A decision on whether to move ahead with a $6 million bond issue was tabled Monday at the latest meeting of the Perry School Board, while the superintendent hired a PR firm to promote a positive image of the school district.
Vitus Bering of SVPA Architects presented a series of early schematics and possible prices for the nearly 25,000 square feet that would be added to the eastern side of the senior high to serve as additions to the technology department and for a new wrestling room, locker room and rest rooms.
Two options were presented to the board, which decided to meet at a special session Oct. 15 to continue studying the issue.
The technology addition would amount to 14,786 square feet and the new wrestling addition some 10,141 square feet. Both would have 400-square-foot entrance areas with appropriate signage.
The shop area of the technology addition would have 15-foot ceilings, with all other areas having 10-foot ceilings. The area would include eight automobile stalls and four lifts, with storage areas, an office and locker rooms as part of the new wrestling section. A new restroom near the technology area would be installed where a classroom now stands.
Paving and storm water work would be included in what, as it currently stands, is an 11-month construction schedule. The bond asking sent before the voters would seek permission for the issuing of $6,010,000 and would be brought before the public Dec. 11.
The plan is currently on hold, pending additional considerations at the Oct. 15 meeting, though the board told Bering they were pleased with what they saw at Monday’s gathering.
The board, dipping into the superintendent’s budget for $9,100, agreed tentatively — pending approval of legal counsel — to a marketing and public relations agreement with M and H Broadcasting Inc. of Knoxville, Iowa, owner of the Raccoon Valley Radio.
John McGee, the radio station’s general manager, briefly addressed the board, with Superintendent Clark Wicks adding that he first discussed the idea with McGee Aug. 10. The yearlong contract calls for advertising and a series of interviews and brief spots promoting a positive image of the Perry school system.
Wicks then gave special recognition to the food service and maintenance departments for their efforts during the Sept. 25 water line break at the Perry Elementary School. Wicks noted some 1,500 meals were served despite the sudden difficulties, which set “a great example for our students of how to deal with challenges.”
PACES coordinator Mary Hillman received permission to make several changes to the program’s handbook, which has received little adjustment over the 19 years of the popular program.
Also approved were an Allowable Growth request of $131,337.67 submitted on behalf of the Limited English Proficiency program.
Some personnel matters were approved, as was the purchasing of t-shirts for those teams and individuals who qualify for state meets and tournaments.
The Perry School Board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Brady Library at Perry High School. The public is welcome to attend.
