February 17, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Special Meeting

Discussion:  President Boruch called the special meeting to order at 7:03 PM,  This special meeting was called to inform the public about the proposed bond for a building addition and improvements. Notice for this special meeting was posted at the Jeffrey Elementary School, Osceola Middle School/High School, Pinnacle Bank of Osceola, and the Osceola Post Office.  President Boruch stated that a copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the wall for public access. 

Discussion:  Also present were Superintendent Rinehart, Principal Maynard, Principal Webster, Debra Berry and several patrons.

Discussion:  There were no board members absent.

Discussion:  Board Treasurer Doug Rathjen addressed the patrons about how the process evolved to proposing a bond issue. A Community Committee was formed that involved patrons with and without students in school, landowners, homeowners, and business owners who presented suggestions and ideas.  Building repairs, security, and more space for activities are priorities. 

Superintendent Steven Rinehart informed the patrons about updating and implementing security at the elementary and middle/high school.  He talked about the leaking roofs at the elementary building and auditorium which is a concern to the air quality of the buildings.  The outdated kitchen also needs to be addressed.

Mrs. Nicci Kropatsch, 3rd Grade Teacher and Volleyball Coach, explained to those in attendance that more gym space is needed to allow for a more physical recess during cold days.  The state law states that the "feel like" temperature has to be above 13 degrees to be able to hold recess outside.  Also, scheduling of the gym is difficult due to the many activities which means that students are getting home at much later times.  Along those lines, locker room space is limited and there are times that the opposing team has to dress in a classroom.

Mr. Charles Roberts, Vice President of Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center Board, attested that a daycare center would help to attract and retain employees.  The town has a definite need for a daycare center. 

Superintendent Rinehart stated that a well designed gym would allow for more district level events which would bring revenue to Osceola.

Mr. Jacob Sertich of Wilkins Architecture presented pictures and diagrams of the layout of the proposed building addition.

Mr. Tobin Buchanan of First National Assets, talked about the impact to taxpayers.  The tax rate is currently 4.5 cents per $100,000.00 property value which is a $45.00 per year increase for a $100,000.00 home or parcel of land.

Mr. Mark Lewis of B-D Construction outlined the construction costs of the building. Multiple bids are gathered for 30 different categories of the construction process then are reviewed.

Mrs. Debra Girard, Polk County Clerk, talked about the ballots being mailed to registered voters of the Osceola School District.  The ballots may be returned to the Polk County Clerk's office at the courthouse or mailed in.  If voter registration is needed, please visit the Polk County Clerk website.

In summary the goals of the proposed bond is to address the following:

• Improvement of the elementary building entrance
• Increase storage space to elimination safety regulation violations
• Add classroom space at the Middle/High School
• Replace gym bleachers
• Increase elementary building’s PE/recess space
• Upgrade kitchen
• Improve safety for student drop off and pick up area, and parking
• Improve building security at both buildings
• New roof for elementary building and auditorium
• Face lift auditorium bricks on front steps

Thank you, Community Committee Members, for all of your suggestions and gathering information for the proposed bond, sitting at 2 basketball games to hand out and explain information, and mailing out flyers.  Thank you, Molly Gillespie, for running the projector at the 2 special bond meetings.  The Board of Education and Administration appreciates everyone's efforts, work and dedication.