Auditorium location changed
Marion-Florence USD 408 stands to save in excess of $50,000 in construction costs for the new district auditorium by changing its location, according to information presented by superintendent Lee Leiker Monday at the regular meeting of the board of education.
The possibility of moving the building from the proposed location between the Hill Building and the water tower to the open area on the north side of Marion High School Gymnasium was proposed in a Feb. 6 special board meeting.
Greg Tice, project architect with Spangenberg Phillips, and Jim Costello and Chris Meeker, Hutton Construction, told the board moving the auditorium to the new location would eliminate the need for extensive dirt work and stabilization measures, resulting in significant savings.
The board voted 5-2 to approve the move of the building between Marion Middle School and the gymnasium if it results in a net savings of $50,000 or more. Lyle Leppke and Keith Collett cast the dissenting votes.
At Monday's meeting, Leiker reported to the board on follow-up conversations he has had with Costello.
"I talked with Jim Costello a few times, and it appears there will be significant savings by moving the auditorium, more than meets the $50,000 minimum," said Leiker.
The board refined their desires regarding the exact location of the building, indicating it should be placed as close to the gymnasium as possible, to allow for driveway and sidewalk construction in front of the middle school.
Leiker shared with the board comments made by the state architect in his official response to the plans for the auditorium.
"You have prepared an exceptionally pleasant design that will be the envy of districts across the state," read Leiker from the letter. "This indicates a commitment to the performing arts that is seldom seen.
"Congratulations to you and the district. I'll look forward to sitting in the audience in the next few years," the letter concluded.
The board also agreed to a suggestion to change the direction of the swimming pool for the new gymnasium/aquatic center. The switch preserves the size of the pool and the square footage of the facility, but will make extra space available for parking.
The board considered a request from Margo Yates, Marion REC director, for district assistance in transporting students who participate in the summer swimming program.
Construction of the new gymnasium/aquatic center on the site of the current Marion Municipal Pool will force the summer swim program to relocate for the upcoming summer, possibly to Florence, according to Yates.
Leiker suggested USD 408 could provide a bus and fuel, while the REC program would be responsible for a driver, resulting in approximately a 50-50 split in costs.
Board member Sarah Cope pointed out the school did not provide paid transportation for Florence students to participate in the Marion REC swim program last year, and predicted approving transportation for Marion students would be viewed negatively by Florence patrons.
"I heard large complaints last year from parents in Florence," Cope said. "I totally support the program, but there will be an outcry, there will be grumblings."
The board deferred action on the request, directing Leiker to obtain more information about specific details of the alternative program that can be considered at a future meeting.
Leiker indicated to the board he had received two recent calls from companies interested in obtaining the rights to the district's Federal Communications Commission license for educational broadband services. The unused license expired in 2004.
"It's not something we'll ever use," Leiker explained. "They'll probably use it to provide wireless Internet for rural areas. That's where this is of value to them."
"Herington, Peabody and Hillsboro have all been contacted," Leiker added. "They're trying to get connections across Marion County."
The board directed Leiker to investigate options for licensing and marketing the broadband license as he sees fit.
The topic of passes for home activities raised at the January meeting was revisited by the board.
Cope expressed the belief the topic merited further consideration.
"I don't know that it was thought through well enough," she said. "It kind of left a sour taste in my mouth, because where do you draw the line?"
"I see parents come to games who have managers sitting on the bench, who are just there for their kids," added board member Kathy Meierhoff.
"It was something I thought about, too," said board member Lyle Leppke. "I don't know that I have any other answers, but we are at the end of the seasons we charge for this year."
The board arrived at a general consensus to develop a more thorough response to the issue of home admissions, and to do so in a timely fashion that allows adequate time to promote and implement the policy for the 2007-08 academic year.
In other action, the board:
— approved a one-year contract extension for superintendent Lee Leiker.
— approved the extension of a contract to Rod Garman, Minneola, for Marion Elementary School principal for 2007-08.
— approved an early resignation incentive for staff.
— approved a special meeting in Florence at 5:30 p.m. Monday, for the purpose of meeting jointly with member districts of Marion County Special Education Cooperative.
— received a report from JoAnn Good regarding professional development plans for district personnel.
