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AKRON - Construction and improvements at Tippecanoe Valley High School are well on their way.
At Monday's meeting, the Tippecanoe Valley School Board heard from David A. Mankowski of Skillman Corp. that the kitchen portion of the project is right on schedule.
"Overall, I don't see any problems," Mankowski said. "It looks nice, and it's coming together."
Mankowski also told the board that emergency repairs to the electrical system caused by a concrete worker slicing through a major power source have been repaired permanently. The day the line was cut, it was spliced together overnight. During spring break new conduit was installed and put back into place.
The board was told the cost for the repair was $19,236. Mankowski suggested that the board pay the claim and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company. The contractor doing the concrete cutting has been put on notice that it will be asked to cover the bill. The contractor's insurance company and the school's insurance company will sort out the details from there. Board members approved paying the $19,236 and will pursue the reimbursement.
A change order for the building project also was approved. The board approved $39,924 for a terrazzo floor for a corridor connecting the pool area to the auxiliary gymnasium. The board tabled a decision on wall treatment, waiting to explore the need for more lockers in the building. The walls in the hallway can be covered with drywall or lockers may be installed. Members of the board wanted more information about the lockers before making a final decision.
The board also tabled a proposal to build a new corridor from the main lobby to the training room to reduce through-traffic in the main gym during practice hours.
Mankowski also addressed additional concerns brought up earlier in the year. First, the bleachers in the main gymnasium have been inspected, and their motors were replaced. The bleachers on the west end of the gym do not close correctly, and possible repairs will be discussed at a later meeting.
The board approved hiring Commonwealth Engineering Inc. to study the wastewater treatment plant for the school. Commonwealth turned in the lowest estimate for the project, $4,500.
Regrouting and repairs to the swimming pool may have to be delayed because the tile contractor cannot schedule the project during the summer. The job may be completed in the fall if the contractor is available. It is difficult to complete the project during the school year because the pool will need to be closed for a month.
In other business, the board:
• Approved extra-curricular assignments for Beth Anglin (TVMS drama club), Regina Wireman (TVMS cheerleading coach) and Kathy Kolbe (TVHS musical director assistant).
• Accepted resignations from Tom Shively (transportation director) and Kalynn Cumberland (TVHS girls JV basketball coach).
• Approved the adoption of science textbooks.
• Heard from a Tippecanoe Valley High School student whose vehicle was damaged while in the auto shop at the school. Ryan Castle told the board that someone keyed his car while it was in the auto shop. He reported the incident to school police officer Jon Hart but was not satisfied with the results. The board promised to keep an eye on the situation and see how things turn out.
• Approved minutes from the April 18 and 26 meetings and claims and payrolls.
• Approved school improvement plans for all four Valley schools.
• Recognized Akron Elementary School student groups and Lacey Shewman, TVHS student representative to the school board.
Tippecanoe Valley School Members are Mark Wise, Rod Eaton, Bryan Murphy David O'Brien and Hal Hoffman.
