District One updates on bond projects

Community members were given a rundown of 2014 bond expenditures during the Yuma Elementary School District One public hearing meeting on Tuesday night.

According to Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Valenzuela, in “November of 2014 voters approved a $37 million bond for the following capital improvements: facility maintenance, safety and security improvements, technology upgrades, energy efficiency upgrades and new construction.”

She added that April of 2015 was the bond closing date for $21 million and November of 2017 was the bond closing date for $16 million.

Valenzuela said the bond expenditures for fiscal year 2017-2018 are as follows:

• $1.4 million on facilities and maintenance, which includes but is not limited to restroom renovations, flooring and painting

• $186,000 for safety and security, which includes alarm system upgrades and camera installations

Valenzuela says as part of phase two of the bond, the district spent $53,000 in administrative fees. The chief financial officer said current projects include site work for the new Dorothy Hall Elementary School campus.

McCarthy Building Companies is the general contractor for the Dorothy Hall Elementary School project. In September, the District One board approved $1,055,864 as the maximum cost for initial work on the site at 44th Street and Avenue 6E.

Future expenditures include projects at Alice Byrne (estimated $1.9 million), Palmcroft (estimated $630,000) and Ron Watson (estimated at $2.8 million) elementary schools.

Later on Tuesday night, the board held a regular governing board meeting in which:

• “High Five” employee awards were given to Kate Lasch, Janna Baker, Melissa Craig, Ricka Farkas and Matthew Kaste.

• A parent spoke of a personal matter concerning special education procedures and treatment during the call to the public. She was referred to meet with Superintendent James Sheldahl.

• Students from J.D. Price Elementary School gave a presentation that included facts about their school.

• The board approved a resolution for School Bus Safety Week — Oct. 22-26.

• Valenzuela said the district’s total enrollment on the 40th day of the new school year was 8,760, an increase over the 20th day by 54 students.

• Sheldahl presented the district’s donation recognition. “This month alone, the donations totaled $30,559. 90,” he said.