The school board, tonight, took some exciting steps forward!
Tonight, we met in a special board meeting to approve a contract with Klingner & Associates, P.C. to move forward as our architectural firm as we work toward developing a no-tax-increase bond to be on April 2018's ballot. This process began in early August, when we agreed to put out an RFQ. Twelve responses were received and ranked. The board interviewed the top 4 teams as we ranked them. Klingner was our top rated firm and negotiations between the Hallsville School District and Klingner began and progressed to where both sides (our district contract attorney included) feel comfortable about moving forward. What does this mean in real terms? Klingner will provide architectural work, be at community forums to listen to our input, and provide plans that will be ultimately what we hope to put on the April 2018 ballot for your consideration. Klingner will be paid a fee for the pre-bond work and then negotiations will reoccur after potential bond approval for some specific services (not to exceed 8% of the total bonding cost). Our contract attorney and review of other bonds (ie when the Primary building was built) and board expertise (shout-out to Bryan Wildenhain) all agree that these one-time and potential total costs lie well within industry standards. Klingner has done work in similar-sized districts including CLark Couty R-1 and Knox County R-1 in the scope of $2-3 million, but also multiple projects in Quincy's Public School. They have an office in Columbia. In their interview, they provided sketches and ideas that encouraged me that they would think outside-the-box to solve our problems, stay within our price-constraints, and provide quality work as an all-include firm. What are we looking at doing? Initially, we are prioritizing a classroom wing at the Primary building (2nd grade) and a gymnasium (remember, there is a café-nasium currently at the Primary building). In addition, we hope to consider renovations of the middle school, potentially the track, and perhaps some one-time maintenance projects. The ultimate proposal (the bond) will be shaped by community input, assessing and prioritizing our needs internally, and we will do what's best for our kids. What are we looking at, bond-wise? We will discuss this at our next meeting (Nov 20), but we estimate we have bonding capacity at a no-tax increase level of approximately $8 million. We hope you will stay engaged with us during these processes. We will hold 3 public meetings to discuss this specific issue: November 27th, December 18th, and January 8th. We invite you to one or all of the meetings to listen and offer input and ultimately, we will be asking for your support for the bond in April 2018. If you are unable to make the meetings and have input, I know (or any of the board members) will be happy to hear your thoughts! Until Next Time, Craig
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AuthorHallsville resident. Foster Parent. School board member. Politico. Jesus Follower. Cardinals Fan #MizzouMade Archives
June 2020
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