DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/montcnews2@windstream.net
CADDO HILLS – Board members authorized Superintendent Deric Owens to pursue the purchase of adjoining property to the elementary campus which includes a residence and several acres.
The April meeting was held Thursday, April 16, in the school cafeteria to provide ample space for social distancing. The meeting had been rescheduled due to a lack of electricity Monday due to a series of storms which moved through the area the night before.
Superintendent Deric Owens shared an issue regarding floor tiles in the middle school hallway. He explained that there were approximately 100 square feet of tile that needed to be replaced. The tile is buckling and Owens stated that he was told it was probably due to a moisture issue in the underlying concrete.
He told board members that they could patch the tile currently affected, or they could go ahead and refinish the hallways. He shared two options: They could replace the tiles, or they could remove the tile and polish the concrete.
Owens stated that the price would be pretty much the same with cost for replacing the tile quoted at around $4 per square foot and polished concrete comparable. The entire cost of the project was projected to cost approximately $15,000.
Board member Kinzie Bour asked if the polished concrete would match what was planned for the remodeled cafeteria. Owens indicated it would. There was also discussion regarding staining the concrete versus simply polishing it.
The board voted to remove the existing tile in the middle school hallway and polish the underlying concrete.
Discussion turned to a proposed purchase of property that adjoins the elementary campus. This is not the first time the district has discussed the property with board members pointing out that this is the only available option for adjoining property that could be used by the district if purchased.
Owens stated that the property owner had offered the house and three acres to the district for $190,000. Additional property behind the house was offered at $4000 per acre. He stated that the additional acreage would not be known until a survey had been completed, but was expected to be around 6-8 acres.
Board President Brandon Morris stated that he believed the price was a little high, but Bour, who works for the county assessor’s office, stated that it was about average for the area.
Board member Allen Cureton asked if someone had inspected under the house. Owens stated that they had not, but he would have someone do so. It was also pointed out that if the district bought the property they would have to install a driveway, which could cost several thousand dollars.
Owens indicated that the property owner had stated she wouldn’t entertain a counteroffer. Owens was given authorization to proceed with negotiations. However, the board asked him to present a counter offer with an explanation regarding the cost of installing a driveway.
The board accepted the resignation of Anna West effective at the end of June.
The board hired Jeannie Lee as District APSCN Coordinator and District Secretary. She previously held these positions at the district. Superintendent Owens proclaimed that they were excited to have her come back to work in the district.
The board approved the rehiring of all remaining classified and certified personnel for the 2020-21 school year.
