School addition project to commence in early March

By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Goessel school board approved a lengthy list of contractors recommended by Seth Martin of Loyd Builders, Inc. on Monday that will allow work to begin on the school addition in early March.

“There is no exact date set yet,” Superintendent John Fast said. “But work will begin on the west annex and storm shelter within the first two weeks of March.”

Vogts-Parga, a construction company out of Newton, will start the project with dirt and concrete work.

Martin also shared the project timeline with the board, Fast said. Currently the crews are scheduled to finish the high school addition in the summer as well as perform work on the weight room, art room, boys’ bathroom and front entryway.

During the summer, crews will also install energy-efficient windows, and do brickwork at the high school, as well as repair a vestibule at the elementary school.

“There is slight possibility that with good weather, work could be done by the beginning of the school year next year,” Fast said. “That possibility sounds really attractive.”

Fast also spoke to the board about the related possibility of a “construction friendly calendar” for next year, in which USD 411’s school year would start on Aug. 28, one week later than the district’s current schedule.

In other business

• The board approved a junior high trip to Worlds of Fun after hearing a presentation from student council and Chad Lindeman. The trip functions as an incentive for students, Fast said, because to go on it students must have no major behavior issues and have good grades. Students attending will have to provide a small amount of money. However, student council will raise the majority of trip funds.
• Board members also approved a change of date for eighth grade graduation to be May 14. Fast said the scheduling change was because of a conflicting track meet.
• Principal Scott Boden also spoke to the board about progress on the pursuit of a cheerleading program that could begin next year. Fast said that the board will think about it for next year because there are a number of parents and about a dozen students interested in the program, as well as a sponsor willing to help and a potential coach.
• Fast also informed board members that the upcoming K-5 music program set for Feb. 20 will have two performances, one at 10 a.m. and the other at 7 p.m.