Jewell- The new school year at South Hamilton is off to a good start. Superintendent Heather Holm reported to the board Monday evening that it has been positive for the first few weeks since the start of August 24th. Work on the auxiliary gym is progressing with precast walls expected in October and the goal of sealing the building before winter. Issues regarding the school’s HVAC system are being addressed. The South High Pride Booster Club donated Turf Tank improving field-painting efficiency. South Hamilton elementary principal Steve Neuberger reported to the board that FAST testing is underway at the school with Data Day scheduled for September 23rd. The School of the Wild program at Little Wall Lake is underway. The elementary school will have bus safety/evacuation and fire drills are planned for later this month. September enrollment at the elementary school ranges from 50 to 58 students. The student enrollment count for all grades is set for October.
In other matters, the South Hamilton School board accepted a donation of a trailer from Steve Luppes of S and K Trailers for the Music Boosters.
The school board approved the Change Order Request for over-excavation and engineered fill in the amount of $78,082.50 to be paid from the project contingency allowance. Once the work began, less excavation was needed beneath the footings, resulting in a credit, while additional excavation was needed beneath portions of the floor slabs to reach suitable soil conditions. Engineered fill was then brought in and compacted to provide the proper base for the slabs. The original construction documents anticipated that actual excavation needs could vary based on field conditions.
The first reading on a board policy for disruptive behavior was read with the second reading set for the October board meeting. In personnel matters, the South Hamilton board approved the resignations of school associates Chasity Runge and Tracy Krumm and a new work agreement for Doug Sogard as a custodian.