Vantage OKs bids, hears project update

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Vantage Board of Education got some good news on two bids approved for the facilities project, but also heard some concerns that the overall project may not meet its deadline — something that could play havoc with the school’s summer class schedules.

The board awarded a bid for abatement and moisture sealing to Total Environmental Systems and one for site work to R.D. Jones during its meeting Thursday. Total for the two bids is approximately $180,000, which is substantially lower than the original bid estimates.

Bids for replacement of existing siding on a portion of the Vantage building were not opened because Kaufman said, based on current costs, bids would be too high for the then-bid estimate. The board later agreed to increase the bid estimate, with board member Gary Reinhart opposed. The new bid opening date and time is 3 p.m. Thursday, February 9.

The board also approved as much as $83,000 for additional machining equipment that would be used in a number of programs at the school.

Superintendent Staci Kaufman said she is somewhat concerned that the construction phase of the project will meet its deadline, noting that she hasn’t seen signs that the contractor, Gilbane Construction Management, is adding more crews to ensure the work is done by the first week of April — the move-in date for the new construction areas.

“I have my doubts that we’re going to be in here right on time in April,” Kaufman said, “and that throws the summer schedule.”

Vantage Director Bob Vennekotter appeared more confident that the project would be completed on time, although he noted he would like to see completion of this portion of the project come a week earlier than scheduled, noting that doing so would allow students that would still be in class to help with moving some of the equipment and other items into the new areas.

“We’re pushing real hard to let us start moving that last week of March,” Vennekotter said, noting that, so far, contractors are comfortable with doing that.

Vennekotter did say that Gilbane’s construction schedule does show the project on schedule at this point.

“We’re not behind, but we’re also not ahead,” Vennekotter said of the project schedule. “As long as that stays the same, we should be able to move in on time.”

During her report, Treasurer Lori Davis noted that the school has spent less than half ($14.7 million) of the $35 million earmarked for the construction project.

The board also accepted the resignation of Nancy Moore, network system instructor, for the purpose of retirement, and watched a presentation from several Vantage Cosmetology students related to a classroom project on “extreme” hairdos and make-up, and watched a demonstration of a make-up stencil device (see photos).

Instructors Amy Grothouse and Susan Smith introduced the students, which included Angel Cummings, Ashley Antoine, Kendra Stocklin, Paige Meyer, Taylor Mock, Michelle Walter, Rachel Phelan, Alicia Hicks, Emily Molitor, Brittany Bowersox, Desiree Blackmore, Brandy Beard and Danielle Taylor.

Kaufman also noted during her report that she would like to see the board provide financial support for the cost of sending Vantage students to state and regional competition, as well as national competition, which is now funded.

“That would take the burden off our fundraising events,” Kaufman told the board, adding that doing so would likely cost approximately $15,000, depending on how many students competed.

The board agreed with Kaufman, and approved paying the additional cost.

In other action, the board:

• Hired Mary Jane Ebinger as the instructor for an Adult Education bistro cooking class and Alex Rompilla Jr. for the Adult Ed computers class.
• Approved a contract for Internet service with the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative.
• Appointed Kaufman as Vantage’s representative on the Putnam County Tax Incentive Review Council.
• Approved an agreement with Cindy Krizan related to a June 2, 2011, reduction in force of Krizan’s position.
• Accepted a Community Reinvestment Act agreement with Jerry and Marcia Etzler.
• Went into executive session to discuss personnel matters, with no action taken afterward.

The next meeting of the Vantage Board of Education will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the Vantage Cup & Saucer dining area.