RC Superintendent Tidbits
By: Mark Otten
Rock County High School will have a new look in the fall. As you know, the Board of Education has been tasked with addressing the safety and security needs of our students in the junior high and high school. Many of the issues needing addressed will get addressed with the renovation/addition project set to take place this summer. This project will update the electrical and plumbing within the existing 1960 portion of the building. It will also get our offices moved to the front of the building creating a secure entrance to our facility. The final issue being addressed is the lack of dedicated space for our Spanish/FCS classes due to our school-based business and concessions needs. This will no longer be an issue once the project is completed.
The Board of Education put together a committee which included Mark Klemesrud-board member, Kristy Beard-board member, Mark Otten-Superintendent, Jacob Sertich-Architect, Dennis Swanson-local businessman, and Justin Teel-local contractor. The committee was tasked with interviewing candidates to fill the construction manager position for the project and give a recommendation to the full Board of Education. Three companies were interviewed and all three did a great job in their presentations. The committee recommended Sampson Construction out of Kearney and the Board of Education accepted that recommendation.
The first design schematic meeting took place last week and it was an interesting meeting. Discussed were the uses of the dedicated spaces and the needs for them, the updating of the electrical and mechanical equipment and problems that could arise with obtaining equipment, as well as the general floor plan. At some point in the near future, we will be able to put floor plans out so you all can see what the project is going to do for our students, staff, and community. Our goal is to provide solutions to all of the identified issues which will produce a quality product at the most affordable price possible.