Jefferson-Morgan hires architect
JEFFERSON – Jefferson-Morgan School Board voted Monday to hire an architect to complete a feasibility study for possible renovations to the middle-senior high school.
The board approved a contract with Valentour, English, Bodnar and Howell to conducted the study at a cost not to exceed $10,000.
The board’s building, grounds and safety committee had interviewed four architects and recommended Valentour, English, Bodnar and Howell, which has done work for the district in the past, said board member Bob Mitchell, who heads the committee.
The architect will be looking at general building renovations including replacement of the roof and windows, upgrades to the heating and air condition systems and electrical system and possibly classrooms re-configurations, he said.
The architect is expected to have the study completed in about four months. The middle-senior high school was constructed in 1955 and was last renovated in 1985.
The board also approved a resolution urging the state to continue the Planning and Construction program under which districts receive state reimbursements for school construction and renovation projects. Last year, the state budget included a moratorium on accepting applications for the program.
The board accepted the retirements of four teachers, whom board President Mark Pochron said together have more than 100 years of teaching experience. They are Anne D’Antonio, lead support teacher; Donna Dolan, kindergarten teacher; Janet Cunningham, learning support teacher; and Alan Rafail, elementary teacher.
The board thanked them for their years of dedicated service to students of the district.
The board approved a three-year contract with the Jefferson-Morgan Education Support Personnel Association which represents about 30 cafeteria, custodial and secretarial personnel and classroom aides.
The contract includes a wage freeze the first year and increases the final two that vary based on the position, according to business manager Jennifer Foringer
The board accepted the resignation of Scott Rhodes, varsity wrestling coach, and Mike Lesko, assistant varsity wrestling coach; and voted to post and advertise the positions. It also voted to reappoint Ellen Hildebrand varsity girls basketball head coach; and Chris Niemec, varsity boys basketball head coach.