The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Site Committee met Thursday evening to review progress and proposals on several ongoing facility projects ahead of Monday’s full board meeting. Items discussed included the PEO Memorial Building demolition, roof repairs at Van Allen and Lincoln Elementary Schools, the Agricultural Education greenhouse construction plans, the potential sale of district property at 400 East Madison, snow removal contracts, and possible public use of the activity center walking track.
PEO Memorial Building Demolition
The district’s demolition project for the PEO Memorial Building is moving forward on schedule. Superintendent John Henriksen reported that the written contract between the district and DeCarlo Corporation has been fully reviewed by the district’s attorney and architect, with all recommended revisions completed.
Abatement work began earlier this week, and the demolition contractor expects to complete the job by mid-December, weather permitting. The contract sets substantial completion for December 8 and final punch-list items by December 15. The total project cost remains $238,250.
Henriksen said the board will be asked Monday to formally approve the written contract — a step he described as “best practice” for the district, even though the low bid had already been accepted.
Van Allen and Lincoln Elementary Roof Repairs
The Board was shown updates about ongoing issues with the metal “armor lite” roofing systems at Van Allen and Lincoln Elementary Schools. Both buildings have developed persistent leaks along roof seams due to aging materials and water intrusion.
The repair plans include seam sealing, replacement of roof drains, and installation of roof vents to address moisture damage beneath the roof panels.
Work is expected to begin soon, with contractors estimating completion within a week, weather permitting. The board will consider approval of the combined Van Allen and Lincoln roof repair proposals as a single agenda item on Monday.
Agricultural Education Greenhouse
Progress continues on plans for the district’s long-anticipated Ag Education greenhouse project. The structure has been purchased, but installation and site preparation remain in progress.
The district is seeking final pricing for professional construction rather than relying on volunteers, citing the complexity of the assembly. Early estimates to erect the building range around $50,000, though local contractor quotes are still pending.
The project will include concrete work, electrical and water connections, and site drainage, and must be completed before the ground freezes. Funding comes from a $129,000 grant awarded during the 2019–2020 school year, which has been reserved for the greenhouse since that time.
400 East Madison Property Sale
The committee also discussed next steps for the proposed sale of district property at 400 East Madison, the former maintenance and storage site. The City of Mount Pleasant has expressed interest in purchasing the building for use as a childcare facility, a project that board members say will help address community childcare shortages.
The property’s appraised value is $115,850, though some committee members questioned whether that figure reflects the current market. Others urged collaboration with the city, noting recent partnerships on infrastructure projects like lighting and crosswalks near school campuses.
Henriksen said the board will consider a resolution to set a December 8 public hearing for the sale during Monday’s meeting. The agreed-upon sale price is expected to be $116,000.
Snow Removal Contract
The district received a single bid for its two-year snow removal contract, from Jim Barton Construction. at $3,500 per push for one to four inches of snow.
While officials acknowledged limited competition, the cost was described as reasonable when compared with past years — particularly given the scope of seven district sites. The district has explored doing its own snow removal but lacks the necessary staffing and equipment.
Activity Center Walking Track Access
Finally, Henriksen said the district is thinking about opening the community access to the indoor walking track at the Mount Pleasant High School Activity Center. Cameras and security systems are installed, and staff can now program access keys for public entry.
Community members would be asked to sign a waiver and pay a $20 key deposit, refundable upon return. The district is considering limited access hours — potentially early mornings before school — to avoid conflicts with student practices.
Committee members also discussed potential background checks and coordination with insurance requirements before opening access.
The Mount Pleasant School Board will meet Monday at 6 p.m. to consider formal action on these items, including contract approvals, property sale resolutions, and repair bids.