School’s safety, heating, acoustic issues discussed at board meeting
During a short Chase County Schools board meeting Tuesday night, a number of building issues were addressed.
A walk-through of the school recently brought to light a number of safety issues. Many of those issues have since been corrected.
The walk-through was conducted by Kevin Finkey, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Schools superintendent, and the Imperial Police Department.
Four external doors were found to be unlocked or propped open during the inspection.
Some hallways were found to be cluttered and pose a safety problem in case of evacuation.
Some classrooms, a workroom and a maintenance room were unlocked, with no personnel attending them.
Some stairwells were found to be used as storage.
Superintendent Joey Lefdal said several of the issues brought up during the walk-through have been addressed, such as clearing hallways and trimming bushes.
He also said evacuation and lockdown procedures have been studied. A plan is being written and will be submitted to Finkey for approval concerning evacuation of the lunchroom and other areas.
Lefdal said the school is obtaining plans and estimates from two sources for replacing the exterior doors at the school.
The present doors are worn out, he noted. Some don’t close and lock easily.
Board members suggested that Lefdal explore the possibility of alarming the present doors, in addition to getting estimates for new doors.
New doors could be installed, several at a time, during the winter, Lefdal said.
Acoustics
Noting that the acoustics are poor in the new gymnasium addition at the school, the board approved the installation of wall panels and ceiling banners at a cost of $35,850.
T-C Ceilings of Grand Island will install the panels and banners. The acoustic insulation had been cut from the original construction cost. The $35,850 will come out of the special building fund.
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