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Chester BOE approves environmental program

Posted October 20, 2016 11:00 pm

By Pete Spitler Editor@heraldtrib.com

The Chester District 139 Board of Education has taken the next step in ensuring environmental quality at Chester Grade School.

The board approved a preventative maintenance program with Environmental Consultants during its meeting Thursday. The program will cost the district $4,600 for the first year and $3,000 thereafter.

The contract includes two inspections per year and the board approved a $1,700 fee for lead testing of its water supply.

District superintendent Rick Goodman said Environmental Consultants conducted tests on October 5 and 6 and no major problems were identified, but air conditioning/heating unit ventilation would need to be addressed.

"They still see an issue with blocking the air returns," Goodman said, noting that staff members will need to be aware to keep those clear of obstructions. "Some units still need some TLC."

Goodman later added that he hoped to expand the program to Chester High School.

"Right now, we don't know of an issue at the high school," he said.

Officials with Environmental Consultants plan to return soon to meet with staff to talk about the recommendations.

"It's a team effort," Goodman said. "We all need to do our part."

Board Member Dan Colvis suggested Environmental Consultants conduct a test during a time of year with high humidity, such as August.

"Anybody who needs a dehumidifier, we will furnish them a dehumidifier," Goodman said.

In other news, the board approved an increase in substitute teacher pay to $80 per day, effective immediately.

It previously had been $70, which was said to be among the lower rates in the county.

"We at least need to be somewhat more competitive than $70 per day," Goodman said.

In his superintendent's report, Goodman brought up the possibility of banners to honor teams and individuals who have made significant accomplishments.

Goodman also volunteered to chair the committee, reportedly called the "Athletic Record Board," which would include community members and extend to all sports. Colvis suggested KSGM 980's Brian Snider as someone to contact.

Board Vice President Tom Welge advised Goodman to seek more information on the banners and report back to the board.

Goodman later added that plans are in progress to replace the padding in Colbert Gymnasium.

"It's supposed to have been done, the way Mike talked," he said, referring to CHS Athletic Director Mike Coffey. "And it didn't get done."

Goodman also said that Geissler Roofing, which caused a tar spill several months ago when it worked on the roofs at CGS, would return to the school on Oct. 28 to clean up the mess.

The district had been holding on to the final $20,000 payment for the job until the situation was fixed.

"They will finally get their $20,000 once they fix the mess they made," Goodman said.

ROUNDUP

• The Focused Monitoring Corrective Action Plan was accepted by the Board of Education. Goodman noted that this pertains to special education.

• The board approved a change order from Fager McGee Construction in the amount of $26,623 for the science rooms renovation at Chester High School. It was noted that the rooms are ready to be used, but there were several punch list items that needed to be done.

• The request of Chester Sports Inc. to establish a scholarship program for one senior baseball player and one senior softball player was approved by the Board. The scholarship would be $500 for each player.

• The Board approved the Reciprocal Reporting Agreement for the 2016-17 school year between the Chester School District, Chester Police Department, Randolph County Sheriff's Department and the Randolph County state's attorney.

• The request of St. John's Lutheran School for use of Juergens Gym on Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a basketball shoot was approved.

• The Board approved the request of Chester Volleyball Club the use of Colbert Gym on Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. November 6, 2016 through April 30, 2017.

• The Board approved the request of SILVA Volleyball Club the use of the grade school gymnasium on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. November 12, 2016 through April 9, 2017.

• Faith Christian School's request for use of Juergens Gym for basketball on January 10, January 20 and February 10, 2017 was approved by the Board.

• The Board approved the creation of a School Store Account in the grade school activity fund as requested by CGS Principal Tim Lochhead.

• Jackie Cushman was employed as 5/6th grade boys' basketball coach for the 2016-17 school year as recommended.

• The Board approved Chase Rednour as high school volunteer boys' basketball coach for the 2016-17 school year.

• The district bills were approved by the Board in the amount of $999,799.45, and the district payroll in the amount of $430,062.80.

• The Board accepted the resignation of Carrie Eggemeyer as 4 hour high school cafeteria aide effective October 19, and authorized Goodman to hire for this position pending board approval at the November meeting.

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