Kevin Zadina

    Developing a master plan for the Seward Public Schools is the first step in assessing the current buildings, according to Rex Schultze of PGH & G Attorneys at Law from Lincoln.
     The Seward school board needs to decide exactly how much detail the plan will provide. The board met with Schultze during the 5:30 p.m. study session on Nov. 12 to learn more about its options.
     During the October 2006 study session the board heard from two architect firms on developing a master plan, but the board decided not to pursue a plan at that time.
     A master plan would let the board and the patrons of the district know what buildings or grounds concerns and projects that need to be addressed and what the time frame might be for certain projects.
     Schultze told the board about the strength and weaknesses of different building processes.
     He said the construction manager, as a constructor delivery method, is a popular method with school districts in Nebraska. Projects that have used this method, which doesn't involve a general contractor, have come in five to eight percent below estimates.
     PGH&G has worked with Lincoln Public Schools, Springfield Plattview public school, Norris, Waverly and many more.
     With a master plan in place the board could have a plan for such big expenditures as the parking lot south of the senior high and resurfacing of the track.
     The district said the lot would be paved and has not been completed since the addition for the high school in 2001 The price tag to concrete the lot in June of 2000 was estimated at $374,000 and is now estimated at $600,000.
     The board did authorize in a 4-2 vote for Seward Superintendent Dr. Greg Barnes to work with DLR, an architectural firm out of Omaha to get bids for the parking lot. The district will spend $12,000 with DLR to get bids for the parking lot. Pam Williams and Cindi Fosler voted against the motion.
     Williams felt the district should spend more money on students.
     "It doesn't directly affect the education of our students and someone would have to do a lot of talking for me to spend $600,000," Williams said.
     With the current levy the district would have enough money in the building fund by next summer to fund the project.
     The board also heard from Daryl Adelson, maintenance supervisor for the district, who said the track at the high school needs to be resurfaced for an estimated $70,000 to $80,000. The board will address the track at a future meeting.
     Adelson also told the board about placing underground sprinklers at the football field. The district would recoup the price of sprinklers in five to six years, according to Adelson, but a price was not discussed at the meeting.
     In other business the board approved:
     • the implementation of the temporary early retirement incentive plan for the 2007-2008 school year and accepting eligible employees for participation;
     • accepted two temporary early retirement incentive plan applications with retirements effective at the end of the 2007-2008 school year;
     • second reading of policies 5416 (wellness regulations), 3250 (trespassers), 3540 (procedures–bidding construction projects), 7053 (facilities–performance, labor and material payment bonds), 3570 (NCLB), 4022 (social security numbers), 4023 (administrative regulations), 4023A (military and family military leave), 5418 (homeless students), 3411 (administrative regulations), 3411A (school facilities: use of surveillance and searches) and 3560 (records management and disposition),
     • the education telecommunications services agreements and corresponding resolution,
     • the consent agenda and • to move into executive session for the purpose of contract negotiations and personnel issues.
     The boards next meeting is Monday, Dec. 10.