School board hears more on facility update

Story Construction, headquartered in Ames, wrapped up Thursday the five presentations to the Fairfield school board and administrators about facility updates for Fairfield High School.

Three representatives from the company, established in 1934, Mike Espeset, president; Jamie Rochleau, project manager; and Chad Allen, business development, didn?t bring floor plans ? ?We are not architects,? said Espeset ? but brought definitions, timelines and asked the board to pose questions they could answer.

On a handout, written questions from Story Construction included: What would you like to take away from our time together tonight? What if anything, related to facilities was part of your motivation to run for school board? When would you like to go to the public for a vote to support a high school project?

Fairfield superintendent Art Sathoff said he?d like to be ready for a vote April 2.

Board member Bob Waugh asked if it?s feasible for the district to accomplish its priority list for the proposed $10 million to $12 million.

Board member Jerry Nelson asked if the board can?t get the community to support a $10 million to $12 million project, what should it eliminate to make it less expensive.

Board member Rich Metcalf, elected last fall, said one of his motivations to run for school board was improving air quality and handling at the high school.

Board member Jeri Kunkle said she is interested in updating the high school so it?s better suited to 21st century learning practices, to include room for project-based learning, flexible learning areas and accommodations for technology.

Board member Jeremy Miller said he is interested to see Story?s concepts and drawings.

Espeset, responding to Waugh?s question, said depending on what mechanical system the district chooses, the air handling ? and electrical and plumbing updates in conjunction with HVAC ? will dictate the budget and how much is left for other needs.

?Your building has pretty good bones, and is already ?green,?? said Espeset. ?It was built with day lighting windows. During the 1970s energy crisis, so many schools covered part of their windows in a move to be more efficient.

?Down in Keokuk right now, Story is working a renovation on their high school to restore the full windows,? he said. ?We could do that at Fairfield because it was designed that way. With new, energy-efficient windows and air-conditioning, it really makes a difference.?

Espeset also addressed another Fairfield priority, the locker rooms.

?If there is a way to get everyone out of the basement, that would be good and you could then use your basement for storage, another of your needs,? he said. ?The locker rooms could be on the first level and serve multiple purposes.

?We could move the wrestling room and open up that area for a music suite.?

Espeset added one of Story?s goals is to keep money circulating locally by hiring local contractors, a feasibility when working with a construction manager rather than a general contractor.