School, Advanced Consutling enter engineering agreement

Additional parking may come to fruition at Summerland Schools.

During the Nov. 13 board of education meeting, the school approved an agreement for engineering services with Advanced Consulting Engineering Services, Inc., of West Point, for $10,000, contingent on a review by school legal counsel.

Superintendent Molly Aschoff said when the building and grounds committee met, questions about lighting in the area under consideration, the grass area adjacent to the current south parking lot. She contacted John Zwingman, with ACES, who said it is possible lighting could be added to the current poles.

According to the superintendent, Zwingman mentioned adding a green space and noted additional dirt work would be necessary.

“He feels there needs to be some separation between the two parkings, so kids have a safety zone, a safety area between the two,” Aschoff said.

An additional 10 spots are being considered on the south side of the east lot, although Zwingman anticipated concerns about underground wiring.

President Steve Thiele said he doesn’t have any concerns about the amount of the bid, but suggested KSB Law review the agreement.

Thiele said, “Unless I missed it, I don’t see anything about insurance in here. He should provide professional liability insurance.”

He suggested for Zwingman to conduct a lighting analysis to make sure we have adequate lighting.

Aschoff will contact ACES to inquire about an additional agreement to asses lighting for the area.

In other business, the board:

• Reviewed the superintendent’s evaluation. Aschoff called the process “reflective.” President Thiele summarized the report, noting policy and professional leadership ranked high.

“A recurring theme is really good updates to the board,” Thiele said.

• Reviewed the 2023-2024 fiscal year audit with Marcy Luth of AMPL, PC.

• Discussed setting board goals with Marcia Herring, from the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

• Learned elementary principal, Cathy Cooper, is the recipient of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and National Association of Elementary School Principals Distinguished Principal of the Year. Cooper will receive the award at a December conference.