FEMA project well underway
Abbotsford District Administrator Ryan Bargender gave the school board an update on the FEMA project at the board’s monthly meeting on November 22.
The walls and ceilings are currently in place for a majority of the project. The framework for the gymnasium as well as classrooms that will be in the building are taking shape. The large amount of concrete and rebar in the walls and ceilings are what classifies the building as a storm shelter and what ultimately qualified the project to be used for FEMA funds which helped fund a majority of the project.
Most of the concrete for the project has been poured and is in the process of being cured. That process could take up to 28 days, Bargender said. With the cold weather that has gone through the area as of late, Bargender said HSR Associates, the district’s engineering team, has been lobbying on the school’s behalf for a warranty for any concrete that might have issues curing with the cold temperatures.
“We had a couple of different meetings,” Bargender said. “The roofing company said they’ve done quite a few roofs like ours and they’ve never had an issue. If there is an issue, it will happen right away.”
The building’s doors and windows have largely been covered in plastic in order to heat the inside of the building which will allow the concrete to cure faster.
In the coming days, Market and Johnson will be pouring concrete for the west classroom area and bathrooms. They will install concrete masonry units on the equipment platform walls, continue truss and bracing installation, continue with plumbing to be installed throughout the building and other utilities will be placed while construction continues.
“Overall the project is going well,” Bargender said.
The project has used 40% of the district’s contingency fund which was set aside for change orders and unexpected costs.
The area remains an active worksite so students, staff and parents are prohibited from entering the fenced construction area.
Other business
n The board took a primary look at next year’s school calendar. The Wednesday late starts will once again be in place and a week-long spring break will take place from March 25 - 29, 2024.
n The district will be getting an estimated $7.725 million in state aid for the 2022-23 school year. It will also receive $42,563 in high-poverty aid from the state for the 2022-23 school year.
n The Department of Public Instruction released its district and school report cards for the 2021-22 school year. The district scored a 66 which is categorized as meeting expectations. The score is down 12 points from the district’s score of 78.6 (exceeding expectations in 2020-21). However, the department put out a disclaimer stating the numbers could be inflated or deflated by Covid measures.
n The district went through an active shooter drill on October 13. Bargender said in his report that the drill focused on reuniting kids with their parents and said it went well.
n The district will be adding various classes to the curriculum rotation over the next couple of years.
Business teacher Brett Nelson will be bringing a new look to Investment & Insurance Strategies for Financial Success, Strategies for a Successful Work – Life Balance, Leadership Skills and Athletic Administration. The ag department now headed by Jillian Tyler will be adding a Feed the World class and will be working with NTC to add some additional dual credit opportunities.
