Stew-Stras Board Looking at Sprucing Up Gym Entrance

Stewardson-Strasburg school board members are looking at seeking State maintenance grant dollars for work around the high school gym.

Stew-Stras Superintendent Steven Harsy said the proposal is to remodel the restrooms in the area near the gym and to take out the carpet in the lobby area as well as in a couple of classrooms.  Maintenance funds are being sought since asbestos abatement work would be involved. 

Harsy said asbestos is believed to be in the glue holding down the carpeting.  The carpet would be replaced with vinyl.

Administrators also conferred with FGM Architects on another project to replace the facia and soffitt on the exterior of the building around the gym.  That grant has already been approved.

The Stew-Stras board hired Christy Elder as their school psychologist.  The vote came following approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the Neoga school district to share the cost of Elder's salary.  The Neoga district will cover 80% of her salary since she will work in that district four days a week while Stew-Stras will pay 20% of her salary since she'll work in their district one day a week.

The Board continues to monitor discussions regarding the geothermal heating and cooling units installed for the district and their effectiveness.  There was also discussion regarding a community advisory committee, but Board members decided instead to seek help when situations arise from those in the community knowledgeable in that field.

Board members heard about "Girls on the Run", described by Harsy as a personal growth experience for young girls.  Harsy said there would be two sections, Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8.  The Board also approved placing a revised fiscal year budget on review for 30 days and agreed to switch to Gmail for next school year as a cost-saving move.