Construction for Great Bend USD 428’s next big building project, at 625 E. 10th St., will utilize a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) that brings the architect and construction management team together while working for the project owner. The school board on Monday approved hiring a CMAR for future projects at the site that will eventually house the Maintenance, Transportation, Custodial, and Food Service departments.

The school board approved the purchase of the former Central Power Systems & Services’ 33,000-square-foot building and the land it sits on in December for $1.55 million. Moving the Central Kitchen to the site will require extensive remodeling. Superintendent Khris Thexton said a CMAR is one way to oversee such a project.

At Monday’s meeting, Thexton and Assistant Superintendent John Popp provided more details on the benefits of enlisting a CMAR for the process. Popp said it can save money and make the execution of the project more efficient.

“We’re experts at education, not experts in construction,” he said.

Many aspects of a project’s execution and risk are passed to the CMAR, who serves as a skilled advocate throughout the process.

“They’re going to help keep the overall cost down as much as they can,” Popp said. “They’re really there to support us as a district for what we want, to be our advocate in how this is going to work for us.”  

There was also a public hearing Monday to allow individuals in the audience to comment on the plan. Hearing no public comments, the school board voted to hire a CMAR and authorized the administration to publish a Request for Qualifications for a Construction Manager at Risk. 

Thexton has estimated that renovation will cost $2.6 million, bringing the final cost of the facility to $4.6 million. The closing date on the property is scheduled to be on or before Feb. 18.

Quaver Music curriculum

In other business, music teachers recommended Quaver for their next curriculum adoption. 

The district uses a two-year process for each new adoption. In the first year a committee reviews the standards and available resources, and selects one or two options that will be provided for teachers to pilot in year two. Only the updated Quaver materials were chosen this year.

The committee learned that QuaverEd Inc.’s product is a Teacher Choice Award Winner now used in more than 18,000 schools in every state and 41 countries. They praised the curriculum and resources that engage students, even if they are reluctant to participate. The lessons and activities can be edited, adapted, graded, created and linked to Google Classroom. 

Teachers are recommending the company for its K-6 music programs at the five elementary schools, at a total cost of $60,025. Monday’s presentation was considered a “first reading” and no action was taken. The board will be asked to approve the adoption at a future meeting.

Donors help GBHS Panther Pantry

The following grants and contributions were approved Monday:

• Eisenhower PTO received a $100 contribution from Concrete Services.

• A $200 Orchelin Employee “Focus on Education” contribution has been awarded to Colbi Brooks’s fourth-grade class at Jefferson Elementary.

• The Madrigals group at Great Bend High School received a $200 contribution from the Kiwanis Club.

• The GBHS HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) club received a $200 contribution from Advanced Therapy & Sports Medicine LLC.

• The GBHS Panther Pantry received: $190 from the St. Marks Lutheran Church Giving Tree; $200 from Thomas and Loraine Montoya; $300 from Animal Medical Center; and $300 from Your’s Truly LLC.

• Lincoln Elementary School received a $73.70 Reward Incentive contribution from BoxTops.

• The Great Bend Middle School Orchestra Department received a Sheryl & Roth-brand, full-sized violin from an anonymous donor. The approximate value of the used instrument is $200.

2022-2023  fundraisers approved

Fundraisers for next year were approved. The schools and groups are asked to get board approval to help with scheduling. Here is the schedule of fundraisers approved for the 2022-2023 school year:

• GBHS Athletic Department - July/August sale of Panther Cards

• GBHS FFA - throughout 2022-2023 Yoder Meat sticks

• GBHS Vocal Music - Aug. 25 to Sept. 13 “Believe” (magazines, food, chocolates, and gift items); second week of October “Believe” (cookie dough)

• Riley School -Aug. 27 to Sept. 9 Red Wheel products

• GBHS Madrigals - September Chili supper tickets (Fall Homecoming even years; Band and Orchestra have the odd years)

• Eisenhower PTA - Sept. 9-20 JT Enterprises- pledge drive event

• Park School Booster Club - Sept. 20 to Oct. 1 Red Wheel (food products)

• Jefferson PTO - Oct. 1-13 EMC Butter Braids

• GBHS Dance Line - August through September, sale of GB T-shirts

• GBHS Vocal Music - Oct. 13-29 “Believe” (cookie dough)

• GBHS Band and Orchestra - Oct. 21 to Nov. 4 Stutzman’s Greenhouse Poinsettias (this is a new fundraiser company)

• GBMS Booster Club - Oct. 29 to Nov. 12 River City Fundraising (magazines, food, chocolates and gift items)

• GBHS Kayettes -November 2022 Sherwood Forest Farms (holly, wreaths, centerpieces, etc)

• GBHS Dance Line - November-December “photoshoot” calendars

• Helping Hands Preschool, Jan. 27 to Feb. 14, 2023 (also Jan. 17 to Feb. 14, 2022) JT Enterprises - pledge drive event

• GBHS vocal music -January/February 2023 - hog feed tickets (Winter Homecoming odd years)

• Park School Booster Club - Feb. 1-15, 2023 Fundraiser Favorites (trash bags)

• GBHS band and orchestra - Feb. 24 to March 6, 2023 Great American Popcorn Co. (various flavors-popcorn sales)

• Lincoln PTO - March 6-25, 2023 “Believe” (magazines, food, chocolates, cookie dough and gift items)

• GBHS Dance Line - start April 13, 2023, Flamingo Flocking