Galesburg Reporter

Mercer County School District 404 Board of Education met May 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees:

Mercer County School District

Scott Petrie - Superintendent

Julie Wagner -Board President

Don Yates - Board Vice President

Bill Smock - Board Secretary

Mike Browns - School Board

Mark Bieri - School Board

Jason Monson - School Board

Bill Fleuette - Elementary Principal

Marcus Bush - Elementary Principal

Bray Architects

John Mahon - Architect

Mark Miller - Architect

Nick Woodard – Architect

Reported By: Bray Architects

Purpose of Meeting: Building and Grounds Committee monthly meeting to discuss direction of district wide planning efforts.

Overall Summary: Mercer County School District (MCSD), Bray Architects, and School Perceptions (SP) reviewed and discussed the current, updated community survey document, community survey timeline, and potential project options.

Meeting Minutes

1. Update and Recap

John provided a summary of the prior meeting and events which transpired since that meeting.

2. New Boston

Three plan options were presented which illustrate possible options for expanding the New Boston Elementary.

Question was asked as to the size of the three different additions. It was discussed that these are larger than projected in the program, however efficiency can be gained when refining these plans.

Discussion was held regarding connections between classrooms. It was noted that accordion doors are not recommended, however folding panel systems would be recommended. If an opening would be used regularly a sliding door or overhead operating door. If the desire is connection for ease of collaboration, then a single door between classrooms would be the most sensible option. Through discussion, the option of placing classroom entry doors in proximity would be a reasonable solution.

Comment was made that the two-story approach would be preferable as it provides a smaller footprint. The shorter hallway, smaller roof and preservation of site were noted as benefits to this option.

The commons was discussed. The building currently runs an overlapping lunch schedule so the size of room would be adequate to remain as-is.

The gym at back of addition was discussed as a possible preferable for the gym location.

However, Marcus noted that the gym is better suited when moved to the front of building is better suited for programming within the building. If the gym was placed to the front of building, and the existing multi-purpose room was more open, this would be more beneficial for the building. Marcus stated that this would provide more ability for group activity, overflow and special events in the building.

Bill asked how many preschool rooms were needed. Preschool was discussed as needing two rooms.

SGI spaces were discussed. The question was asked how these spaces look in a hall space. These can be open with glass or enclosed like a small conference room. Marcus noted that the building currently provides SGI with multiple students in a single room.

Mike asked if it would be better to have a small individual space, or a group room similar to the existing. It was noted that approximately 3 spaced that are sized for 4-6 people would be necessary. If a single room, then storage needs will be higher. The Bray team will explore both approaches.

Jason asked what the population of the building would be in New Boston. There are 212 students in the building, Kindergarten through 4 with half day program. Fifth grade will add 30 students and Pre-K will add approximately 10 more students.

Kitchen needs were discussed. The concern is whether a kitchen should be included in the building, or a central kitchen provide food service. Scott clarified that a central kitchen is better for staffing. Breakfast is prepped on site with materials that are delivered the night prior. Cooks transport food for lunch service to each building from the central kitchen. Marcus commented that this building has the largest service of free and reduced. His comment was that a kitchen is more beneficial and would better serve the needs of the community for the long term. There was discussion regarding full preparation versus full cooking versus service only for kitchen options. The group would like to consider a prep kitchen for the building. The Bray team will explore options for kitchen solutions as moving forward.

3. High School

Some general considerations were discussed for beginning to master plan the high school building and property. Possible site locations and program features were raised as discussion points. It was noted that an approach would be to move the 'front' of the building to a different side. The existing classroom wing would be removed. The vo-tech building would eventually be removed and replaced.

4. Apollo Elementary

There are current HLS items which need to be addressed at Apollo. These had been budgeted at $1 .7M. In addition, there is still a need for an additional multi-purpose room at this building. The HLS items will need to be accomplished and solutions should be explored for a multi-purpose room or gymnasium.

Question was raised as to whether a gym or cafeteria is more economical to accomplish. A cafeteria would require smaller footprint and less height making it more economical.

Kitchen needs were discussed at the building. The question was raised as to whether a cafeteria/multi-purpose room could be added near the existing kitchen. The gymnasium would remain as a gym only.

Comment was made that these spaces are better in proximity to one another and also better when close to the entry and font of building.

5. Bonding

A question was raised as to the disposition of funds for HLS. Scott clarified that the existing amendments were already bonded. Mark commented that the district will need to work on clarifying if funds allocated for Joy Jr. High can be moved to another purpose.

This will take a little work for getting these allocated.

6. General Discussion

Julie mentioned that there was discussion regarding Apollo which was not part of board action. In addition, there is food preparation space at Apollo and that consideration of this must be given to New Boston to create more equity within the district.

Julie also asked where special events will occur after the Joy campus is closed. Mike noted that this will be difficult for all buildings and will take special preparation for the district.

The above information is the interpretation of the meeting activities and comments; and should be reviewed by all attendees. Please comment on any discrepancies and inform the writer as soon as possible of any changes required.

https://www.mercerschools.org/_files/ugd/6b636f_696a13ef8ef846feb88f38d7c497014a.pdf