By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
Raymond School board members officially authorized the issuance of $1.9 million in bonds for building improvements, during the school board’s April 14 meeting.
A special board meeting is planned for Monday, April 28, to discuss final upgrade costs being prepared by the energy conservation company, McKinstry.
Preparations for the financing of the bond began in late February. The funds will address immediate maintenance needs, including humidity problems at Raymond School. The school board has been working with McKinstry under a contract signed for the firm’s services.
Monday night, a representative of the financial firm Robert W. Baird advised board members to expect a low interest rate on the bond issuance, due to the district’s stable enrollment, strong general fund reserves and a healthy fund balance.
However, processing of final cost figures for the improvement project was not yet finished, a delay explained as being due to rigorous audits being prepared by McKinstry.
The firm is working “very diligently to get our numbers finalized” and currently is awaiting bids on subcontractors, explained McKinstry Program Manager, Harlan Ward.
Ward told board members the primary focus will be to address the plumbing and roofing structures and, he said, McKinstry is focused on making the project financially feasible.
“We know you have $1.9 million and we are trying to put as much into this project as possible,” Ward explained.
McKinstry has conducted surveys of the school building, built in 1961, including sewer systems and structural stability.
“All of this is driven largely to address the humidity issues,” Ward said. McKinstry is looking at the likely sources and at all the items, including checking sewer lines underground and the roofing, he added.
Humidity is considered a primary concern by McKinstry due to the school’s recent history of mold.
“Our ultimate directive is to put in a mechanical system that you can operate in de-humidification-only mode,” Ward said.
Board members plan to discuss each proposed item by McKinstry at the upcoming special meeting, later this month, and then vote final approval of facility upgrades.
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