Estimated timeline for design phase set on new LCC construction
LAUREL — The Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board heard an update about its school facility improvement projects with an estimated design phase schedule at its meeting last week.
On July 13, voters approved a bond issuance for the demolition, renovation, and new construction of school facilities. And the school has wasted no time in getting the process started.
At the meeting, the school board learned CWP Architects completed soil sampling and took measurements and photos on site.
The schematic design work will be ongoing through Sept. 10 with design development lasting until Nov. 5. The development of construction documents is estimated to take place from Nov. 8 to Jan. 28, 2022. The bidding phase may then take place at the end of January or into February.
Monthly updates will be provided to the board on progress.
The Board modified the construction manager at-risk agreement with Hausmann Construction to update the effort schedule and the approximate square foot estimates.
At the meeting, Supt. Jeremy Christiansen also told board members he was working on developing the budget, anticipating receipt of property valuations on Aug. 20.
“At that time, I will be able to more precisely calculate and adjust the various budget funds in relation to a proposed tax-asking levy,’’ he said.
The annual budget workshop will be held in conjunction with a special board meeting set for 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26. At this meeting, the board will pay year-end bills, make fund transfers, conduct business related to bond issuance, and discuss the budget. The final budget hearing and final tax request will be at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13 in Coleridge.
The school district has been allocated an ESSER III federal grant award that must be applied for by Sept. 15.
A minimum of 20 percent must be reserved and allocated to address learning loss attributable to the recent pandemic. Christiansen recommends that the grant resources be used for a continuation of its mental health services and the school’s expanded bus route service. He said the grant application will include the proposal to renovate the varsity locker room to enhance ventilation to reduce risk of spreading disease.
He also proposes that a substantial amount of the federal funds be utilized for the development and maintenance of an after-school program to support students at all ages and levels.
“We are cautioned against using these federal funds for work associated with our upcoming facility improvement project due to the limitations and restrictions associated with contracted employees paid with federal funds that likely will result in escalated costs,’’ Christiansen said.
At its last meeting, the Board also:
- Heard public comment from Kami Asbra of Laurel about the Nebraska Department of Education’s health standards. The health standards – which include some sex and gender topics – have stirred about controversy about the school’s role in sex education. Asbra said that while some of the more charged language has been taken out of the Department’s standards draft that more work still needs to be done. Board member Scott Taylor suggested sending a letter to the Department of Education stating that LCC is not in favor of the updates. Christiansen said some of the updates – especially for mental health – are sorely needed. He said the local board has control over content and can decide which of the final health standards are adopted – if any. The standards do not prescribe specific curricula, textbooks, lessons, teaching techniques, or classroom activities. Board President Carol Erwin said the curriculum committee oversees what is taught.
- Welcomed new certified staff: Sarah Beckwith, High School English; Shasta Hans, K-12 Art; and Erica Mogensen, K-12 Speech Language Pathologist; and classified staff: Alyssa Arens, Diana Badley, Corrine Reifenrath and Meaghan Vollers as paraprofessionals; Joe Ellis as custodian; Megan Granquist as the administrative assistant to the superintendent; James Roberts as school bus driver; and Raina Sherman as kitchen assistant. “Each of these individuals brings unique talents, background and perspective that will surely enhance our commitment to students and families,’’ Christiansen said.
- Heard about Midtown Health’s mobile dental unit which will be providing dental services at the school in the Fall. - Discussed the school’s distance learning which will include
- Discussed the school’s distance learning which will include Wynot. Dual-credit classes will be offered in partnership with Northeast Community College.
- Recognized the custodial crew for their work over the summer.
- Discussed high school Fall sports numbers which include 32 for football; 26 for volleyball and 11 for cross country.
- Heard an update on summer school completion and the one-on-one tutoring that was made available.
- Discussed returning to school without the requirement to wear masks. Christensen said students and staff are asked to selfmonitor. Families were sent a memo addressing voluntary masks, quarantine, and symptoms of illness.
- Reviewed and approved school handbooks.
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