Nodaway Valley reviews early results of districtwide facilities study

Officials with SiteLogIQ, an engineering and construction program management firm, are expected to return to the Nodaway Valley School Board within the next month with additional information following an hourlong presentation last Wednesday.

The presentation focused on findings from a free preliminary facilities assessment the company completed. The assessment included a staff and administrator survey, along with walkthroughs of all three district buildings conducted by SiteLogIQ industry experts.

SiteLogIQ emphasized the report represents an initial, broad assessment. The district would pay for the company’s services only if it chooses to pursue a project or advance a bond issue with SiteLogIQ’s assistance.

“We have a lot of information,” SiteLogIQ representative Jeff Herzberg told the board. “We want to help you understand what this baseline says about your facilities, then give you some high priorities that folks who have a lot of letters behind their name came up with.”

Survey responses highlighted several themes, including maintaining existing facilities, the need for an early childhood center, improved finishes such as desks and workspace items, additional classroom space and upgraded or expanded parking areas.

During walkthroughs, SiteLogIQ evaluated the physical needs of each building, including infrastructure issues and overall assets. The firm assessed indoor and outdoor environments, examining ventilation systems, windows, lighting and flooring, and reviewed how effectively space is being used and how it could be improved through small or large changes.

Because of their age, the middle school and high school scored lower in several areas than the elementary school, which was completed in 2018. Both older buildings share similar needs due to their mix of original and updated sections.

The firm also evaluated accessibility at each site. One example cited was a space off the middle school gym that is accessible only by stairs. Parking, particularly at the high school, was also identified as a concern.

SiteLogIQ advised board members not to be alarmed by some of the initial findings, noting it is easier to include potential projects early and scale them back later. The company employs both developmental and design architects, with one helping assemble a long-range list of needs and another assisting if the district chooses to pursue a specific project.

The firm also outlined potential funding avenues and will coordinate with the district’s financial adviser, Piper Sandler, to develop financial scenarios and communicate them to the public as needed.

Officials noted construction costs have doubled per square foot since shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic.

SiteLogIQ plans to deliver a follow-up report in January or February to help shape the district’s next steps.

Other discussion items ranged from activities to the Orient-Macksburg dissolution.

Superintendent Pam Stangeland told the board she consulted the district’s legal counsel, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association regarding whether midterm graduates should be allowed to participate in activities after finishing school. All three advised against changing board policy. Stangeland said additional work will be done in the activities department to clearly communicate the policy.

The board also heard from the business office regarding work being done with activities accounts.

Stangeland said demolition of the three-story 1920s portion of the Orient-Macksburg building is the largest remaining piece of the dissolution process for that district.

In action items, the board:

• approved a pay application to Boyd Jones related to the secured entrances project;

• approved the district’s dropout prevention program plan and a request for modified supplemental aid due to increased enrollment in the amount of $173,540 and for English language instruction beyond five years totaling $5,032; and

• approved a bid for work on the audio system in the high school competition gym.

Editor’s Note: Dan Dickinson contributed to this report, attending this meeting for the newspaper.