School board pledges $50,000 to second gym

The NR-S school board entertained a request to commit $50,000 to the second gym project during their meeting on Tuesday, May 11.

The request comes after an increase in activities on the second gym project. Superintendent Jill Louters has been actively involved with the committee assigned to the project. “They are excited but very conscious of the pandemic situation,” she said.

The fundraising committee, which consists of David Holzwarth, Mike Schaefer, Mike Jacobson, David (Tubby) Bymoen and Reed Weisenburger, has been tasked with spearheading efforts to raise the dollars needed to get the project off the ground.

Weisenburger offered the Transcript a brief summary of how things have gone to date. ‘This COVID-19 situation has definitely slowed up our progress. Our committee just met last week to get the ball rolling again. Beginning talks with architects is on our near future plan of action, but our number one concern has been working to get our major fundraising campaign on its feet,” Weisenburger said Tuesday.

The funding request came from the building committee, who suggested the board pledge $50,000 toward the project by utilizing part of the building fund’s balance, which currently totals $406,000.

The board agreed to the pledge, bringing the total fundraising amount for the second gym to $135,000.

It is a good start for a project that still has so many unknowns. Weisenburger also spoke to the difficulty that comes in finding an accurate cost-estimate, “We had done a lot of homework... pricing for things like bleachers, flooring, material costs long ago. But until you get into the nuts and bolts of architectural costs, electrical, HVAC, etc. it is really hard to put a solid number to the project.” He added that the project is expected to be more than the initial estimate of $500,000.

In the board’s discussion on the topic, Patti Larson cited concerns as to the potential location of the second gym, specifically the impact the footprint will have on the existing property, especially the playground equipment. These concerns led her to submit a dissenting vote on the matter.

Committee member Holzwarth replied that an estimated 94% of this project will come from private individuals or corporate sponsors. Therefore, the school won’t incur the cost of relocating or reinstalling equipment. Those costs will be built into the project costs.

Be on the lookout for more buzz about the second gym. The committee is currently working to develop informational pamphlets as well as finalize a letter to alumni and potential sponsors.

The goal, as currently expected, is to break ground next summer.

The second gym isn’t the only thing on the docket for the building committee. The Doll family has approached the school district, as they are looking to sell property south of the school. The Doll property, as it has become known, is located adjacent to current school property and is not yet advertised. The board discussed potential uses as well as hesitancy to demolish, and ultimately motioned to give Superintendent Jill Louters negotiating powers. In the discussion, Patti Larson voiced her opinion, citing that the property would better serve the community as affordable housing for a family. She voted against the motion.

A bid from Tecta America Dakotas of Devils Lake to update the roofing over a portion of the elementary wing came in at $74,000. The school has since received a referral from the city for another vendor who will assess the whole roof. Reviewing the written bid will require a special meeting of the school board.

The building committee identified several areas where flooring upgrades are needed this summer, including the portable classroom and three interior classrooms, which will all be done in the carpet. In addition, the 5,300 square foot main hallway is slated to be tiled. Halvorson Flooring will provide the material for $45,103.

One final facility-related item to note: the fuel tank that the school relies on for a secondary heat source will be replaced. Two local bids came in for the project. The board accepted Mark Rue’s bid of $2,800.

In other business:

• Business manager Janet Heskin received her evaluation from the board. She scored satisfactorily with 547 out of 624 points.

• NR-S is hiring an elementary/middle school teacher. John Christian, who taught at Bowbells and has five years of teaching experience, will teach social studies.