LM building project nears completion

LECK KILL - The $17 million building project in the Line Mountain School District is about 75 percent complete.

Directors unanimously approved a plan Tuesday evening to use capital reserve funds to address construction at Leck Kill Elementary School.

Construction began at junior-senior high school and Trevorton Elementary last winter, and contractors said work on the high school will be done by August 2010. Work at Trevorton, which was originally slated to be completed by the beginning of the current school year, continues.

Business Manager Phil Rapant reported at Tuesday's board meeting that the district has paid $11,862,851.02 toward the project. There is still $5,653,324.45, or 25 percent, left to pay to six contractors.

He also reported $160,844.47 was paid in change orders throughout the project.

Due to construction, fifth- and sixth-grade students were relocated to the Trevorton building. Seventh- and eighth-grade students occupy a new "middle school" wing at the high school, and the district administration offices moved from Trevorton to the high school, among other changes.

Leck Kill renovations

Directors had grappled with a plan to use the state's reimbursement plan for the Leck Kill project, but when it was determined the reimbursement figures were too low, they decided to use capital reserve funds instead.

At a recent meeting, the board approved a measure to use the state's PlanCon process to address Dalmatia Elementary School. Projected costs to address issues at Dalmatia are a minimum $3.8 million, and the Leck Kill project would cost around $1.8 million.

State reimbursement is dependent upon the number of students enrolled and the square footage of the building that is being addressed. Since Leck Kill has a lower number of students enrolled, the amount of its reimbursement will be significantly less than Dalmatia's. By working with the state, the district will have to make certain mechanical fixes to get the buildings in compliance with the latest codes.

Changes at Leck Kill do not have to be as extensive as the state would require, according to board members. A priority list was developed by the property committee, which includes a new roof, kitchen upgrades, increased security and new windows.

Director David Keim urged the board to begin the construction at Leck Kill as soon as possible before prices increase.

Members say goodbye

Two longtime board members attended their last meeting this week. Keim did not seek re-election, and Marilyn Kauffman lost in the primary election to newcomer Lamont Masser. Both directors had served on the board in the past and were thanked by Superintendent David Campbell.

"Your service is greatly appreciated," Campbell said.

Director Robin Rebuck resigned as board member effective immediately. Director Dennis Erdman thanked Rebuck for her time as director. Campbell cited personal reasons for Rebuck's decision to leave the board. The board will advertise and interview for a replacement to fill Rebuck's term.

In other news

- Girls of the Garden Club will be presented this weekend at the junior-senior high school at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

- Pre-sale tickets for Friday's football game against Southern Columbia Area High at 7 p.m. are available at the junior-senior high school or at Trevorton Elementary School beginning today. Student tickets are available for $3. They will be $6 at the gate.

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