Rib Lake building projects on track
Rib Lake’s school building project is continuing to progress without major hiccups.
At the July 23 board meeting, district administrator Travis Grubbs updated members on the project and got approved for change orders. Grubbs said the projects for this summer are on pace to be completed on schedule.
As the project progresses, Grubbs said he was more comfortable looking at spending some of the contingency funds set aside for specific areas. He noted that the line item for unsuitable soils came in a lot lower than anticipated. While the bulk of the soil work is done, there is some yet remaining.
“It is looking very promising,” Grubbs said, noting that in upcoming meetings, the board may want to start looking at some additional projects that could be completed with the unused contingency funds.
Grubbs also asked for changes and additions to the project for the following items:
• Mill and overlay roughly 21,000 square feet north of high school to the bus garage at a price of $46,931.
• HVAC change to save $1,376.
• Fix concrete in renovated main office. A large crack was discovered during the work. Board members felt it was better to cut it out and make a solid repair that would last a long time rather than attempt to patch it. The cost will be based on time and material used and is not to exceed $7,500
• Adjust from gym wall graphic to solid paint color to save $14,000. The wall will be the maroon school color and will be painted rather than a vinyl decal like originally planned. A previous design had included additional elements to the design, but those had been dropped. Grubbs said he preferred going with the paint because in the long run it would be easier to make touch-ups to it if it became scuffed. “Maintaining it will be a lot easier,” he said.
There was also a discussion and formal approval of the particular shade of maroon that will be used on the exterior of the building. Previously the board had picked a slightly lighter shade, but noted that when a sample of it was seen in actual sunlight, it appeared far lighter than they wanted. Grubbs brought it back for options and board members approved going with a shade called “Brookwood Red” for the exterior.
“From now on it will be Rib Lake Maroon,” Grubbs said.
“That may have been the most nerve-wracking decision,” Grubbs said jokingly about selecting the building colors.
Grubbs asked the board to hold off on awarding the bid to put heat in the bus garage. He was looking for local contractors who might be able to do the project.
Board members also approved the following personnel changes:
• Alliyah Treu grades 3-5 mMusic and middle school/ high school choir. Grubbs noted she also has training and background in instrumental music. She is a recent graduate of UW-Stevens Point.
• Van Wiseman part-time library aide
• Delores (Dee) Eberhart - part-time custodian / Elementary Food Server
• Sheila Henson - part-time elementary special education aide.
In other business board members:
• Approved the academic standards. The district continues to follow the core standards and is aligned with state standards.
• Approved a second reading for updates to the student handbooks for the coming school year. There were no additional changes from last year.
• Approved keeping lunch prices the same as last year. Grubbs said they still have a surplus in the food service account and are focusing on having better, higher quality meals for students. Board member Rollie Thums praised that sentiment.
• Received word that the audit was completed and the process went well with the district and audits in agreement.
• Approved the Act 12 report on crime statistics on school property. Last year the district had one incident of use or possession of controlled substances on school property issue.
• Approved moving $58,583 into Fund 46 from carryover funds at the end of the school’s fiscal year. This will go toward future maintenance and upkeep projects at the school.
