Change Order Saves School District Just Under $10 Grand

WATER VALLEY – The school district is getting a bonus of almost $10,000 as construction enters the final phase at the high school and junior high buildings.
Hill Construction Company submitted a change order on the window replacement project that returns $7,914.50 in unused contingency funds and $2,000 in unneeded brick replacement money, for a total of $9,914.50.
School board trustees approved the change order during the second meeting of the month Monday night.
The returned funds were part of the original $414,000 contract, reducing the cost of the extensive renovations to $404,085.50.
Superintendent Kim Chrestman told trustees that construction at the high school continues while the junior high building is basically complete with new windows and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. “My understanding is that it is pretty cool over there in some of the classrooms,” he said with a grin.
He added that the janitorial staff has almost completed waxing the floors in the junior high in preparation for the start of school.
“All windows have been installed at the high school and are being prepped for final inspection,” he continued. “All the HVAC units have been installed and workers are completing the duct work and much of the drop ceiling has been replaced.”
“Keep all fingers crossed that we will have work completed on time and the floors will be ready for the students on Aug. 7.”
Turning to Davidson Elementary School, he noted that Marchbanks Roofing has replaced the roof on the 5th and 6th grade building this summer. “We are excited about this since we have been dealing with leaks for many years,” said Chrestman.
“Hill Construction Company continues to work on the covered walkway between the K-4 building and the 5th and 6th grade building. The structure is in place awaiting the canopy from the manufacture.”
He added that it was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and plans are to put it up Wednesday. The project should be completed before school opens.
After completing his report on the construction, Chrestman said that he is very excited about the 2014-2015 school year. “With our new administration at DES and Dr. (Glenn) Kitchens returning to the high school, I believe we will have the opportunity to have a great year.”
“I am really feeling good. I am excited even with all the uncertainties. This is probably as positive as I have gone into a school year from where I sit,” he said.
“As we begin the year it is hard not to remember Dr. Carol Gary and P. J.,” said Chrestman, referring to the former DES principal and her son who were murdered last year.
Becoming emotional, Chrestman talked about the contributions the popular principal made to the district.
He ended his superintendent’s report by praising the administrative team he has in place, the growth made last year by the students and the technology that has been installed.
“I think we can make some really positive growth this year.”

There are a lot of uncertainties in public education that can and will affect the Water Valley School District in the upcoming year.  Uncertainties like Charter Schools, MAEP Funding, a lawsuit on MAEP Funding, School Choice, School District Consolidation, Average Daily Attendance vs. Average Daily Membership, Common Core State Standards or something else, the new Mississippi Accountability system(changed 3 times last year), and what kind of assessments (PARCC, SATP, or something else??).  Public schools in Mississippi need to know what we need to do and what we will be facing. 
Former Governor, Ronnie Musgrove, is recruiting school districts across the state to join in a lawsuit to recoup $1.5 billion of underfunding in MAEP since 2010.  There are many considerations to evaluate for those districts that choose to join or not to join.  There could be significant unintentional consequences that could be devastating to the state and many school districts.  Based upon what I believe these consequences could be, I will be recommending to the school board that Water Valley School District not participate in the lawsuit.
Construction at the Water Valley High School continues.  The Junior High building is basically complete with new windows and new HVAC.  Janitorial staff has almost completed the Junior High with the waxing of the floors, etc., in preparation for school starting.  All windows have been installed at the High School and being prepped for final inspection.  All HVAC units have been installed and workers are working on the final installation of the duct work.  Much of the drop ceiling has been replaced.  Keep all fingers crossed that we will have the work completed on time and the floors ready for the students on August 7, 2014. 
Marchbanks Construction has completed the replacing the roof on the 5th & 6th grade building at Davidson Elementary School this summer.  WVSD is excited about this as we have been dealing with leaks for many years. 
Hills construction continues to work on the covered walkway between the K-4 building and the 5-6th grade building.  Structure seems to be in place awaiting the canopy from the manufacturer.  Plans are to have the project completed prior to school opening.
I am very excited about the 2014-2015 school year.  With new administration at DES and Dr. Kitchens returning to the High School, we believe that we will have to opportunity to have a great year.  And…as we prepare for school to start, Water Valley is hosting the Watermelon Festival.  We hope all will come out and help Water Valley celebrate this wonderful time of the year.