.jpg)
HARTINGTON — Two new school vans that bring Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools up to code arrived Friday.
Superintendent A.J. Johnson told the school board at its regular monthly meeting Thursday that the vans had been expected for some time.
“I’m glad they are finally making their arrival,” Johnson said.
The district previously used three vans to transport students, but all needed to be replaced because they did not meet federal guidelines requiring vans to carry no more than 10 passengers. One van had already been replaced last year.
The board also agreed Thursday to pay an additional $200,000 toward the loan on the new elementary school addition. The district is required to make annual payments of $1.1 million on that loan.
“This payment will help reduce some of the school’s interest expenses,” Johnson said. “I think we can handle an early principal payment of $200,000 on the new addition.”
In other action, the board accepted a bid from Midwest Music Center of Norfolk to update and expand the sound system in the main gym.
The base bid for repairs was $10,535. Johnson said the company tested all of the speakers, which were fine, but determined the “backend” of the system needed to be replaced. The company also recommended several additions to improve sound for different events, including a floor speaker for elementary concerts and one more wireless microphone.
The board agreed to purchase the additional items, bringing the total project cost to $13,383.
Also Thursday, the board approved its annual board goals. The Newcastle school site was also discussed, but no action was taken.
Johnson said he had hoped to receive a bid for replacement of the facility’s heating and cooling system, which he described as “very inefficient.”
The next Hartington-Newcastle school board meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m.
