Southwest Schools: Corporation office to undergo renovations

Renovations that include the demolition of excess space in the former Maple Park Elementary School are planned for the Southwest Dubois School Corporation Offices.

The elementary school has housed the school corporation’s administration offices in one section of the building and the gymnasium is still used, but the oldest portion of the school has sat unoccupied, other than for storage, for 16 years. According to Superintendent Mike Eineman, that portion is falling apart and is a health hazard.

The school board approved demolishing that section of the elementary school and during Thursday night’s meeting, Universal Designs of Ferdinand presented plans to do so.

Eineman said, “We’re hoping it stays under $175,000, and I’m not sure it’s going to be that much. I don’t have quotes yet so we really don’t know how much it will be.”

A bid package will be prepared by Universal to be distributed to contractors for the project. The board will review those bids in a future meeting.

Also, Eineman made a clarification on snow make-up days to the board during last night’s meeting.

School will be in session on May 20, 21, and 22nd. Seniors will also go those three days as well because graduation is on the evening of the 22nd.

Eineman said that barring any more weather related days off the schedule is set for the rest of the year.