USD 383 Board of Education

June 5, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:
The work session focused on the results of the facility study that had been done on MHS East Campus by Gould Evans Associates.  The building's current conditions were evaluated, and needs were prioritized.  Priority One items included roof repairs, drainage and waterproofing improvements, asbestos removal from the steam tunnels, and signage for Houston Street.  The exterior stone walls are in good condition, although there is no insulation, and the roof is in good condition.  Other concerns included the main office not being very handicapped accessible, the elevator will need to be replaced in five years, and the chiller will need to be replaced.

Regular meeting:
The board continued its discussion of MHS East Campus begun in the work session.  Pete Paukstelis asked about the $10 million price tag for the improvements and wondered if it would be better to spend $20 million and do a higher quality renovation, along the lines of what was done at MHS West Campus, and possibly create a second high school.  Adam Sterns with Gould Evans said that $20 million was probably a good guess and that the building has the potential to function better, but there are other factors the board will have to consider, such as how the district foresees using the building over the next 20 years.  Dave Colburn suggested that the board have a visioning session to discuss the future for East Campus and also to discuss other district needs, such as additional gyms for the middle schools, a new elementary, and other needs not covered by the bond projects.  Colburn thought East Campus might be a better site for a smaller second high school than to purchase land and construct a second high school out in a cornfield.  For the near future, the facility study provided the board with information about needs that will need immediate attention.

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented a report on district salaries and wages.  USD 383 ranked 66th out of 286 districts.  Salaries and benefits were similar to Lawrence and Auburn-Washburn, whose districts are comparable to USD 383.