School Board hears update on construction projects

The Chester County Board of Education met Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in regular session with all members present, board member Becky Hutcherson was present via video.
East Chester Principal shared news just released that day that East Chester has been recognized as a reward school along with Chester County Middle School and Jacks Creek Elementary School. As part of the spotlight celebration East Chester presented a student narrated video telling about their school events and atmosphere. Board member Ben Cupples commended the presentation. “Just today I filled out my survey for the ‘portrait of an Eagle’…I think at that level is where it starts,” he said.
Superintendent Troy Kilzer made a recommendation to adopt board policy 6.4128 concerning food allergies, ensuring all staff and all faculty receive yearly training. He explained this would result in easing the of transfer from school to school for students who are affected by food allergies. Kilzer shared with the board that the school district does not order any food items that carry a risk of food allergies related to their production and the cafeteria can provide safe specialty items, prepared in house, for celebratory events. Ultimately, this policy would ensure consistent training throughout the district for every member as opposed to designated members to receive training. The motion passed unopposed.
The board unanimously approved legislative conference position statements, which are used by the TSBA website. These position statements concern local control of schools, letter grading system for public schools, partisan elections of school board members, funding for special education preschools, temporary permits for teachers and options for third- and fourth-grade retention.
John Mark Williams and Edward Jones with E&T Contracting shared the progress regarding the Ag/Auto/Vocational Center and Multi-purpose indoor facility projects. Williams said R Jones Underground had been awarded the sitework bid for the vocational center at the previous Eagles Edge location. Demolition of the building and trees has been completed and they are currently excavating and grading for the building pad.
They did not receive the anticipated bids on both projects and plan to rebid due to lack of bids or not receiving desired bids. Williams said both projects have come in over budget, with the agriculture/auto/vocational center at $3,275,781 and the Multipurpose indoor facility at $3,746,957. The field house renovations are separate and have been estimated at $275,000 to $300,000. They are working on how to cut costs, Williams said. “We’re looking to give you the most building for the least dollar without compromising your quality,” such as changing to more cost effective materials without sacrificing structure or utility. “Some things turn out to be a savings and some things just don’t. We’re going down every avenue we can.”
Finally, Wilma Howard asked the board for an update on the lighting for the basketball courts behind East Chester. Chairman Shane Conner said the LED lighting will be installed during spring break.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Chester County High School.