By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 school board approved bids for roof repairs for Roosevelt Elementary School and Hays Middle School at its meeting Monday night.
The low bid for the Roosevelt project was $ 241,298 from High Plains Roofing of Hays. The low bid for the HMS project was $46,120 from Wray Roofing of Newton. The HMS project will repair a leak over the kitchen.
Bond
The board took no action toward a new bond proposal. However, the board agreed to meet in a special session to discuss long-range planning for infrastructure and possible bond options. A date for that meeting has yet to be set.
Other infrastructure projects
The board is looking at several other infrastructure projects, which it will likely vote on at its next meeting on April 8.
The board reviewed a plan to add secure entrances at Hays High School and HMS. The district has received more than $86,000 in grants for the project. This includes a state safe schools grant and a grant from the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence. The district’s portion of these projects is $16,693.
The district hopes to have the entrance projects completed this summer. The projects will funnel visitors through the schools’ offices after the start of the school day.
The board also reviewed bids for a project to pull wiring for new clock, phone and security camera systems at the high school. The low bid was from Nex-Tech for $129,337. The wiring project is set to be completed this summer. The clock system will be installed this summer, and the phone and security camera systems will be upgraded as funds are available.
Oak Park Medical Complex
Renovation work has begun on the Oak Park Medical Park. The former medical complex is being remodeled for use by Early Childhood Connections.
The board took a first look at a couple of issues related to this project Monday. The board will dissolve a condominium association associated with the complex. Bill Jeter, board attorney, said the association is no longer needed since the property is all under the ownership of the school district.
The board is also set to vote at its next meeting to move forward with an application for tax exempt status for the Oak Park property.
Coaches
The school board also officially accepted the resignations of three HHS head coaches at its meeting Monday night. John Hafliger, head HHS wrestling coach is resigning effective in May. Faith Schindler resigned as HHS head boys swim coach, and Rick Keltner, head HHS basketball coach is retiring at the end of the year after 34 years of service with USD 489. Longtime baseball coach Frank Leo also will be handing over the reins a the end of the baseball season.