SE hires engineer to study building mechanical systems
January 31st, 2008Sibley East’s Board of Education, Thursday, took a first step to examine the mechanical engineering systems at the Gaylord and Arlington campuses.
The Board of Education hired Hallberg Engineering of White Bear Lake to conduct the study of the two buildings. Time and materials are not to exceed $21,600.
Larry Harbo, Sibley East’s health and safety consultant, explained that the study, known as a “recommissioning,” will be funded through health and safety dollars. Once the study has been completed, Harbo said that it may be possible to tap into health and safety dollars to make upgrades.
The project will consist of examining the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems of the school buildings, along with the electrical and mechanical systems. A report will be provided to bring an estimate to bring the buildings up to a new standards operation.
Harbo warned the board that the “number will be large.” “It doesn’t mean we’ll do all the projects,” he said.
Harbo also said that he felt that the timing of this study was good because of Sibley East participating and developing a long range comprehensive plan.
He warned the school board members that the boilers in the buildings are “all past their age.” “We need the report to open the door to get money from the state.”
Superintendent John Langenbrunner added that this study will provide important information to the board members and may help make decisions about building use in the future.
In other business, the Board of Education:
• Approved a motion directing the Superintendent and administration to plan and make recommendations for adjustments in curriculum, programs and staffing for the 2008-2009 school year.
• Accepted the resignation of Mary Schimschock, second grade teacher at the Arlington campus, effective February 8. She has taught at Sibley East for 20 years. Paulette Nitz, who retired last year after teaching second grade many years, has agreed to serve as a long-term substitute teacher.
• Hired Rene Moriarty, Junior Varsity softball coach, and Molly Shields as one act play co-director.
• Approved a leave of absence request for elementary art teacher Amanda Feterl from approximately March 4 - May 1, 2008.
• Approved a staff sharing agreement between Sibley East and the Green Isle Community School for services of Larry Gieseke, speech teacher. The services will be from Sept. 4, 2007 through May 31, 2008. Sibley East will be reimbursed $55 per hour plus travel time and mileage from the site presently working to Green Isle and back.
• Accepted a donation of $500 from Anne Karl to be used for the FFA scholarship fund.
• Accepted a donation of a TV, two monitors, a digital camera and printer from Best Buy. The donation was arranged by Sibley East graduate Russell Uecker.
