Architect, management firms tapped for South Putnam project

Now working through the general obligation (GO) bond for infrastructure updates planned next year at South Putnam, firms overseeing architecture and construction management have been set.

The South Putnam School Board tapped firms Fanning Howey and Michael Kinder & Sons in those respective roles at its regular meeting last week.

Noting that Fanning Howey has an “extensive” pedigree with other public school projects across the state, and that both have worked together, Supt. Corey Smith said several firms were vetted over the past few months.

Smith emphasized that their services would not conflict with current renovations being completed. Being unspecific, the board suggested that concerns with the latter have been brought up.

As to the bonds themselves, Smith relayed that six bids were received the Tuesday prior, in which the selected one came in at 3.9-percent interest. He stated that the bond would be complete and funded by December.

A GO bond is one backed by an entity’s credit and taxing ability, rather than relying on potential revenue brought in by a given project.

The estimated $1.6-$1.8 million project is to include the Central Elementary parking lot and updated security measures, as well as the boilers and chillers at South Putnam Middle/High School and vehicle replacement.

In other business:

• The board approved a bus monitor as a new position for an immediate need. The monitor would be on a morning pre-K bus and ensure students are secure. Transportation Director Brad Ogborn noted that with recently losing a pre-K bus driver, the monitor would assist with transfer.

Though the monitor will eventually be able to drive the bus and the transfer not be needed, Ogborn said the position could remain if multiple candidates were to show interest.

• The board tabled adopting the tentative outline for South Putnam’s 2023-24 school calendar. The move hinged on considering whether South Putnam should hold graduation during Memorial Day weekend, as has been “tradition,” as Smith put it, despite other festivities.

Smith noted that moving graduation would not affect instruction or staff’s responsibilities, but that administration had indicated preference doing so. Ultimately, he provided that it would be the board’s decision.

• The board approved South Putnam partnering with Ivy League Kids to provide before- and after-school programming for K-8 students. Smith noted that the programming is set to begin in January.

• With Joe Roach abstaining due to a conflict of interest, the board approved increasing athletic event worker pay. The amount of the increase or comparison was not specified.

The board also recognized South Putnam’s Students of the Month in Ela Phillips (Central Elementary), Zarah Strange (Fillmore Elementary), Andrew Cline (South Putnam Middle School) and Marilyn Anderson (South Putnam High School). Cline and Anderson were not in attendance.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignations: Melesa Doty - MS/HS custodian; Leighla Hazlett - Fillmore Elementary instructional assistant; Jennifer Scott - Central Elementary instructional assistant; Seth Hammond - MS boys’ basketball; John Briones - seventh-grade girls’ basketball; and Mara Vittitow - assistant track coach;

• Employment: Chasity Sanders - Central Elementary instructional assistant; Tisha Paugh - fourth- and fifth-grade drama teach coach; Haleigh Dunn and Shirley Knauer - MS/HS custodians; David Mann - English learner (EL) teacher of record; and Danielle Duregger - bus monitor.

Corporation Treasurer Hilarie Logan and Business Operations Coordinator Terri Beasley joined Smith and the whole board for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is set for Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in the music room at Central Elementary.