JACKSON CENTER — Members of the Jackson Center Board of Education considered several construction-related agreements during a special session, May 21.
They approved an amendment to the architect’s agreement with Freytag and Associates that was initially executed June 25, 2015, concerning the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission (OSFC) project. The contract focuses on the approximate 54,000 square feet of new construction that is the shared responsibility of the OSFC and the district.
In addition, they accepted agreements with Freytag and Associates for the planning and design of the renovation of the 1965 section of the elementary building and 1981 athletic complex and with Peterson construction for services related to the renovation of those sections.
The board also accepted the resignation of teacher’s aide Taylor Nehls.
During its May 15 meeting, the board looked to the future by awarding contracts, accepting donations and discussing building plans.
The board approved a 4 percent increase in wages for staff over the next year and a 3 percent increase for the following year.
The employment of certified, classified and supplemental staff was approved by the board, including two special education teachers and a hearing-impaired interpreter. Jim Conley was noted especially, because he was in attendance. He will lead technology development and integration in the district.
The board’s motion also included the approval of funds for coaches and pupil activity permits to help with the continuance of sports activities.
Five resignations were accepted by the board as well, from both classified and certified staff. They also accepted the resignation of Regina Hunsucker, who has been working in the district for 33 years as an elementary teacher and guidance counselor. She was commended for her service.
Funds were approved for 12 students to participate in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) program’s national competition, which costs $100 per student. The board also approved spending $24,000 for a digital sign, which will be funded through local donations.
Several donations were accepted during the meeting, including a donation of $1000 and a separate donation of $3,750 to help offset the cost of 12 students participation in the Destination Imagination Global Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee, in June. Two donations of $2500 were accepted to assist with the purchase of a new baseball scoreboard from the Jackson Center Pharmacy and Wellness Center and the Lotz Insurance Agency were also approved.
A five year forecast was presented, which shows a continued optimistic outlook. Currently, the school district spends $5,220 on each student, and the state spends $8,840, according to the Ohio School Report Card website.
Principal Jeff Reese spoke on the currently scheduled building projects. He said the flooring installation will make the building limited access for the short term, but that bids for the renovation phase have been received and are mostly within the estimates used so far.
There will be a public auction on Saturday, May 27, at 8:30 a.m. and the items are available to be seen online. The items can also be viewed Friday evening and starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday.
Portions of the 1965 elementary building and the the old junior high gym building will begin to be demolished in early- to mid-June. The village is making plans to update the streets, curbs and lighting which will occur simultaneously.
The next board meeting will be Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
