School board to seek grant to repair flood damage at two sites

The Nevada R-5 School District could soon receive aid to mitigate damage from a recent storm that flooded parts of Truman Elementary and the high school.

During a meeting Wednesday night, Assistant Superintendent Christi Peterson reported on a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant the district for which the district is eligible. The district may receive up to $164,600 in aid.

In a related matter, Peterson suggested the board accept a bid from Hertzberg Furniture for new carpet for Truman, which the board did, but suggested the board reject bids received for the high school gym and weightroom because the bids didn't match the bid request criteria.

"I suggest we don't accept any of the bids," Peterson said. "They aren't apples and oranges, they're not even in the same ballpark."

The board looked at bids to renovate the house the district owns that is being used as the Parents as Teachers facility and accepted one from Erwin Construction for $15,832. The bid includes removing a car port, replacement of siding, soffit, fascia and gutters and construction of a deck and sidewalk.

Denise Nelson, R-5 health services coordinator, presented a program by Blue Cross/Blue Shield called "A Healthier You," which is designed to help people covered under the district's health insurance policy develop healthier lifestyles. Superintendent Craig Noah said the search had been on-going for sometime.

"Mrs. Nelson and I have been searching for a wellness program for our staff for some time, since January I believe, and we believe this program will be a true benefit to our staff," Noah said. "This is something I think the board should encourage."

After the presentation board member Dr. Warren Lovinger had some questions about the program but said he supported the program.

"This will require some tweaking but I certainly think this is something we need to participate in," Lovinger said.

The board also adopted a local compliance plan that federal regulations require. Public agencies that provide for the education of children with disabilities must have policies, procedures and programs consistent with the state policies established under applicable federal regulations and the compliance plan the board adopted accomplishes that.