Renovation study presented at North Putnam

BAINBRIDGE -- In an ongoing partnership with Indianapolis energy innovation and mechanical contracting firm Johnson-Melloh Inc., the North Putnam school board received a number of renovation suggestions Wednesday at its monthly public session.

The proposals, each of which were investigated thoroughly by the company, came complete with easels, Power Point presentations and estimated costs.

One item of particular interest to the board was an addition to the high school consisting of locker and weight rooms for the athletic department.

However, the idea did not come without tribulation as a web of underground utilities crisscross the suggested area behind the school.

"At one time, there was an option shown back here (for the weight room)," representative Keith Spence said as he motioned toward the eastern side of the high school. "But that area is heavily congested with underground utilities -- you name it, it's in the ground.

"That would be a really bad place to put an addition, financially," Spence continued. "There's been some talk about putting it (on the west side) and some people thought it would be a good idea. It would get community use as well -- some people thought it would be nice to have it out in front of the building."

Board member Jim Bowling then asked further about the rear of the building.

"If the back of the school is such a terrible place because of the utilities, why would we consider putting a locker room back there?" Bowling asked. "I guarantee the utilities keep right on going."

The Johnson-Melloh representative essentially answered Bowling's question by stating that the cost would be less to do it in front of the school.

In addition to the locker room suggestion, other findings from the study were also discussed.

Although several HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems have been repaired or replaced in recent years, there are several units that are simply oast their prime. Many units have a life expectancy of 15 years, but there exists numerous units that are estimated to be 20 years old or older.

"We looked at and tested most of your mechanical equipment and there are plenty of units that are at the age of their life and need to be replaced soon, or even within the next few weeks," long-time mechanical engineer Bill Briar said as he pointed to the projection screen. "For example, these ventilators here are to the point where they're starting to go.

"The same is true with units around (the high school)."

Doug Dodds, a representative who specializes in electrical work, also spoke on the aging units.

"Moving parts typically start to stick and bind over time," Dodds said. "The electrical panels in the older edition (of the building) are of the same vintage. Manufacturers recommend 20 years for the life of a circuit breaker -- we routinely see them at 30 -- but we're at 50. It's kind of an issue that we should probably address.

"What we're focusing on are things that are basically needed (in the) long-term, but you (the board) will make the decision on what those things are and it is up to you to pick and choose for the future."

The team of representatives ended its presentation by stating that it will allow the board to "digest" the information given and plans to meet with them in approximately two weeks' time.

In other business:

* Recent changes in hours within the cafeteria staff at Bainbridge Elementary, NPMS and NPHS have taken effect.

* Sign-ups for both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will be held on Aug. 25 at Roachdale Elementary. No specific time of day was given.

* Evaluations with signatures were given in regard to Athletic DirectorTim Garver.

* Emergency licensing for CPR, First-Aid and the like were discussed. Nearly all teachers employed by the district have completed their respective certifications with only a few in exception. Middle school Principal Scott Miller presented the information.

* Information for new doors at the central office building were brought up. The front and back doors are "rotting out" and are to soon be bidded upon.

* Contracts and negotiations thereof are scheduled to be held Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the administration office.

* The following fundraisers were recently approved: 5K Run/Walk for Sixth-grade Outdoor and Education and Silent Auction at NPMS on Sept. 10; various NPHS club fundraisers for the band, student council, FCCLA, GSA and DECA to sell laundry detergent through the months of September and October; Champions Together; Bainbridge Elementary student council to sell popcorn on Fridays and trash bags throughout the fall; Walk-a-thon in the spring of 2017; and fifth-grade candy bars throughout the fall of 2016.

* A new bus drivers' handbook was approved.

* The board approved severals hires, transfers, resignations and retirements Wednesday:

-- Julie Evans, third-grade teacher at Roachdale Elementary, approved medical leave (effective for the first semester of the 2016-17 school year).

-- Jill Vandivier, special education teacher at Bainbridge Elementary, approved medical leave (effective Aug. 20 and the four weeks thereafter).

-- Mallory Carver, hired as seventh-grade social studies teacher at NPHS (effective Aug. 17) and head swim coach (effective Aug. 17) at both NPMS and NPHS.

-- Morgan McCance, hired as Title I teacher at Bainbridge Elementary (effective Aug. 17).

-- Katrina Perry, hired as instructional assistant at NPHS (effective Aug. 17).

-- Holly Cooper, approved as girls' volunteer assistant soccer coach at NPHS (effective Aug. 17).

-- Bucky Kramer, resigned as assistant football coach at NPHS, head wrestling coach at NPMS and boys' track coach at NPMS (effective July 20).

-- Brooke Layton, transfer to third-grade teacher at Roachdale Elementary to cover for Julie Evans while on medical leave (effective for the first semester of the 2016-17 school year).

-- Elise Gilliatt, transfer from instructional assistant at Bainbridge Elementary to instructional assistant at NPHS (effective Aug. 17).

-- Natalie Little, transfer from instructional assistant at Bainbridge Elementary to instructional assistant at NPHS (effective Aug. 17).

-- Lisa Sabens, transfer to health aide/instructional assistant at NPHS to cover for Brooke Layton while on medical leave (effective for the first semester of the 2016-17 school year).

-- Melissa Butcher, resigned as bus driver (effective July 20); Amy Winings, resigned as bus driver (effective Aug. 1); A.J. Goldsby, hired as bus aide/substitute bus driver (effective Aug. 17); Lynn Hedge, hired as temporary bus driver (effective Aug. 17); Rebecca Savoldi, hired as bus driver (effective Aug. 17); Jason Walker, hired as bus aide/substitute bus driver); Greg Freije, transfer from bus driver to substitute bus driver (effective Aug 17); and Jack Wright, transfer from substitute bus driver to bus driver (effective Aug. 17).

The next regularly-scheduled public meeting for the North Putnam school board will be on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.