BOE debates repair costs

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019 Jan McDonald Alabama, Board of Education, Demopolis, Frasier-Ousley, kyle kallhoff, Wally Burge, Ward Scott

The sole bid for emergency repairs to the U.S. Jones Elementary school bathrooms came in about $50,000 over what was budgeted.

Supt. Kyle Kallhoff asked the members of the Demopolis City Board of Education at their meeting Monday to decide whether to try to find the money to have the contractor, Frasier-Ousley, do the entire job at the bid of $154,000 or sub-contract the job to save money.

Wally Burge of the architecture firm Ward Scott said for the board to oversee the job will be more difficult, and that the lines of communication between his firm, Roger Locke, the maintenance supervisor for the school system, and the contractors will have to be solid.

Kallhoff said the job could be split into four sections: plumbing, framing, flooring and electrical work. He anticipated that the work could be done by local companies the school system has used before.

However, some board members had reservations about supervising the work locally since the experience with the geo-thermal project at the high school had caused more headaches and ended up costing more than estimated.

Burge said someone from Ward Scott would be on site weekly, and Burge would be checking on the work daily. The length of the project probably would last longer than the single contract would take, more like 150 days than 120.

Kallhoff also agreed that if the contract is awarded to Frasier-Ousley, the school system could negotiate areas where the cost could be reduced. He asked the board to allow him this week to talk with Frasier-Ousley before making any decision.

The board approved the school calendar for 2020-2021 after inviting employees and stakeholders to express their opinions. Kallhoff said almost 100 employees and more than 100 people in the community responded. Employees voted 70 percent for the calendar that was approved, and 65 percent of the stakeholders did. Classes will begin Aug. 12, 2020.

Kallhoff announced two teachers had scored grants for their robotics programs. Meggin Mayben received a $1,419 Alabama Robotics Grant for DHS, and Dana Hill received a $1,500 for USJ.

In addition, Hill received a state Department of Education grant of $25,000 for the gifted program.

In the personnel report, Kallhoff said JROTC instructor Col. Larry Hearn has accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Defense. He is working with the DOD now to secure a permanent replacement.

Other personnel action included:

Extending the contract for Elaine Carr, Jennifer Jones and Dale Foster.
Approving a contract with Madeline Jacobs for music education at Demopolis High School.
Approving Jennifer Wearbon as a substitute.
Sydney Leonard, Demopolis Middle School special education teacher, receiving maternity leave April 20 through Aug. 5.
Naming Chandler Warren as assistant Demopolis High tract coach for the supplement amount of $1,000.
Amanda Harrison, USJ 5^th grade teacher, receiving leave of absence for the rest of the year.
Approving Regina Hill as a long-term sub for Harrison.

The board approved out-of-state and/or overnight field trips for the following: