Managing editor
Marion County Special Education Cooperative approved the final payment to Regier Construction, Inc. of Newton Monday evening for the renovation of the former nursing home building into administration facilities and classrooms for the special education cooperative.
The payment of $24,531 included 16 items that were added to the project, including the replacement of a main distribution electrical panel.
Architect Kelly McMurphy told the board that a 10 percent overage on projects was common with this amount being well below that mark.
The original contract for the project was $347,832. With the additions, the building renovation cost the district $372,363.
McMurphy added that the condition of the building when the cooperative purchased it caused more work including patching of ceilings and replacing electrical services.
Summer stipend approved
Dwayne Abrahams, the cooperative’s technology coordinator, typically works 20 to 25 days in the summer, performing maintenance and completing projects he is unable to do during the school year. The board approved an additional contract with him for $14,000 to complete the work.
In other business:
- Regina Kimbrel, the cooperative’s school psychologist, thanked board members for their efforts. She reported that employees of the cooperative attended school district meetings last week and presented information about the cooperative.
- The board reviewed the cooperative’s budget. Cooperative Director Chris Cezar said more than one-half of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were drawn this year, which will mean more of a carry-over for next year.
- An initial resolution of intent to non-renew a non-tenured teacher’s contract for Michelle Porter was approved. The resignation of Joe Wuest, a paraprofessional at Hillsboro High School, also was accepted.
- The board met behind closed doors for nearly 20 minutes to discuss negotiations with no action taken in open session.
- A representative of the Center for Innovative School Leadership will present information at the board’s next meeting, May 17.