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BELLEFONTE -- The Bellefonte Elementary Building Project is nearing completion on one of three major design schematics necessary for completing the building.
"Where we are (in the process) now is nearing the end of schematic design," said Damion Spahr, of Site LogIQ, at the school board's meeting this week. "When we're finished with this part of design, we go to design development and then construction documents which finishes the design."
Once this portion is finished, according to Spahr, they will create an estimate and sit down with KCBA Architect, to make sure that everything is included and that everyone agrees with the estimate given.
"Then we'll be able to come (to a board meeting) and talk about what that estimate is, how we adjust the design and what's going into the building. That will be at the end of June," said Spahr.
Leading up to the end of June, there will be more special meetings to work out details on the design.
There will be design meetings on May 31 and June 14.
"We've been incorporating things, taking comment from the public sessions that we've had," said Spahr.
Comments from the Special Education Director and Assistant Special Education Director indicated certain needs for the classrooms, resulting in a few changes on the schematic to make the spaces more ideal.
Emily Luizza, from KCBA, said the suggested changes were normal at this point in the process. These meetings with individuals who will be using the rooms are necessary to catch anything flawed in the design.
Board President Jon Guizar commented, "The sessions (we've) had with teachers, Administration and the Special Education Department have been going really well. I'm hoping that in the spirit of that, it will continue right down to the students. We're hoping that everybody has a say in this building -- it's a community building."
"If (anyone in the public has) something to offer on that, please reach out and we'll find what design session we can get you into. We don't want any stone unturned or any opinion left behind," said Guizar.
"On June 7, Emily and Mike Kelly are coming and we have different focus groups scheduled throughout that day -- some Bellefonte Elementary teachers, art teachers, music teachers and each of those subgroups. They will be here all day so we can talk to some teachers before they go home for the summer," said Superintendent Tammie Burnaford.
The design, estimate and completed schematic is planned to be presented on June 28.
In other news:
-- The school district has approved the job description for the Director of Safety and Security. It details a summary of the job, essential functions and requirements, responsibilities, evaluation, qualifications, skills and various work-related demands and abilities that must be met. The six page document is available to read on the school board's BoardDocs site.
-- The board has approved various donations to schools in the district, including field trip care bags and coloring materials to Pleasant Gap Elementary School from Wal-Mart; $3,000 for supply materials for the 2023-2024 school year to Pleasant Gap Elementary School from AdoptAClassroom.org and Stocker Subaru and Exercise Equipment (2x Smith Machines, 1x Leg Press Machine, 1x Leg Extension Machine, 1x Leg Curl Machine, 1x Adjustable Bench, 1x Flat Bench, 6x 45 lb Plates and 6x 25 lb Plates) to Bellefonte Area High School Athletic Department from Planet Fitness
The next Bellefonte Area School Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 13.