Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation seeking input about property purchase
The Greater Jasper School Corporation is asking for input from the public.
During Monday night’s meeting the board listened as Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lorey asked for input on what the school corporation should do about the potential purchase of a portion of the golf course property from the City of Jasper.
The school board has maintained all along throughout the sale of the land to the City of Jasper that they were interested in 15 acres of the property for future school development.
Several city council members made it clear in last week’s Jasper City Council meeting that member of the public were telling them not to sell the land to the school. Their reasoning being that the golf course property should remain in its natural state – untouched and undeveloped.
So far, the most outspoken respondents to certain city council members are in favor of turning the property into a central park for the city with plenty of walking trails and other natural uses.
“We really, truly want some public input about the position on the property whether it’s pro or con,” Dr. Lorey said. “Or whatever potential use the property could have … we want to make sure that as a school district we not only represent the needs of our students, but we also represent the needs of our community and having that information will help our board make a more informed decision.”[hr]
In other actions, the board also voted to add a technology coordinator position to the school system and filled that position with existing employee Kristi Vaughn.
They also voted to pay $177,000 in a one-year contract to 5 Star Technologies out of Indianapolis to assist with technology monitoring and maintenance.
“That technology coordinator will really be a point of contact within the district for all of our technology needs,” Dr. Lorey said. “Collaborating with whomever that support service was going to be. Also working to help provide strategic planning and leadership at the school and the district level in terms of technology for the future.”
The board also heard an update from Scott Stenftenagel of Stenftenagel Group in the building and maintenance of the facilities in the school district. He told the board that the school maintenance personnel are getting about 400 support tickets per month and that they are working to address each one.
Stenftenagel has instituted preventive maintenance programs which help the school save money long term.
Also, the project to replace light bulbs at the high school is going well and is bringing in positive comments from those at the school on improved lighting conditions. Stenftenagel also stated that the new light bulbs are more energy efficient and will bring savings in electricity throughout the facility.
Additionally, work on the HVAC and air handling equipment is providing cleaner air in the buildings contributing to a better working / learning environment.
