by Sharon Michaels
WORDEN – In two weeks, we should be pouring concrete, reported Brent Sumner to the Huntley Project school board on Tuesday, March 16. Sumner is the construction manager for Fisher Construction. “The ground is now frost free and we are proceeding with underground plumbing and electrical,” said Sumner.
At the recommendation of Superintendent Wes Coy and after discussing the budget numbers, the board voted not to run a mill levy. “Our general budget authority for next year has increased by about $92,000,” said Coy. “Clerk Rita Huck and I have gone over the budget and we feel we can tighten our belts on other inflationary increases and make it work,” added Coy.
JGA Architects president Terry Sukut reviewed the recently installed efficient lighting system in the elementary school. Board member Larry Peabody had previously questioned the increase in the electrical expense the school is now paying. Because the new lighting system was supposed to save the district 36 percent, Sukut said, “This is not making sense, the kilowatts are up.”
More checking will be done to determine the problem.
“We may have to hire a hydrologist to evaluate the problem with the line that ran under the old school and we need it removed. We do not have a lot of information on it,” said Sukut.
Julie Larson, interior designer for JGA Architects, showed a video of the theme for the new school, which will be “A River Runs Through,” that would be detailed into the flooring design in the commons area. Larson left samples of carpeting and color schemes, siding and flooring for the board to consider and decide on by the next meeting, tentatively set for Tuesday, April 20.
President Mark Fox asked if the board would like to consider having a committee work on the project.
Coy said possibly some of the students would want to be included. “I will be having our seniors take pictures of the step-by-step building of the new school. This way everyone can view it on the internet.”
The general consensus of the board was to have a more detailed version of the color scheme.
Chair of the negotiations committee Mark Jones and board member Tim Moullet have held two meetings with the Huntley Project Education Association and will meet again on Monday, April 12. The committee will offer a proposal for insurance and raises.
Because 27 boys and 10 girls have signed up for golf this year, activity director Jay Santy and golf coach Jay Selman asked the board to consider a stipend for an assistant coach. John Walker, head pro at Pryor Creek Golf Course and a volunteer assistant coach told the board, “Because of the amount of kids participating in the program, we need more supervision, not because of a problem with the kids but because of the number. I think anyone interested should have the right to participate because it builds self-esteem and this is a life-long experience.”
“If you’ve ever seen the look on their face when they hit their first ball, the excitement and joy,” Selman told the board, “you would know it is an esteem builder.”
The board unanimously approved the stipend.
No one has filed for the school board seat except for Fox, the incumbent. The deadline for filing is March 25. The board voted to hold the annual regular school election on Tuesday, May 4.
This will be a mail in ballot with no drop offs at the school. Voters will need to mail the ballots in or deliver them to the Yellowstone County Courthouse by 8 p.m. on election day. If no one else runs for the board, no election will be held.
Coy reported that all evaluations for certified staff will be completed by the next meeting.
They are also working on the calendar for next year. Bids for the rest of the new school are scheduled to be opened on March 25. It will be a little while after that before actual numbers are known and recommendations can be made, Coy said. “We may need to have a special meeting before April 20 to deal with the add alternatives and Fisher’s recommendations for hiring contractors.”
