By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Sept. 16 regular meeting of the Adair-Casey School Board, the main discussion centered on the district’s plans for renovation of restrooms, entryways and office spaces. One key consideration was the timing of the project, since it could not realistically be completed over one summer break.
Superintendent Josh Rasmussen pointed out the district can likely save money on the project by having some details done by local contractors instead of as part of the bidded project.
Principal Ed Den Beste summarized the timing challenge in the project, which impacts when the board would want the project to begin.
“It’s not three to four months; it’s now six months,” Den Beste said.
The options discussed included having the project begin in late winter/early spring, so it could be completed before the start of the next school year or starting after the end of the school year and running into the fall. Another option would be the split the project into two parts, to be completed over two summers, although that option would likely increase the cost since material and labor costs are expected to increase over time.
“Just to make sure there’s still an appetite to move forward with the project is what I need to know tonight,” Rasmussen said. He noted that the board could later make a variety of decisions that could help control the cost, such as painted ceilings or tile ceilings.
Currently, the engineering firm of Denovo, which will serve as the project manager, is creating plans. The board chose to move forward with seeking bids for the project. Decisions on bids, the project timeline and other matters will be made later.
Den Beste provided a report on a good start to the new school year for the elementary and junior high.
The board chose to table a decision regarding plans to install new asphalt on the driveway in hopes of receiving additional bids.
The board settled on four legislative priorities for 2027: infrastructure, educational standards and accountability, school funding and teacher quality.
As part of the consent agenda items, the board approved contract recommendations for Tyler Merical (weight room coach and head softball coach), Morgan Lybbert (student council advisor), Austin Ernst (transportation), Les Elgin (transportation), and DMACC stipend adjustments.
Upcoming dates noted included school pictures on Sept. 22, homecoming (and a two-hour early release) on Oct. 9, and Iowa Association of School Boards convention Nov. 18-20.
The next regular meeting of the board will be a joint meeting with the Guthrie Center School Board on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the junior high (3384 Indigo Ave., Adair). The public is welcome.