Superior School Board retains architectural firm

The Superior Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting in the library of Superior High School, Monday, at 7:30 p.m. All board members were present.

Marty Kobza, superintendent of the Superior school system, introduced two representatives from Clark and Enersen, a Lincoln architectural firm. Jeff Chadwick and Tim Ripp offered a presentation for board members and others in attendance.

The firm has a dedicated PreK to 12 integrated design team. The team is comprised of architects, engineers and interior designers. The firm has undertaken projects in more than 30 school districts in Nebraska over the past 15 years. Clark and Enersen was founded in 1946 in Lincoln.

Chadwick and Ripp opened with a summary of the capabilities of their firm. They presented an overview of past and current projects for Nebraska school districts.

The first phase of a renovation project for the high school would be a redesign and renovation of the entrance to the high school. The design would enhance security. A major renovation would provide a conference room as well as a dedicated room for the school nurse. The team also offered to develop designs for the recently acquired 17 acre plot of land. This would be a long range proposal.

Chadwick and Ripp described the process the design team employs. The proposed projects would be presented at a kickoff meeting which would allow input from board members and the public. The firm’s mission is to identify and best address the specific space and security needs of the school district in the most cost efficient and design efficient manner possible.

The initial scope of work for the firm in Superior will be with the entry and office renovation. Another facet of the project is improvement to the parking areas as well as improving traffic flow in and out of the campus.

The design phase is next. The board was given a time line if the project is to be completed by next summer. The firm offers a lower fee structure than similar architectural and engineering firms.

The board approved having Kobza enter into a standard contract with the firm. Public input is welcomed by the board.

Kobza updated the board on the progress of several projects currently underway. New lockers have arrived off site where they are being assembled. They will then be installed in the middle and high school buildings.

New carpet is being installed in three classrooms as well as the boys and girls varsity locker rooms.

The replacement installation of the high school gymnasium floor is complete. The middle school gymnasium floor has been refinished.

Additional fencing is being installed at the elementary school. This will expand the grassy area for students to utilize.

The bi-polar ionization system has been installed. It assists with clearing the air of pollutants utilizing negative ionization. The units were installed in the existing air ducts.

Kobza provided an overview of proposed health standards and critical race theory standards from the Nebraska Department of Education. He emphasized that school boards are not required to adopt these standards. The board has the option to implement them or not.

The board approved June claims for $581,002.94. The board approved the disposal of surplus property.

The board approved the elementary, secondary and staff handbooks. The activity handbook will be up for approval at the next meeting.

The board approved offering an instructional contract to Rachel Bruening as a special education teacher. She has family ties to Superior.

The next scheduled board meeting is Monday, Aug. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

The board will hold a budget workshop, Monday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m.