North Clay Board Members Tour Construction Work

Members of the North Clay Board of Education took a tour before this week's meeting of the school's renovation and addition project.

Ben Menke of Poettker Construction reported that all of the work planned to be completed by the start of the school year was ready on time. Some final finishes will be completed during the early days of the school year. Updates were provided regarding the new stairwell and bathroom additions to the south of the high school. 

The tour included the new walls constructed for the new ag classroom, ag shop and new gym.

Construction at the high school is in the home stretch for the office area and the hallway renovations for the current school year. Outside construction continues with all the exterior walls of the gym and new ag space going up, as well as the construction that will connect the high school and the elementary/junior high school. 

Menke said the project is still scheduled for on-time completion.

Board members also awarded a bid for scoreboards, digital and electronic components and sound system for the new gym from Nevco for $114,908.35, and awarded a bid for equipment for the weight room under construction from Dynamic Fitness Solutions for $58,535. 

A public hearing was held on whether to continue using E-learning days. Superintendent Keith Price shared that it is less likely that North Clay will be using the days. A district must still utilize their five emergency days after they use E-learning days. By using E-learning days, Price said a district runs the risk of attending more than the 176 required days of student attendance.

More information on the plan is available at www.northclayschools.com or by phoning 618-665-3358.

The North Clay Board approved the tentative fiscal year handbook; okayed the athletic handbook; and renewed HUDL services for three years. District enrollment was reported as 555, compared to 528 students last school year.

In personnel moves, the North Clay Board hired Gladys Guinabo as high school Science Club sponsor, approved Marla Gillet as a sub cook, approved Barry Adair as a volunteer high school golf coach, approved Chris Himelick as a volunteer junior high softball coach, and accepted the resignation of Brad Anderson as custodian.