The South Central School Board has approved moving forward on a $1.8-million project at the Middle School that will connect the main building to the gymnasium.
Superintendent Kerry Herdes says the addition will include a set of bathrooms and a lobby in front of the concession stand. He reports the project will keep students from having to go outside to move to the gym. Herdes says that will be a big advantage during bad weather as well as improving security at the building.
The school board last week hired FGM Architects to complete building plans and Poettker Construction Company of Breese as construction manager.
Herdes says the current funding plan is to use ESSER-3 Federal COVID-19 relief funds for 60-percent of the cost. The rest of the money will come from sales tax revenue or cash reserves or operation and maintenance balances, all of which are currently in place. Herdes says there will be no impact on the district’s tax rate and no bond issue will be required.
The board also passed its annual budget. Herdes says total expenditures are $7.2-million with all funds expected to finish the year in the black with an overall surplus of $439,000. He notes the budget is in the best shape in years, but they will face challenges from rising prices.
South Central High School students will be able to attend classes at OKAW Valley in Vandalia again next year. Herdes says they also plan to continue to send South Central students to Salem Community High School for their nursing program. He also updated the board on continued plans for the RISE program that would allow some classes to be taught via video by teachers in other districts.
The board hired Emily Reynolds, Kendra Peddicord, and Ron Zinser as support staff members. The board approved Laney Webster, Ean Fox, Logan Lotz, and Spencer Johannes as volunteer assistants.
Architectural drawing of South Central Middle School addition.
