North Callaway R-I Schools are taking the first official steps to move forward with projects from the $6 million bond issue passed by district patrons in November.
Superintendent Bryan Thomsen gave an update on bond issue projects during Thursday night's school board meeting, noting that Requests For Proposals (RFP) will be going out on a number of those projects next week:
•Acquire land for current and future expansion: Thomsen said the district is currently having a survey done of property adjacent to the district. Once the survey is completed, the district will get a legal description of the property "and we'll move forward with the purchase."
•Greenhouse: Thomsen said he has had meetings with companies that specialize in the design and construction of greenhouses. He said they are developing an RFP to go out next week with the goal of having bids ready for review at the board's Feb. 19 meeting.
•Track equipment: Thomsen said he and track coach have been reviewing a list of items needed to host a state meet and a list of other equipment. The board approved a $30,485 purchase order for the state meet equipment, including a high jump pit and standards, a pole vault pit and standards, collegiate starting blocks and hurdles.
•All-weather track at the high school: Thomsen said the district is preparing to send out RFPs with plans to review bids for construction in February.
•Technology: Thomsen said the district is working on RFPs for infrastructure and equipment. He said the district is also hoping to qualify for the Federal Communications Commission's E-rate program, through which the district could get as much as $150,000 to help offset the cost of technology upgrades.
•Asbestos removal at Auxvasse Elementary and the high school: Thomsen said the district is preparing to send out RFPs for both projects with a goal to approve bids at the February meeting. Because of the scope of the projects, he said it is likely asbestos removal will be done at one building during summer 2015 and the other in summer of 2016.
In other business, the board approved a bid from Opaa! for food services. Opaa! - the district's current food services provider - was the only company to submit a bid. District business manager Kellie O'Donley said the $443,000 bid represents a 6-percent increase over the district's last contract with the food service company.
O'Donley said she calculated it would cost the district an estimated $527,000 to take over its own food services. She recommended the district continue with Opaa!
O'Donley also pointed out that the district did not increase lunch prices last year. Based on guidelines with the National School Lunch Program, she suggested a 5-cent increase across the board for breakfast and lunch rates. The board approved the recommendation.