CDL Electric Company out of Pittsburg won the bid on USD 257 security system instillation at Monday night’s board meeting. ROBERT and Toby Shaughnessy returned to speak with the board after Robert requested, at the last board meeting, to approve a tax abatement on repairs for a franchise restaurant, Sam and Louie’s Pizza, they are trying to open on North State Street. SAFE BASE director Angela Henry has come into a $100,000 supplemental grant opportunity with 21st Century Grant. IN OTHER news, the 2013-2014 school calendar is under negotiation.
CDL’s bid was significantly lower than its competitors bidding the work at $27,324. Its main competitors were Advantage Computers, bidding $57,633 and ADS, bidding $55,930.30.
“I’m not sure how they did it but CDL is significantly lower,” said Brett Linn technology director. “Because of the price we did question it.”
“We tried every avenue to prove it wrong and we couldn’t find it,” added Scott Stanley, director of operations.
Linn and Stanley did extensive research on CDL and found they were the best choice.
Installation will begin March 22. Originally the board had estimated $65,000 for the process.
Toby Shaughnessy addressed and was approved by the City Council on Jan. 28 for the tax rebate. The city later contacted the school board and informed them the request would fall under the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. The city scheduled a hearing on the issue for Feb. 25.
The school board approved the tax abatement on the improvements for the entity as long as the other governing bodies approve it as well.
“The added value that this business could bring to Iola is tremendous,” Toby said.
Toby Shaughnessy’s major concern is the first few years of a new business.
“This tax abatement would give me a peace of mind,” Toby Shaughnessy said. “It would take a weight off our shoulders.”
Henry approached the board during the public forum to ask permission to write the grant for a field trip to Colorado the last week of June.
The trip, Henry said, would be tied into the educational portion of the summer SAFE BASE program.
“They will learn to pitch tents, camp and cook,” she said.
She said she has been thinking about doing the trip for the past six years but funds would never allow it.
Henry was approved to write the grant, which is due by Feb. 25, and pursue the possibility of taking third- through eighth-graders on a trip to Colorado.
Superintendent of Schools Brian Pekarek gave a brief update on educated-related bills introduced by the Legislature.
Pekarek said the major bills that stand to affect USD 257 directly are SB 31, public employees’ paycheck deductions, related to political activities, SB 103 redefining at-risk pupils, SB 109 lobbying; use of public funds prohibited, HS 2221 school districts; transportation of nonresident pupils, which Pekarek said the board should be in favor of since it directly relates to the 10-mile rule, and the constitutional amendment concerning school finance.
“There is a lot of stuff happening right now and very quickly,” Pekarek said. “We need to be vocal about this.”
USD 257 principals gave a brief update of their respective schools and said parent-teacher conferences are going on and they would like to see all parents present, who can.
During executive session the board voted to suspend Richard Freimiller, without pay, pending investigation. Lana Burney’s, a fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson, resignation was accepted, effective March 16, and Dean Kipp’s resignation was also accepted, he is a food service custodian. Gale Ludlum’s transfer from part-time to full-time cook was accepted and Brigitte Hammond was approved for hiring as a paraprofessional.
USD 257 selects security bid
