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Major updates coming to Cloverdale Schools
CLOVERDALE — With progress having been made with getting drawings together, things are looking up for major building updates this year at Cloverdale Schools.
Kyle Miller and David McDow of Schmidt Associates gave an update on the continuing design process of the total effort at its regular meeting Monday evening.
The major element entails new vestibules and reconfigurations of main offices at all three school buildings. Flooring replacement and restroom renovations, as well as a new commons area at Cloverdale High School, are also part of the plans.
The high school and Cloverdale Elementary School are to have separate entrances for visitors apart from students and staff, while the one works with the existing layout. The idea with each vestibule has been for traffic to go through the main offices.
As to the new cafeteria flooring at the middle school and the high school, the existing “vinyl composite” tile will be replaced with “luxury vinyl” tile. The vinyl base will be replaced, while new walk-off carpeting will be installed.
The front area of the high school is to also get a facelift of sorts with the new commons area. The nurse’s office nearby is to also get a new shower which referees could use.
The commons area will mean relocating the concessions stand and cutting into the existing space. However, an existing structural shear wall will remain. Trophy cases and TVs would be integrated into the area.
Meanwhile, restrooms at the elementary school, three sets from 1975 and one from 1993, are on the list to get a refresh. This work would be carried out by a team under Maintenance Director Eddie Byrns.
The project cost has been set at $1,335,340, figuring in hard costs, fees and allowances.
With total bonds set at more than $1.9 million, with funds of slightly more than $569,000 left over. This money could be used for replacing exterior doors and hardware.
“It’s kind of volatile out there right now,” Miller stipulated about the availability of materials. “If you’ve got some local contractors that are interested in the project, spread the word.”
Moving forward, the first advertisement for bids was set for Tuesday, with the second advertisement set for next Tuesday. The board is expected to award the overall bid at its next regular meeting.
In other business:
• The board conducted its start-of-year organization with its officers and other matters.
Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis and Donna Fidler were retained as the board’s president, vice president and secretary, respectively. Meanwhile, Mendy Shrout and Sara Zaring were respectively affirmed as the corporation’s treasurer and deputy treasurer.
As the only change from last year, Tim Shelly of Warrick & Boyn was added along with Michelle Cooper of Lewis & Kappes as the corporation’s legal counsel.
With Whitaker noting that it has been set “for a number of years,” the board also approved members’ yearly compensation at $2,000. This is the legal maximum stipulated by the state.
• The board heard from vice president Emily Mann and adviser Heather Clingan of Cloverdale’s FFA about its recent toy drive with South Putnam’s FFA.
The event served 155 families from both corporations and in the area, with gifts being picked up for 435 students. Apart from anonymous ones and others who donated just toys, money came from 27 confirmed donors. In total, $5,100 was raised toward the effort.
“Overall, I think it was a huge success,” Mann said to having the event again next year. “We’re going to take what we’ve learned and push it forward to next year. Hopefully, we can get even more families and even more students involved.”
The board also recognized Cloverdale Schools’ Students of the Month: Margaret Peterson (Cloverdale Elementary School), Josh Foster (Cloverdale Middle School) and Austin Rubeck (Cloverdale High School).
Known to students as “Miss Jackie,” Cloverdale Elementary School custodian Jackie Hoffa was also recognized as the Staff Member of the Month.
The board also approved the following personnel report:
• Employment: Savannah Smith - CMS instructional assistant; and Jourdan Smith - temporary CMS custodian;
• FMLA: Al Jonte - CMS custodian; and Tammy Kemp - fifth-grade teacher.
Executive Secretary Heather Stokes and Supt. Greg Linton joined the whole board for the meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Cloverdale School Board is set for Monday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Office.