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Salem Grade School Board gets updates on summer renovation projects

By WJBD Staff Jun 18, 2021 | 8:45 AM
Retiring bookkeeper and Salem Grade School Board Secretary honored on her retirement at Thursday night's meeting. Photo by Tyler Perkins.

The Salem Grade School Board received an update Thursday night on major construction projects underway.

Brad Graves of Omni Energy Partners says the reconstruction and enlargement of Hawthorn’s new parking lot will start on June 28th . Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says they are coming along nicely with the installation of the new HVAC units and other building improvements at Franklin Park.

The board Thursday night also approved upgrading the “Simplex” fire alarm systems.

“It was time and it absolutely had to be replaced.  We are recommending Simplex because of the monetary amount and we’ve worked with them before as well.  So we are going to update that system which is much needed for the safety of our kids.”

The Simplex fire alarms will feature the ability to locate exactly where the fire is and where it’s located in the building.

Foppe also thanked Bookkeeper and Board Secretary Connie Graham on her retirement after 41 years of being with the school.

“I just want to take a moment to thank her for her dedication.  Unfortunately sometimes when people retire they lose momentum at the end.   But she’s gone out with total class.  We just want to thank you on behalf of the Board and District for everything you’ve done.”

The board hired Tonya Prosise and Erika Owens as Full-Time Kitchen Staff, Lori Pokojski as part-time kitchen staff and Anne Tucker as part-time transitional kindergarten teacher.