Staff writer
Goessel Board of Education received an update on construction projects in USD 411 at Monday’s meeting.
“We’re making progress on multiple fronts every day,” Superintendent John Fast said. “But with these things, it’s never as fast as we would like it to be.”
In the new addition — the west annex — the new art room is complete and teaching materials are in the process of being moved in.
Painting in the weight room started this week and should take about two weeks to complete because of the all rafters in the room, Fast said. The new flooring for the room will be shipped next week.
Masons are installing bricks in the storage area near the gym, he said.
Almost all the duct, electrical, conduit, and mechanical work are complete in what will be the new Family and Consumer Sciences room. Once finished workers will do the same thing in what will be the new science lab and classroom.
At the office area in the high school, new carpet, insulation, cabinets, counters, and windows have been installed. However, crews are waiting on the entryway handrails, and “store-front” steel and glass doors have yet to arrive.
At the elementary, all the steel decking on the roof and entryway to the storm shelter are installed, Fast said. Crews should begin pouring cement over the top today.
Enrollment
During a report about enrollment, Fast noted the districts’ overall headcount had increased from 254 in 2009 to 287 this year.
He said that the increase might be attributed to families who move out of Newton looking for property in a smaller community with a smaller school.
“Geographically it’s not far for people who commute to Newton or Wichita,” Fast said. “Their kids have the opportunity to participate in more sports, fine arts, and activities than in bigger schools.”
In other business:
- Board members approved a raise in substitute teacher pay from $80 to $87.50 per day.