Middle School gym floor replacement addressed by School Board

by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman

HURON –– During a previous meeting, the replacement of the wood floor at the Middle School was tabled to explore potential options regarding cost. Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff reported that he was recently shown by staff that the floor is actively buckling.
Steinhoff did note that there is money available to do the repair to do repairs, but the active issues with the gym could lead to the gym being potentially dangerous or hazardous for both physical education classes and for lower-level basketball games.
Board member Garrett Bischoff explained that he inspected the floor and the condition is hazardous, but with the moisture under the floor that is causing the heaving and displacement, there is also the worry of mold. He strongly encouraged work to find what was wrong under the floor.
Based on that, a construction manager at risk contract with Puetz Design & Build was approved, with board member Cardona casting the one “nay” vote. A contract for architecture from JLG to oversee the project to meet state bid laws to draw plans for the floor for $25,440 was approved unanimously.
Superintendent Steinhoff read off the long list of celebrations, including All-State basketball selections, wrestling place-winners at statewide tournaments, the Special Olympics basketball team and the cheerleading team for recent tournament performances, and the birth of three children to educators in the district. He also read multiple thank yous across the district.
Good news report was given by the newspaper club from the Washington 4-5 center. Michelle Azar oversees the program, but the report was given by multiple students, each discussing their experience as part of the newspaper club. Azar noted that the club began last school year, and she was proud to see how many students returned for a second year with the paper.
In the business manager’s report, Kelly Christopherson noted that the school year is now 75 percent complete, but the receipts for the year are at 67 percent of the budget. He also explained that the expenditures are at 64 percent of the budget.
Steinhoff reported during his superintendent report that he misspoke at a recent meeting on the kindergarten enrollment numbers. He quoted 91 students had registered, but he did not mention the junior kindergarten students who would enroll next year in kindergarten, and he also explained that from registration to fall enrollment, the average increase would put the kindergarten class roughly in line with previous years.
Steinhoff also reported that an election forum will be held May 9, at 9 a.m., at City Hall for the upcoming school board election.
The Board also:

• Approved five new hires.
• Approved eight resignations.
• Approved two contracts.
• Approved the ASBSD worker’s compensation insurance renewal.
• Approved the ASBSD health insurance renewal.
• Approved student residence acceptance request.
• Approved a resolution to authorize membership in the South Dakota High School Activities Association.