On Jan. 28, the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School Board moved closer to starting the building renovations approved by voters in November.
A $5.29 million bond sale was approved, in addition to the larger bond issue in late 2018. The board’s bond counsel had eight bidders and obtained a lower interest rate than had been previously anticipated as what happened during the first bond sale in December 2018. The board received the bonds at a rate of 2.58 percent – compared to the original estimate of 3.2 percent. This will save taxpayers about $2 million over the life of these bonds, ACGC Superintendent Nels Onstad said.
The board also approved a contract with LHB architects of Duluth for 7.75 percent of the total project cost, plus expenses. A construction management contract with ICS Consulting of Blaine was approved. The base price of the contract was set at $428,999 plus an allowance for other contingencies. The contract will be paid in monthly installments as the work around the district is completed.
These actions were required for the board to get started with the renovation process.
Personnel matters
In closed session the board reviewed evaluations of Onstad by board members and staff. Vice Chairwoman Megan Morrison, who conducted the meeting in the absence of Board Chairman Mike Hendrickson, said that the board’s conclusion is that Onstad “is exceeding our expectations and we are thankful for the leadership that he is providing the district.”
The board also accepted a letter of retirement from longtime kindergarten teacher Jacqueline Zender and expressed its appreciation for her many years of service.
In other personnel matters, the board hired Brenda Gehrke as a special education substitute teacher for the rest of the school year and accepted resignations of two junior high coaches: Andrew Beerman, football coach, and Tanner Lilienthal, baseball coach.
Among other business
A school nursing consultation contract for Cosmos Learning Center was approved at $48.65 per hour.
Since enrollment for this year is down by about 18 students from the 2017-2018 school year, budget adjustments are needed as there will be a loss of per-pupil state and federal funding. The board directed Onstad and his administrative team to prepare recommendations for reductions in programming.
ACGC High School Principal and Dean of Students Robin Wall reported on the successful start to the REACH program, which was implemented to help build relationships and successful high school experiences for students with specific needs.
