Adam Bailey with Hausmann Construction and Bob Soukup with Carlson West Provondra (CWP) Architects presented detailed updates on the various parts of the construction/remodeling projects within the district during Monday's regular meeting of the Wayne Community Schools Board of Education.
Bailey told the board that due to this spring's heavy rains, some re-compacting of soil needed to be done before concrete slabs could be put into place at the Early Learning Center. In addition, Hausmann Construction has had to re-sequence how some of the work is being done.
The work on the Early Learning Center (Pre-K through second grade building) is still on target for substantial completion by June 2, 2025.
At the high school, work is being done on the finishes on the new construction on the east side of the building.
The main portion of the work on the wrestling room has been completed with additional details being completed in coming weeks.
Renovation is underway in several areas of the high school. The area that will become the Ag room is now being painted and work on hallways will take place soon, along with inspections.
In the auditorium (Lecture Hall) the stage has been opened up and that portion of the project is "tracking well." Seating is scheduled to be installed July 22.
Additional work is being done in the band room and demolition has started in the art room.
"Things are going as smooth as we can expect and the project is looking good," ??? said.
Soukup told the board his firm is working closely with Hausmann Construction, including at least one meeting each month on-site.
"Communication has been good and we are pushing for the high school to get done by August when the students come back to school," Soukup said.
He also talked about other items that are not directly related to the construction portion of the project, but need to be addressed before the project can be complete.
These include the equipment for the kitchen and playground equipment.
During a later portion of the meeting, board members approved a bid of $286,500 from TriMark for kitchen equipment. This will be ordered and allow for the construction firm to determine what needs to be done before installation.
A payment of $2,029,882.50 was approved to Hausmann Construction for work completed. At this time, 45.9% of the project has been completed.
The annual review of a number of policies was on Monday's agenda.
These included policies on anti-bullying, student fees, homeless students and parent/community involvement in schools.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan explained to the board the plan for the coming year in regard to anti-bullying, including several presentations for both staff and students.
Board members approved the purchase of 175 Chromebooks for the district. The bid of $46,957.75 from Sterling will allow the district to distribute a new device to each of the incoming freshmen. Older, but still usable, devices will be recycled to the lower grades.
Following discussion, board members voted to move forward with a 15-hour per week agreement with the City of Wayne for a School Resource Officer. This is an increase from the 10 hours per week the officer was in the school buildings during the last school year.
During administrator reports, Wayne Junior High Principal/Athletic Director Dave Wragge informed the board that Wendy Heikes has been hired as the junior-high/athletic director secretary. She will fill the position held by Lori Dickes, who retired last month.
Wragge and Head of Maintenance Jordan Widner praised the efforts of students on the last day of school for their work in helping move items from areas that will be undergoing renovation this summer.
Penny Janousek was officially appointed as the district's treasurer. She is replacing Mary Jean Robersen, who is moving out of state.
Superintendent Lenihan told the board the transition is going well and praised the efforts of both Robersen and Janousek in recent weeks.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, July 8 at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Early Learning Center on Providence Road.
