By CHET BAUMGARTNER
After sharing some “good numbers,” Tuesday, Superintendent Mike Springer and members of the Norwell Community School Board further discussed the proposed athletics-related construction projects.
Springer said companies have submitted 28 bids to build baseball and football buildings, and none of them exceeded the estimated costs district officials calculated when they approved a $6.105 million construction and renovation package. Because of this, Springer said, this first phase of construction work won’t disrupt any other potential construction projects under the bond.
The board did not take any action during their discussion. Instead, Springer said, Wiegand Construction of Fort Wayne will “scope scrub” the lowest bids, or vet them to assure they meet all the project requirements and to look for any cost savings.
Based off this review, Springer will then ask board members to approve a “Guaranteed Maximum Price” to contract with Wiegand to coordinate the construction. That price, he said, will cover the entire project, and Wiegand will cover any extra costs.
Furthermore, the district will not increase the tax rate to fund these projects, Springer said, as the district is set to pay off other debts.
After Springer updated the board about the bids, he again reiterated the need for these buildings, specifically citing the limited amount of restrooms and handicap accessibility.
“Something needs to be done,” he said. “This isn’t a frivolous thing.”
During Tuesday’s discussion, board member Corey Krug asked if the district could use its construction trade students to work on some less-complicated aspects of the baseball and football buildings and save the district money. In response, Director of Maintenance Adam Heckber said he would review the projects, but he didn’t necessarily think the district would save a significant amount.
None of the eight members of the public who attended Tuesday’s meeting vocally opposed the project after President Angie Topp asked for comments.
After the meeting, Steve Garza wrote on the district’s Facebook Video page that “the Ossian (renovations) should be above the sports issue.”
In other business, board members Topp, Chad Kline, Gene Donaghy, Krug and Traci Neuenschwander:
• Discussed the proposed 2024 fiscal year budget.
• Approved two procedural resolutions that will enable district officials to purchase the bonds to fund the construction projects.
• Accepted the retirement of Cindy Schlichter, a Lancaster Central Elementary latchkey supervisor.
• Terminated the temporary contract of Lancaster special education teacher Nicole Burns. Board members later approved hiring Jennifer Osborn for a permanent position.
• Also approved hiring Elyssa Chubb, Lancaster teaching assistant; Allyson Schwartz, Lancaster STEAM activity sponsor; Andrea Johnson, Lancaster Robotics Club sponsor; Kelleigh Hart, Lancaster Student Council sponsor; Kasey Harris, Lancaster Student Council sponsor; Shelbie Reuille, Lancaster food service staff; Jordan Rundquist, Lancaster food service staff; Nacayla Price, Ossian Elementary School food service staff; Jeffery Smith, Lancaster STEAM activity sponsor; Kandance Tom-Dunwiddie, Norwell High School math teacher; Judi Sonnigsen, bus driver; Rosemary Jones, Ossian teaching assistant; and Janice Snyder, Lancaster teaching assistant.
• Accepted donations of $100 from the Six Mile Church for student assistance, $60 from the class of 1963 for the band and choir, $8,050 from multiple sponsors for Norwell High School Cheer, $2,000 from Lancaster United Methodist Church for student needs.
• Accepted multiple donations for the Norwell Middle School Robotics Club: $200, Adams Wells Internet Telecom TV; $250, MH Equipment; $200, Welches All Vehicle Repair; $500, Roembke MFG & Design; $200, Almco Steel Products Corp.
• Learned of two out-of-state trips.
Board members will meet again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Norwell High School, 1100 E. U.S. 224, Ossian.
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