NEVC board reviews bids for gym floor

Special to the Daily Mail

The Northeast Vernon County School Board reviewed proposals to repair the high school gym floor, hire a grant writer, and sell surplus property. It also heard an update on the senior class trip, and in executive session, conducted a performance review of both principals.

Superintendent Charles Naas and Joel Duffey, coach of the boys' and girls' basketball teams, laid out the bids received to date for work on the high school gym floor.

"I put out a request for proposals to nine companies but so far, only three have made a bid," Naas said

Work would include repair of the south end of the court, sanding, application of two coats of polyurethane, painting basketball lanes and adding the school's name and logo.

Board member David Bruce asked about applying an acrylic decal versus painting. Duffey explained, "While each company rep had a different reason, all advised against it. A decal would come loose because the floor will flex."

The superintendent noted, "Depending on the humidity, this will take about two weeks. I hope to get it done this summer."

Noting that the proposals ranged from $14,650 to $19,775, he received board permission to place ads and seek further bids.

Board member Gina Ensor spoke to the board about increasing district revenue by hiring a grant-writer. "I'd really like us to be proactive about seeking grants as a way to fund some of our needs, and we've got a long list of those," said Ensor.

Board member Robert Fox asked, "Don't they take a percentage of the grant?" "No," said Ensor, "the reputable ones don't do that; they have a set fee."

Board member Jeanne Hoagland asked, "Do you have a person in mind?"

"What about a teacher doing this on the side?" Naas asked.

Ensor stated, "It could take 60-80 hours to write one. You really want a pro."

Board members wanted to know about the job description, salary costs and what if they ended up with money spent and no grants. Ensor affirmed the concerns and added, "Maybe we could set the parameters in a special work session."

Board member Robert Fox added, "I think it's something we should explore."

Board approval was given for selling as surplus property a number of older televisions. "We have eight or nine of the big box TVs," noted the superintendent, "and thought we would hold a drawing or sell them at upcoming events."

Elementary Principal Kendall Ogburn told the board about upcoming sessions at the Osage Prairie YMCA to teach water safety for all second-grade students, the science fair and MAP testing.

"This year we have 22 students playing in pee-wee basketball and I can tell you that all our teams are full and full of enthusiasm!"

High School Principal Chris Hudson reviewed the recent success of FCCLA and FBLA teams and those eligible for competition at the state level.

"This year, our school will be hosting the Math Relays. We'll have about 150 students in grades seven-12 for the day. Math is not just for those going into science; all of us use it every day," she said.

Naas described significant decreases in costs related to propane, diesel, insurance and electricity and then spoke of next year's state aid.

"Half our budget comes from state aid but we have to remember that it's just like our local taxes; it comes from the pockets of every one of us and we've got to spend it carefully and get the most we can from each dollar."