BID AWARDED FOR NEW SCHOOL

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Education looked to the district's future Tuesday when members approved a construction bid and began the process of devising a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Board members approved the low bid of $3,678,000 submitted by Penzel Construction Company Inc. for the construction of South Elementary School. Total construction costs for the building, including funds set aside for contingencies is $4,034,215.

The new school will house 18 elementary classrooms grades kindergarten through four, as well as a computer lab, oversized gymnasium, and special services room for gifted and special education classes. The building will also have designated areas for a Parents as Teachers program and early education classes.

South Elementary School is the last of three new facilities being built in the district. Work continues on a Jackson High School math and science building, and additions to North Elementary School were recently completed. All three projects were financed by a bond issue passed last year.

In addition to approving the bid, board members authorized administrators to look into the legalities of recoding some fees deducted from that money generated by the bond issue so that the deductions are taken from the district's general revenue fund instead. Discussions with the district's lawyer and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education lawyers suggests that this is a bookkeeping change that is completely legal, said superintendent Dr. Howard Jones. However, he said he will get the state attorneys to ensure the district in writing that the bookkeeping changes are legal before making any recommendations to the board.

Jones said the recoding is needed because administrators anticipate continued problems handling district growth. Deducting specialized fees from the general revenue fund, the district's largest fund, will leave enough bond issue money to finance a fourth classroom for each grade level at the school, he said. This would greatly increase the school's capacity and help monitor growth potential in the district.

JACKSON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997

Jackson Middle School Library

Action Items

-- Approved bid of $3,678,000 from Penzel Construction Company Inc. for construction of South Elementary School.

-- Approved resolution to recognize Jackson High School business department, students and faculty for accomplishments during 1996-97 school year.

-- Approved intergovernmental agreement with Missouri Securities Investment Program.

-- Approved 1997-98 district testing plan.

-- Authorized superintendent to sign statement of support for Individuals with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1997.