W-MU School Board puts on thinking cap for future building projects

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

WINFIELD ? Winfield-Mt. Union Superintendent Jeff Maeder wants the school board to be thinking about what construction projects they?d like to see in the future.

Maeder said, during the board?s regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11, that he had been in contact with Iowa Construction Advocacy (ICA) and they were willing to lend their support, once the school had ideas of where they?d like to go in the future.

Several years ago, the board had an architect create a few plans for building improvements and construction. Maeder said the board still had cost estimates on those projects, which included demolishing the portable buildings and adding a new wing to the school. Maeder said despite the cost estimates being about four years old, the architect had included rough projects for what building costs might be later down the line.

Carmen Benson, the school?s business manager, said the portable classrooms have always been at the top of the school board?s to-do list as they have outlived their timespan. Benson added HVAC, the school?s heating and cooling system, were also an area the board would like to work on.

Maeder told the board he was planning to meet with ICA next week during the state?s school board convention.

In an athletic update, Maeder said the tiling project on the baseball field has been completed for right under $5,000. ?(Water) on the field should run straight down and we should be able to play even on days we have rain.?

Maeder said he also visited again with the Winfield City Council and they are still willing to split the cost with the school on fencing repairs for the field.

Maeder also told the board that the school is currently working with Wapello to share an English Language Learners teacher.

In other business, the board:

? Approved the instructional support levy.

? Approved the continued participation in the instructional support program.

? Approved SIAC committee members.

The W-MU School Board will meet next on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., at the school?s media center.