Cadott School Board; Bids approved for high school gym remodeling
Plans to update the Cadott High School gym moved forward, March 8, as board members approved bids for a number of the aspects of the project, during a regular meeting.
Members saw images of options for the gym floor design, ahead of a vote later in the evening. One option had the area behind the free-throw line area filled in with a darker color, while the other did not.
Ryan Beachem, director of buildings and grounds, said the companies who stain the floors said they have never done the area behind the free-throw area filled in before.
They also discussed line color for the court.
“White lines are a lot more noticeable,” said superintendent Jenny Starck.
Caleb Hundt, junior and senior high principal, says gray and white lines also keep the court all Cadott colors, rather than reds and greens like they currently have.
Board member Becca Blanchette asked if they could have the free-throw area not filled in, but have the white, gray and yellow color scheme for the floor markings.
“I think we would do the white and gray, anyway,” said Starck. “Just because it makes it easier to see.”
Hundt agreed they are pretty much convinced the white and gray will be best for basketball, and volleyball.
Ced Boettcher, board member, also suggested they check into what floor markings Special Olympics uses for basketball skills.
“Are you saying stuff that isn’t there now?” asked Beachem.
Boettcher said he does not know if those markings are included on the standard basketball markings.
“I think they usually just put tape on the floor,” said Boettcher.
Starck says their goal is to not have to put tape on the floor.
The board voted in favor of the more common option, where the area behind the freethrow line is not stained a darker color.
Starck also wanted to confirm they had the correct school logo before finalizing the floor design.
“There are two similar, but different designs,” said Starck. The one logo was the more commonly seen version of the Cadott Hornet throughout the district, while the other is “angrier” looking, because of a raised eyebrow and has slightly different hands. Starck says she could not find how the “angrier” logo came about, or if it was ever board-approved.
Board member Donna Albarado says her daughter, a graphic designer, tweaked the school logo to exude more attitude, at the request of athletic director Steve Mengel. The only place that logo is used frequently, is on the football helmets.
Blanchette says she thinks it makes sense to stick with the more widely-used option, instead of the “angrier” looking logo. Members agreed, and voted in favor of that option.
The board also approved a flooring bid for the gym from Baseman Floor, in an amount not to exceed $22,800. Beachem says their price was nearly identical to other bids and they have been great to work with in the past.
During public comment, district resident Char Seibel asked if cutouts for wheelchair accessibility was taken into consideration, when looking at new bleachers.
“The new ones are all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant,” said Beachem.
Beachem said the bids he received were very similar and he would be comfortable with either one. He says he did have a third bid, but that company would be unable to install the bleachers, because they are from Canada, and quarantine would be needed.
Members voted to approve a bid from Hussey Bleachers, in an amount not to exceed $105,000.
An HVAC bid for the gym was also approved, with a vote in favor of Trane, for an amount not to exceed $320,777.
Beachem says the four air-handlers in the gym now, plus two in the balcony, will be removed.
“We’re going to put one big unit outside,” said Beachem, adding the system will heat and cool the gym, and balcony area.
Beachem says the new system should be about three times as efficient, as well as open up the look and feel of the gym.
Members also approved the CESA 10 service contract for the 2021-22 school year. Starck explained CESA provides services that the district would either be unable to provide on their own, or would not be effi cient for the district to provide. She says an example of contracted services, are physical therapy for students with disabilities.
Members also approved the 2021-22 school calendar, with a spring break that aligns with other area districts. Starck says she recommends the matched spring break, as that option was the most preferred option in a survey. She also provided information to the board on the impact of spring break on student achievement.
“There isn’t clear evidence in research around certain calendars giving you certain advantages, when it comes to student achievement,” said Starck.
The retirement of Dena Manier, elementary school counselor was approved during the consent agenda, effective June 1.
It has been a privilege to have served hundreds of children and their families throughout my 28-year career, including 24 with the Cadott School District, wrote Manier. I am very thankful for, and truly value, the many relationships I have formed with students, staff and families.
Members also approved the hire of Corey Adams, junior and senior high school science teacher.
In a COVID update, Starck reported to the board that over 80 staff members who were eligible and wanted a vaccine, were able to get their first dose, with a second dose scheduled for April.
“Everybody who wanted one was able to get one, so we felt pretty good about that,” said Starck.
When it comes to whether eSucceed students will return to Cadott classrooms next year, or not, Starck says many families answered a survey saying they have not decided yet.
Starting Monday, March 15, the 3:30 p.m. end time for the school day, will resume.
“That busing has been arranged,” said Starck.
