Vantage bd. sets stage for OSFC project

Van Wert independent/Vantage information

The Vantage Board of Education approved several contracts to start work on the Ohio School Facilities Commission construction-renovation project at the school.

Superintendent Staci Kaufman introduced Bruce Miller and Randy Groff from Garman & Miller architectural firm, who gave an update on the Building Information and Modeling (BIM) facet of the construction project. BIM is created by CAD software resulting in three-dimensional plans for several facets of the building design, from mechanical and structural systems to classroom layout and furniture placement.

According to Miller and Groff, BIM reduces time and expense in the area of change orders and construction claims.

Following the presentation, the board adopted a resolution to award contracts to the low bidders for the temporary swing space building project. Those include the following:

• Early Site – RD Jones, $599,000
• General Trades – Miller Contracting, $514,700
• Plumbing – Slagle Mechanical, $41,800
• HVAC – Slagle Mechanical, $55,200
• Electrical – Sollmann Electric, $233,811

Jason Salzgeber of Third Sun Solar also gave a presentation to the board on a proposal to build and design solar beds to generate energy, which could then be purchased by Vantage.

Also during the meeting, Rob Fawcett from Fawcett, Lammon & Recker provided the board with information on builders risk insurance coverage for the construction project.

The Vantage superintendent also gave the board an update on proposals for educational partnerships with area wind farms, as well as smoke-free campus options and projected savings of a retirement buyout proposal.

In new business, the board:

• Employed the following Adult Education instructors, as needed, as scheduled: Matthew Grunden, Police Academy, and Josephine Wilson, ABLE instructor;
• Accepted the resignation of science instructor Jonathan Pickett, effective February 3;
• Approved the contract with the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative (NOACSC) for Internet access services that will run from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012;
• Appointed Kaufman as Vantage representative on the Putnam County Tax Incentive Review Council;
• Accepted, with thanks, a $2,500 donation from Van Wert Rotary Club to the Vantage Interact Club;
• Passed a resolution to enter into a lease agreement with Pac-Van Inc. for the purpose of leasing a project office and conference trailer units for the OSFC building project. The cost will be co-funded with OSFC;
• Passed a resolution to approve the Community Reinvestment Agreement with Kalida Manufacturing Inc. and Kahle Supply and Feed Mill Inc.;
• The superintendent requested an executive session for the purpose of discussion of employment of personnel.  No action was taken.

The next Vantage Board of Education meeting will be held on Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in the Cup and Saucer restaurant.