School,
county continuing negotiations
by
Shana Haines
Landmark reporter
On the surface it seems nothing has changed, but according
to Platte County R-3 Superintendent Dr. Mark Harpst the
wheels of negotiation continue to roll on the proposed
community center project between the school district and
Platte County Commissioners.
During Tuesday night's board of education meeting, Harpst
announced he and Carey Rolofson, board president, had
recently met with Platte County 2nd District Commissioner
Steve Wegner and Brian Nowotny, Platte County Parks and
Recreation director, to discuss a possible partnership
between the school district and the county for construction
of a community center in Platte City.
Harpst added there have been negotiations made in the
proposed project, but nothing has progressed far enough
to be discussed with the public. Harpst said new information
on the project could be made public within 10 days.
The issue will be discussed further at the October board
meeting.
Controversy has surrounded the proposed community center
for several months.
Board members announced they would agree to the partnership
only if the center contained an 8-lane competitive indoor
cold-water pool, a fitness center, an indoor walking/running
track, a regulation size practice gym and six outdoor
tennis courts.
If agreed upon, the center would be constructed near
the Northland Career Center on the school's main campus
along Hwy. 92 in Platte City.
County officials have announced they will pursue other
land options if necessary. The county has offered $6 million
to the joint project, with that money coming from the
county's half cent sales tax for parks. Commissioners
are concerned the facility R-3 has in mind would be too
costly.
In other items, the board heard the school's audit report
from auditor Rick Westbrook.
According to Westbrook the school district is in good
shape financially. Westbrook added there were only small
non compliances on the report, nothing that would be reported
at the state level.
Ron Harmon, assistant superintendent, reviewed the preliminary
test results of the spring 2002 MAP testing during the
meeting.
Harpst said he was not extremely pleased with the tests
results.
"This is not a sprint, it's a marathon. We need
to make progress overall," Harpst said.
Board members were told construction on school renovations
is nearing completion.
Problems with flooring in the Northland Career Center
and the cafeteria at Paxton Elementary were addressed.
Floor tiles where renovations were made at the schools
have begun to come loose following repeated waxing and
foot traffic.
Board members will meet Oct. 15 for their next regular
scheduled meeting.
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