RC Board continues roof funding process
By BILL RICHMOND
City editor
The Randolph Central School Board Tuesday discussed getting funding to proceed with the installation of a new sloped steel roof on Winchester Community High School.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Hinshaw said a bid opening and 1028 hearing for a common school loan will be held Thursday. Sept. 16 at the school corporation's administrative office. Hinshaw said he feels the corporation's chances of being approved for a common school loan are pretty good.
"The loan requires a public hearing to receive public input and gauge public support of the project," he said. "I feel community input will be positive given the significant need."
Board members Scott Hawkins and Dallas Osting reported on last week's pre-bid meeting with Charles R. Howard, president of metal Roof Consultants, Inc., and prospective roof project contractors. Metal Roof Consultants has prepared a design for the WCHS metal roof and will oversee the bidding process to hire a general contractor for the job.
Hawkins said the meeting was thorough and professional.
"Nine contractors and three manufacturers attended," Hawkins said. "Some of them actually walked up on the roof to inspect it first hand."
Osting said Howard seems determined to get the roof project done right with the right kind of people.
Work on the roof is expected to start by mid-October. Construction of the new metal roof should take six to eight weeks.
Hinshaw said the proposed common school loan would be for $1.2 to 1.9 million.
"As I know this board, they will likely try to borrow as little as possible for the shortest time possible," he said. "We have enough appropriations available to go a long way towards funding this, but we don't want to tie up all our money."
Special session board meetings are slated for Sept. 11 to open bids and Sept. 16 to name the successful bidder.
Hinshaw also reported on the Indiana Writing Project at Winchester Community High School.
"This is something that has been in process at the high school since last spring," he said. "It is one of the activities that will take place in place of ISTEP. As part of the ISTEP transition process this year there will be no fall test for freshmen. The program involves evaluating student writing samples to find ways to improve the writing skills of WCHS freshmen and sophomores.
Curriculum director Lisa Chalfant said the Writing Project is being conducted at the high school in conjunction with Ball State University.
If they see trends when they evaluate our student writing samples," Chalfant said they will offer advice on classroom instruction."
Board members also discussed their current practice of holding their meetings at various school buildings on a rotating basis. The practice was undertaken to accommodate school patrons, as the school corporation's administrative office is not handicap accessible.
Hinshaw suggested meeting at one location on a consistent basis.
"It will help the public to know where the meeting will be held and make it easier for the person who sets up the sound and recording equipment," Hinshaw said.
The board approved a motion suggested by Osting to have board meetings (except for the special session meetings to receive and open roof construction bids) at the WCHS library until the first of the year.
