The construction, renovation and removal phases of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District's facilities project are reaching important milestones as the 2020-21 school year approaches.

According to project manager Mark Pfister, of Boyd Jones, the interior punch list for the elementary school phase of the project is ready to be reviewed. The list documents items that must be completed by the contractors in order to meet project specifications.

The fire marshal will also inspect the building to determine if all systems meet requirements. Pfister said the final concrete pour is scheduled for this week and furniture will arrive next week.

"Our goal is to have teachers in there on the 5th [of August]," Pfister said during the school board meeting on Monday.

In regard to high school renovations, Pfister said system installations in most of the exterior classrooms are finished. Carpet installation is underway in the media center and offices. Painting of the student center ceiling remains to be completed.

"We're finally exiting the ugly duckling phase," Pfister said. "The biggest thing is when we put the windows in. It looks a lot better."

Upgrades to the high school industrial tech area include construction of a wall that separates the woods and metals areas, as well as a wall for the lift to be installed in that area. Additional doors will be installed in the main entrance area of the building.

"We plan to have it ready when school starts," Pfister said.

With demolition of the former middle school in Sanborn completed, footings are being poured for the new building. Steel is expected to arrive in August so walls can be constructed. Precast walls for the gym area will be erected later in the fall. Pfister said the exterior structure should be enclosed by October.

• Repairs, change orders

The site of water infiltration on the north and east sides of the high school gym was discovered. According to discussion, weep holes in the brick were not in the proper place, which allowed water to enter the brick and masonry.

Contractors removed three courses of brick so wall flashing could be installed and insulation could be replaced. Cost of the additional work is $32,520.

Board President Scott Heetland said the repairs are outside the scope of the bond project, but they will enhance overall renovations being made to the building.

Change orders related to the bond project were also approved. Pfister said the costs will come out of the change allowances provided in the budget.

• Agreements, personnel

Also on Monday's agenda were renewals of the agreement for H-M-S students to receive college classes through Northwest Iowa Community College and a nurse sharing agreement with Clay Central/Everly.

H-M-S's transportation director, Kevin Soden, will serve in that capacity for the Sheldon Community School District. According to discussion, Soden will continue as H-M-S's director and facilitate the majority of its transportation-related matters. The agreement to share a transportation director with George-Little Rock was not renewed.

Terry Putnam submitted her resignation as TAG/STEM teacher, effective in January. She plans to retire at that time.

Naethan Hoaglund was offered a contract as TAG/STEM teacher, effective with the start of the school year. He will also serve as high school assistant girls' basketball coach.

The board also approved contracts for Isaac Skalsky, high school student council advisor; Kory Voss, high school flags sponsor; and Jennifer Nassif, high school assistant volleyball coach.

MIKE PETERSEN/SENTINEL-NEWS

The new elementary school is scheduled to be usable when the new school year starts next month.

Superintendent Patrick Carlin asked that the board to consider increasing the night custodial position's hours to full time and that bus driving duties be added. Carlin said work hours can be adjusted so the custodian can also drive a bus. It is hoped the added hours will increase interest in the vacant position.

The board also approved amending the property damage insurance policy to cover the new elementary building. The annual premium is $3,999. Carlin said the policy will be amended later to cancel coverage for the middle school site at Sanborn.