Mark Messman – EV-W Superintendent
Getting ready for the construction phases
I hope you’re enjoying a great week. I’m excited to begin working on our facility improvement plan and want to share a general overview of the timeline. Please keep in mind this is a preliminary timeline that will be frequently impacted and modified by the availability and timing of materials, work force, pricing and bidding, and weather related delays.
First, I’ll address the bond schedule that will provide the financial proceeds necessary to complete the work. The school board will authorize a resolution outlining the details and timing for the pre-sale of the eight million-dollar bond at our January board meeting. The bond will then be released on the financial market for banks and investment firms to compete for the purchase and interest earnings. The school board will award the bond bid at a February meeting.
In the meantime, we’ll have some surveying and soil boring completed at each elementary building site during the month of December. The surveying and soil boring results are required to assure the sites for future building and development will meet desired specifications. The majority of construction and facility improvements will take place during the summer months of 2019 and 2020, a two phase process.
Phase one, the summer of 2019 will be dedicated to the start and finish of securing and improving Watkins Elementary School. Various contractors will complete site work, masonry, sprinkling, HVAC, and electrical upgrades with the expectation to have the building available to students and staff in late August. Eden Valley Elementary will have work completed in both phase one, the summer of 2019, and phase two, the summer of 2020. Phase one work will include the addition of a secure entrance and vestibule, conference room, bathrooms, and upgrading existing bathrooms on the main corridor. Phase two, the summer of 2020 will include improvements to HVAC throughout the building, electrical panel replacement, parking lot, sidewalks, and some additional district sponsored projects to replace doors and cabinetry.
Improvements to the 1927 building and secondary school will be completed during phase two, the summer of 2020. This work will include the demolition and rebuild to some halls, stairs, and bathrooms, along with major plumbing and HVAC improvements throughout.
Our construction management firm and architects are recommending the two phases due to the six month lead time currently experienced for delivery on HVAC equipment and steel products. Construction and completion of work on the 1927 building may also present some challenges to our school calendar for 2019-20. We’ll be sure to keep you informed as the process, timing, and scheduling continues to unfold.
American education week
The school district recognized our outstanding EV-W educators and celebrated numerous service awards during American education week on Nov. 12-16. I would like to say thank you and commend the professional educators working tirelessly to support the academic needs of our EV-W kids. I’m amazed as I frequently witness staff providing emotional support, fostering independence, and routinely providing additional time, tutoring, and resources to compliment student learning.
These efforts cannot go unappreciated or unrecognized. Therefore, I write to personally thank the tremendous staff working for the Eden Valley-Watkins School District. I appreciate everything they do and the time invested in our children, schools, and community. Please, take a moment to share your testimonies with staff that have made a difference in your life.
Support staff recognition
It’s my pleasure to recognize the sixth annual support staff recipients sponsored by resource training and solutions at River’s Edge Center Wednesday, Nov. 14. I’d like to commend Kelly Salzl and Tim Hartfiel for their representation of educational excellence in the EV-W School District. This annual recognition banquet also provides us with the timely opportunity to recognize and honor all of the school support staff who continually go above and beyond their required duties, including our bus drivers, custodians, buildings and grounds personnel, cooks, educational and media/technology support staff, and clerical support for their commitment and dedicated service to the students and staff of EV-W. Thank you.
Senior spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Jennifer Schreifels, daughter of Lorie and Allen. Jennifer is recognized for her kindness and consideration of others. She has a passion for horses and agriculture. Currently, Jennifer serves as the president of the EV-W FFA Chapter and provides leadership and guidance to those she encounters. Following high school graduation, Jennifer plans on attending the University of Minnesota at Morris. The EV-W administration, faculty and staff are extremely proud of Jennifer and her many accomplishments. Congratulations.