Page 20
The INDEPENDENT, December 18, 2003
Additional $40-50,000 will be needed for more complex facility
from page 8
building definitely increased
costs, Alley responded to a
question from board member
Willis Meeuwsen. The original
design called for a simple con-
crete slab to be covered by
mats. In order to use the build-
ing for volleyball and basket-
ball, different flooring, recessed
lighting and higher trusses will
be needed. Alley estimated the
increased costs at approxi-
mately $40-$50 thousand.
McGlasson said that it would
be proper to consider using
funds available from the sale of
Buxton School for this purpose,
because that money had been
set aside for capital projects to
address future needs. The cur-
rent facility is designed for 1500
students and serves a popula-
tion of 1200. Even if further de-
velopment by West Hills Devel-
opment Corp. proceeds it
would only produce an in-
crease of about 70 students
and will not occur for at least
two years. McGlasson told the
board that she and business
manager Nancy Hall had con-
sidered alternatives involving
the use of general fund money
to be paid back over several
years or transferred when the
ending fund balance exceeded
10 percent of the total budget,
an indication of stable funding.
However, McGlasson and Hall
determined, that using part of
the $119,000 currently avail-
able (with a $375,000 balloon
payment available on demand)
was the best way to creatively
solve a “primary existing need.”
Alley told the board that the
enormous donations of labor
and materials have always
been for the students’ benefit.
He said that permits for the
building had already been ex-
tended, but that cost for com-
pletion of the project would
continue to increase the longer
it is delayed. Several board
members expressed concern
whether the $45,000 Alley was
requesting would be enough to
finish the project. McGlasson
responded that Alley had done
a tremendous job of accounting
for expenses and all of his pre-
vious estimates had been right
on target. Alley told the board
that he was confident the build-
ing could be completed for that
amount.
The discussion then moved
on to questions about the cost
of developing the multi-use fa-
cility that appears to be need-
ed. Alley and McGlasson told
the board that, at this time, the
cost estimate did not include
amenities such as audience
seating, wood flooring or a
sound system. Board chair
Doug Nordholm asked, and Al-
ley confirmed, that the building
could be completed much
faster if some of the work could
be contracted out to profes-
sionals. The board tabled the
discussion and asked that Alley
confer with McGlasson, Foster
and Smith and return next
month with a definitive esti-
mate.
Board
members
later
thanked Alley for his dedication
and energy and said that they
want the project to succeed
while also ensuring that the
public’s money is wisely spent.
High Flyers
Banks Elementary Principal
Marty Voge told the board that
58 students had successfully
completed the High Flyers Pro-
gram during the first trimester.
He said that enthusiasm for the
program continues to grow and
over 100 students have already
signed up for the second
trimester.
Voge also told the board
that, at this time two years ago,
there were over 320 discipline
referrals. This year there have
been 59.
Foster reported that district
patron Casey Newman, an IBM
employee, secured an opportu-
nity for the district to acquire
used equipment, which has re-
sulted in the receipt of two full
truck loads of office supplies
and equipment, chairs, tables,
etc. Foster thanked Newman,
IBM, and the volunteers who
helped move everything.
The audit has been delayed
for another month, McGlasson
told the board, because the au-
ditors have not been able to
completely account for some
grant funds. Hall had the fig-
ures ready in June, McGlasson
said, and would be meeting
with the auditors again next
week to ensure that the board
receives a complete report.
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cautions. Remember, fire only needs a chance — don’t give it one.
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before going to bed.
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not labeled flame-resistant, don’t buy them!
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