Manila School Board selects construction company for future building project

Manila School Board members interviewed representatives from four construction companies at the regular May 16 meeting. The board was interviewing for a construction manager for a new high school building project. The board agreed the construction manager team needed to be on board at the beginning plans of the project.

Architect John Mixon displayed sketches for a consession stand, restroom, ticket book, and training room.

Companies interviewed included Ramson, Inc.; Baldwin & Shell Construction; Tate Contractors; and Nabholz Construction.

The board agreed any of the companies would be a good choice but they voted to go with Nabholz. Nabholz served as construction managers for the Justin Veach Elementary Building project and the expansion of the Manila cafeteria.

The board also reviewed sketches from architect John Mixon for a concession, ticket booth, restroom, and training area expansion to the existing gymnasium to serve the football program. The board is comparing the possibility of construction of a stand-alone building for concession and restrooms to an expansion project. No action was taken.

Superintendent Pam Castor said she was pleased to report all schools in the district received accreditation for meeting the standards.

The board accepted the resignation of Bill Taylor, athletic director, and Jeff Priest, assistant principal. Taylor accepted a coaching job at Buffalo Island Central and Priest was hired as principal at Riverside High School.

President Danny Robbins read a letter from Priest expressing his appreciation to the board and the district.

The Board approved the transfer of Christy Woody from elementary to high school; Donna Minton to kindergarten from K-1 transition class; Mary Ann Davison from kindergarten to second grade; and hired Russell Page, special education; Amber Jeffers, K-1 transition class; and Natalie Veach, fourth grade.

In other business:

*The board reviewed bids and discussed the purchase of security cameras and other equipment to be added to the buildings. Bids included were from ARCom System for $53,169 and KLC Video Service for $70,694. The board voted unanimously to accept the low bid.

*Castor explained federal guidelines mandated the district to raise the lunch prices and the district would need to raise prices from $1.60 to $1.70. The board voted unanimously on the increase.

*Board member Brandon Veach complimented Middle School Principal LeeAnn Helms for a successful field trip to the space center.

*The board recognized Charlie Smith, a Manila High School junior who recently competed in the state track meet in the Heptathlon event. The meet was held Wednesday and Thursday last week at Fayetteville High School. The Heptathlon consists of seven events, the 800 M; javelin throw; long jump; 200 meter; shot put; 100 m hurdles; and high jump.

*The board also extended their appreciation and congratulations to everyone who was involved in making the East Lab happen at Manila High School.