The Salem Grade School Board may be able to complete even more building improvements than originally thought.
The school board Thursday night reviewed possible improvements to be added to the main project of replacing the heating and air conditioning system at Franklin Park that led to mold issues last fall.
The board set a special meeting for next Thursday night to award a contract to Omni Energy to oversee the project so major portions of the project were on track to be completed this summer.
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says an actual selection of projects is still down the road.
“We didn’t know with numbers, but now that they are coming in lower we are going to be able to do more projects so that’s exciting. With our exterior doors, and the rusting, the windows and the foundation, and we all know the HVAC problem so with the numbers coming in lower we are going to be able to do a little more work.”
In addition to lower bids, the district might be in line for an additional $1.6-million in federal funding for air system improvements as part of COVID-19 relief. The project will also be paid for through alternative revenue bonds financed by money collected from the one-cent sales tax for schools and through life-safety funds.
Among the projects on the table are the foundation, drainage, sidewalk, and parking lot improvements at both schools as well as replacement of all ductwork, most ceilings, and the roof at Franklin Park. Replacement of much of the flooring at Franklin Park would be completed in the summer of 2022. A system to purify the air is also being recommended as part of the Franklin Park project.
Franklin Park Principal Tyler Lux said they were looking at May 27th at seven pm for eighth-grade graduation. How graduation will look will depend on COVID-19 restrictions at the time. Lux reported the annual canned food drive for the Salem Ministerial Alliance is underway through March 8th. Because of COVID-19, monetary donations are being accepted instead of canned goods.
The board approved an increase in substitute pay from $80 to $90 a day. Foppe hopes the increase will help attract more subs.
The board acted on a number of personnel issues.
- Franklin Park Assistant Principal Alex Koebele resigned from that position and will be allowed to return to a teaching position for which he is qualified.
- Beth Ann Parker and Ann Tucker were hired as para-professionals.
- SCHS Golf Coach Jason Harris was named to coach the Franklin Park Golf Team.
- Three faculty members submitted their letters of intent to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. They are Cheryl Vieira, Melanie Becker, and Michael Klostermann.
