Fatima’s new building plans to be fine-tuned with bond passage

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 3/29/23

WESTPHALIA  —  Fatima R-3 board members, at their March meeting, discussed fine-tuning building plans drawn up by Porter, Berendzen & Associates of Ashland.

Superintendent …

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Fatima’s new building plans to be fine-tuned with bond passage

Posted

WESTPHALIA    Fatima R-3 board members, at their March meeting, discussed fine-tuning building plans drawn up by Porter, Berendzen & Associates of Ashland.

Superintendent Chuck Woody explained that if voters approve the bond issue on Tuesday, the district will have until October to get everything lined out.

“That’s when we’ll solicit bids,” he said. “We would have a bid opening in November, and work would need to begin in December.”

He went on to explain that the central building, which houses administrative offices and storage space, cannot be demolished until the new building is complete.

Under the base plan presented to district patrons, a two-level gymnasium would be constructed. Woody said there isn’t enough space for various teams and organizations to hold practices or events simultaneously in the current gym.

A significant benefit of the new design is the enclosed campus. The last levy was approved in 2011 and provided new high school classrooms, but the elementary campus remained relatively unchanged. Additionally, parking on the east side of the building is another plus.

Woody noted that some classes would remain in the current high school building, and other rooms that may be vacated can be repurposed.

“Ultimately, this will be a great thing for Fatima.”

In terms of financing, Woody said that if the measure is approved, he would like to make a payment toward the project of some kind this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

Several Town Hall meetings were held at various locations within the district, and Woody is encouraged by the feedback he received.

“Several people told me they know more about the project this time and support what we’re trying to do,” he said.

In related ballot news, DJ Schroeder, Andrew Samson, Joyce Weber, Casey Helton, and Wayne Baumhoer are vying for three seats.

Board President Doug Luebbering and VP Keith Huhn are not seeking reelection and will attend their final meeting next month, which will be held on April 12 to certify election results. The board will dissolve and reorganize with new officers elected. That meeting begins at 7 p.m.

In other business, the board approved adding $1,500 to the base salary for certified staff plus steps for experience and education for the 2023-24 school year.

Additionally, the Master’s stipend was increased from $1,500 to $2,500.

The salary for certified salaried administrators will increase by $2,500, and non-certified salaried and non-certified hourly staff members will see an increase of 4.25%.

Last month, the board learned that employee insurance would go up 5.2% next year through the Ozark Schools Benefit Association (OSBA). At the March meeting, board members agreed to absorb that cost.

Woody noted the total, including additional insurance payments for employees, will be approximately $350,000.

“We’ll be okay, financially,” he said. “Even if we have to deficit-spend for a year or two, we have to do what we can to retain our staff and attract new employees.”

• Bills were approved totaling $470,744.19.

Remaining business will be presented next week.