Many projects remain before school starts
RANDOLPH – Randolph Public Schools is checking off projects on its back-to-school list.
High school library painted and new carpet installed. Check. New flooring installed in the Family and Consumer Sciences room. Check.
Performing Arts Gym floor refinished. Check. Old playground equipment removed at the elementary. Check.
Items that remain on the to-do list include mulching at the elementary playground and installing a new gaga ball pit; installing new furniture in the high school library and a new stove in the FCS room; and the big one - finishing the asbestos removal at the elementary.
Even with all that’s left on the list, Superintendent Daryl Schrunk is confident the schools will be ready to welcome students back in one month.
Schrunk and the two building administrators gave this report to the Randolph Public Schools Board at its regular meeting Monday night and caught a glimpse of the new look of the library and FCS room.
The board made quick work of other agenda items during the 45-minute meeting including holding public hearings on its student fees, student bullying and parental involvement policies. Only one attended from the public and did not offer any input during the hearings.
The board also approved other updated policies, and student and staff handbooks. Those items were discussed more in-depth at previous meetings.
New this year, the board approved a document - now required by law - on the school’s trainings and the estimated time each training takes to complete. For example, suicide training lasts one hour while fire drills about 15 minutes each. Some trainings are required annually while others less often.
The board was set to meet with a steering committee to discuss a potential school bond issue for school improvements Tuesday night.
The committee has been meeting regularly for several months to study facility improvements deemed as priorities. Last week, the committee was able to evaluate cost estimates.
A new vocational ag and art building has been a board-identified need for several years. Updated construction costs are now estimated at $5.2 million for the proposed 13,000 square foot building.
Indicated priorities at the elementary school were estimated at $6.2 million. Those priority improvements include: replace HVAC system; add fire sprinklers to the building; add three restrooms or update existing restrooms; replace windows; replace lighting; reconfigure entrance for security; add kitchen; and add electrical outlets to classrooms.
Indicated priorities at the high school were estimated at $1.3 million. Those priority improvements include: repair or replace decking, insulation and roofing as needed; investigate and mitigate mold due to roof leak; add fire sprinklers; add air conditioning and fans to main gym; and replace lighting.
Look for a recap of the steering committee meeting in next week’s Randolph Times.