(Atlantic) The Atlantic Community School’s $9.5 million athletic facilities project is on schedule, according to the architect, Tom Wollun appearing at the Atlantic School Board meeting on Wednesday evening.
Atlantic School’s Superintendent Steve Barber stated the Trojan Bowl concession stand is now enclosed, and the block is nearly complete on the baseball/softball field. “The retaining wall on the baseball field makes that space pop,” stated Barber. “The construction crew moved in some big equipment to the site, so they’re going to start moving dirt again.”
Tom Wollun says the project is on schedule. The big push is to get the utilities finished up at the Trojan Bowl so they can complete the final grading. The other big item is finishing the grading on the baseball and softball fields, to pave the way for the grass seeding part of the project. He says construction work on the soccer field and track will begin this summer. “We know there are a lot of eyeballs on this project in this community, so we know there are a lot of job site supervisors,” added Wollun. “Bob Sweeney (project liaison) is a good point person. The public can direct questions to him, so you (the board) don’t have to answer so many questions. You have someone that can do that for you.”
Wollun addressed questions in regards to change orders. The construction crew requested ten total changes. Eight of them don’t have a dollar amount attached to them. “We’re in good shape as far as to change requests at this stage of the game,” stated Wollun. “A lot of things you don’t want to find usually occur early, and we’re getting through that critical phase of the project. So we’re looking good. Roshon has been a good contractor to work with.”
The project at Trojan Bowl involves Synthetic turf, one new concession stand, a new main entrance, expanded restrooms, and a four-lane non-competitive rubber track. Additionally, new ADA compliant bleachers on the home and visitor sides, site paving, lighting, sound, and a new scoreboard.
New dugouts, batting cages, concessions, press box, wrap around bleachers at the softball complex, a hard surface walkway between the two fields, and higher fencing between the two diamonds, an improved drainage system and a level playing surface at the baseball field.
Four new tennis courts, a new track, concession stand, synthetic turf, new shot put and discus rings are planned for the High School Facility.
Crews completed Phase I of the project last summer, which included the new Washington Elementary School parking lot along with a new loading and unloading area.
Later in the meeting, the board addressed a handful of action items. They approved the 2020/2021 School District Calendar, following a public hearing held at the top of the agenda. Some of the significant dates include:
*August 18, 20 & 21 teachers in service, with August 24 the first day of School.
* October 16 marks the end of the first quarter.
*Parent/ Teacher Conferences on October 28 and 29, and no school on October 29 and 30.
*No school on November 26, (Thanksgiving) or November 27.
* December 22 is the end of the first semester followed by winter break from December 23 through January 4.
*February 17 & 18, Parent/Teacher Conferences.
*February 18 & 19, no school.
* March 12, is the end of the 3rd quarter.
*March 22-26, Spring Break.
* April 2, Good Friday.
* May 26 is the end of the 4th quarter, and last day of School.
*In other activity; the board approved the out-of-state trip for the high school indoor track meet at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville.
*Approved the bid of 87,172.16 and the alternate to replace 16 skylights for $11,756.80 to McDermott Son and Roofing Company. The work will be done on the Schuler building plagued with pooling on the roof and persistent water leaks especially during hard rain events.
*Approved the replacement of 11 HVAC units in the High School and accepted the one and only bid from Camblin Mechanical for $104,985.00 which came in under the estimated cost.
*Set April 8 for the public hearing on the 2020/2021 certified budget.
*The board approved their authority of .33 cents on the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. The money is for maintenance, upkeep, vehicles, and technology.
*Approved the transfer of $837 for football helmet reconditioning, and $6,357.00 for the purchase of new helmets/pads. The Iowa legislature recently approved the purchase of protective gear as an allowable general fund expense, mainly football gear.
*Approved the pay application of $586,966.28 for the Athletics Facility Improvement Project.
*They also approved the resignations of Abby Becker, Girls Varsity Assistant Track Coach, and approved a new contract for Coach Becker as Head Boys Varsity Track Coach. In addition to that, the board approved the resignations of Kami Bruck, Washington Para, and Kimberlee Denning Special Education Teacher at the Link Center.
The School Board approved the contract for Noah Widrowicz, Industrial Technology Teacher, and Crystal Sunderman, Para/Bus Monitor.
They also approved the following coaching positions: Derek Hall, Assistant High School Girls Track, Brooke Newell, Volunteer Assistant High School Golf, Marty Hobson, Volunteer Assistant High School Golf, Josh Rasmussen, Volunteer Assistant Track, Brad Rasmussen, Assistant High School Track, Bruce Henderson, Volunteer Assistant High School Track, Cole Renken, Volunteer Assistant Tennis, James Northwick, Volunteer Assistant Tennis, Derek Handel, Assistant Softball, and Roger Warne Volunteer Assistant Track Coach.
The School Board will meet again for a work session on March 25 to discuss the certified budget.
