During the Sept. 21 meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education, Chris Salzmann from Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC, discussed some of the finances involved with the construction of the recently completed Tin Gym expansion.
Salzmann said that in April of 2021, ESP presented the board with a scope of work and “fixed price” for the Tin Gym renovations. Within a month, Salzmann said that the board gave ESP the go-ahead to begin a final design and pricing of the project.
“After we got final design, we were able to hold that price, the budget that we established for you when you approved us to start on final design,” said Salzmann. “A year later, we started construction on that project after final design approval. Again, we held our original budget and our original scope of work, and went to construction about a year ago. We're just finishing that project up. There's some work to be done. Our costs in that project have gone up, and I share that information with you as part of the accounting Dr. Reed [Superintendent] asked for. At the same time, we're prepared; because of remaining contingency, you'll be getting a check back for a reduction in your contract account of about $16,000.”
Salzmann said he was proud of the fact that ESP was able to deliver on their promised price and scope of work without any change orders, citing tumultuous economic conditions that make long-term projects difficult. Salzmann said that there were some issues faced during the construction, some of which have yet to be remedied, but that the company would not leave the school to deal with the issues by themselves.
“We will work and stick with the school district until every one of the issues that is still outstanding is completed to your satisfaction,” said Salzmann.
Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed and Salzmann discussed how energy savings that were guaranteed in the contract would be evaluated. Salzmann replied that there are several methods that could be used to calculate the savings.
Board member Dru Howard asked if there was a difference between the contracted amount and the final cost. Reed replied that the district had paid out for the project exactly what the contract said, $1.8 million, which she said included contingency.
Salzmann concluded, saying that the company had made a commitment to the district that there would be no change orders, and had absorbed some of the rising costs over the course of the project. There were change orders made by the sub-contractors, he said, but none were given to the district on behalf of ESP. Salzmann said that ESP had absorbed $80,000 in additional costs that were not passed on to the district.
Also during the meeting, construction Trades teacher AJ Tinker spoke to the board about the Construction Trades program. The district recently broke ground on a new building to house the program.
“As of this year we've got 42 students in the program,” said Tinker. “We've got eight seniors and nine juniors this year. Out of those eight, I've got six that are really communicating that they want further into the trade.”
Tinker said the program was working on several projects around town—Finishing the Fleming building, beginning work on the Dent County Veterinary Clinic, and working on a roof for Dent County Feed. He also said that students would be building weightlifting platforms for the tin gym.
During her superintendent’s report, Dr. Reed said that a YOP audit was coming soon, before asking Howard about board engagement. Howard discussed forming a committee to improve board relations with admin, staff, and parents.
“My opinion is we should be in every PD day, not everybody, but every PD day somewhere, somehow. Parent teacher conferences,” said Howard.
Dr. Nathan Wills gave the board a presentation on MAP testing results. Unfortunately, the data is still embargoed, so none can be published at this time. Dr. Wills said the full data would likely be released sometime in December.
During administration reports, Herman Blau, principal, reported for William Lynch Elementary. He said that the state had requested that the district make reading success plans for students who are “substantially delayed in their reading”.
“I’m excited to say, William Lynch, we only had seven kids altogether that needed a plan,” said Blau.
Upper Elementary Principal Branden Piatt reported the mum fundraiser had concluded, having sold over 1,400 mums.
Rachel Green, middle school principal, said that she was excited about the middle school’s teachers, and the relationship between special education teachers and regular education teachers.
“There's a big disconnect in our building between those two departments. They recognize it, they own it and they're working on it. I'm just really happy to report that that we are making progress to really join forces and better serve our middle school special education department kiddos,” she said.
High school principal Jody Heavin, and Lacie Kolbe, assistant principal, reported for the high school. They highlighted this year’s inclusion of a college advisor, and new clubs being formed, such as a wellness club, an economics club, and a drama club.
At the end of the meeting, the board moved into a closed executive session to discuss personnel, student issues, and real estate.
Also during the meeting, the board approved:
• Bus routes by a 7-0 vote, with the same routes as last year.
• A contract with Oppa! Food Management Inc. for after-school meals for kids. The contract approval passed by a 7-0 vote.
• The final CSIP (Continuous School Improvement Plan) by a 7-0 vote.
• MSBA policies by a 7-0 vote.
• An overnight trip for FFA kids to attend the National FFA Convention. The trip was approved by a 7-0 vote.
• A Community Engagement Plan by a 7-0 vote.
• Adding Kristi Steelman, Sarah Sanders, Jody Heavin, and Dr. Wills to the scholarship bank account by a 6-0-1 vote with Board Member Chris Heavin abstaining.
