Wamego’s USD 320 Board of Education heard proposals and bid openings at Monday’s meeting. Board President Richard Weixelman opened the meeting with presentations from three different companies for the school security cameras. The presentations were from Topeka based Alexander Open Systems, Manhattan based Redi-Systems, Inc. and Wamego Telecommunications Company. The board will study the proposals and make a decision at the April meeting.
In other business, Director of Operations Larry Hannan went over the four bids received for roof repairs needed on the different school properties. Hannan said he broke the bids down into four options with four vendors bidding. The bidders were J.B . Turner & Sons, Danker Roofing, Diamond Roofing and Midwest Coating. Both Turner and Danker bid on only two options and Diamond bid on 3. The only bidder that bid all four options was Midwest Coating. Because option #2 was for the roof replacement on the former church rectory, the board will set aside that work until after the cost estimates come back from BBN Contractors. The Board voted to give Diamond Roofing Option 1 and Midwest Coating Option 4.
Also at Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Denise O’Dea reminded the board of their decision to move forward on performance bond financing at the last meeting. She contacted the Bond Council who sent a Request for Proposal to the four area banks. Two banks submitted bids, Bennington State Bank submitted a bid for 15-year, fixed rate financing for 3.95 percent, and Landmark Bank came back with a 15-year, fixed rate at 3.44 percent. A motion was made to accept the bid from Landmark Bank and carried by a vote of 7 to 0.
In other business, Board Vice President Rob Adams and Dave Karnowski presented the letter from the District to the Archbishop to postpone the demolition of the Church building for one year. Adams said the Bishop had no problem with the delay, and backed up the decision to the board with a letter and an amended contract for the postponement. A motion was made to extend the contract for one year that carried by a vote of 4 to 3, with Board members Mark Bettencourt, Richard Weixelman and Amy Schwein opposed.
And Superintendent O’Dea introduced Social Science teacher Ron Cook, who presented the new course proposal for World History and Geography for Freshman. Cook said the course will be designed and taught to provide students with an overview of the history of human society from early civilization to the modern era. He said this course will meet the state mandated testing standards and make the course offering more useful to the students. Approval was given by a vote of 7 to 0.
In other business, the Board voted to change the school policy, after the first reading, regarding Family Night after a request from teacher Jennifer Topliff to hold a Sunday matinee for the Spring and Fall theatre performances. The existing policy prohibited both Wednesday night and Sunday activities without permission from the superintendent. The wording changed the policy exempting the Sunday matinees from written permission. Approval was given by a vote of 7 to 0.
Also, the Board recognized five members of the High School Wrestling team for qualifying for State. Coach Jeremy Gilkerson introduced the four in attendance, Dylan Bloom (his 2nd time), Reese Warren (1st time qualifier as a Sophmore), Dalton Carley (a Senior) and Kasey Feyh (his 2nd time). Wrestler Alec Pierson was not in attendance. Gilkerson said Wamego’s wrestlers had a good year.
