USD 383 Board of Education

August 5, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

At its last meeting, the board had approved allowing the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMR), who will be in charge of the projects at the high school, to self-perform work.  As a result, Universal Construction Company, the district's program manager, submitted a request to the board to be allowed to apply for the CMR position.  Universal's contract does not allow for the firm to self-perform any work, but Universal thought the board's position may have changed.  Administration recommended that the board not make changes to the contract with Universal in order to allow the firm to self-perform.  Board members were split, with some board members concerned about changing the contract and how doing so would affect public perception, and others thinking that Universal should be allowed to apply because the firm has done great work for the district.  The board decided to hold a special meeting on Aug. 12 to further discuss the issue and to allow for time to consult the district's construction attorney.

The board was presented with design development documents for Ogden and Amanda Arnold Elementary Schools.  New construction at Ogden included exterior doors for every classroom (intended for egress, such as in the event of a fire), and board members were concerned about adding additional exterior doors when the board is trying to improve security and reduce the ways that the public can access a school.  The board approved 5-2 the preliminary design for Ogden, with the condition that the additional exterior doors would be an "alternate plan" until the board discussed it further.  Walt Pesaresi and Doug Messer voted "no."  The board approved 7-0 the plans for Amanda Arnold.  

The board approved 7-0 to publish the budget, using 5.5 mills as the levy for capital outlay, and to hold a public hearing on Aug. 19.

The board approved 7-0 to continue the elementary enrichment program for grades K-3.  The program uses additional enrichment teachers to focus on a specific content area, which then in turn allows the regular classroom teacher to be out of the classroom and to have a larger block of planning time.