 7 and 8 and 100 in grades 9-12.
Discussion was held on how to handle situations in which a student asks to option into the district past the deadline.
Action was taken to approve a two-year contract for natural gas from Constellation Natural Gas for $6.95 per MMBTU. This will allow the district to have a fixed price for the next two years.
Board members gave authority for the purchase of a 2024 Ford Expedition from Arnie's Ford at a cost of $63,829. The vehicle will be first inspected by district staff before final approval is given.
A bid from S2 Roll Off was accepted for garbage and recycling. The $585 per month bid was considerably lower than that of a second bid that was received.
Sebade Snow Removal was awarded the bid for snow removal for the upcoming season.
Discussion was held on an AIM document in regard to an E-Sports Club for the school. At the present time, there are 31 students who are part of the program, in what was described as "a great mix of kids." Additional discussion will be held at the board's next meeting.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.
