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Clock, intercom systems discussed

Aging intercom systems at Rexford-Longfellow, Clintonville Middle School and Dellwood Early Learning Center were a topic of discussion at the Clintonville School Board meeting Monday, Nov. 22.

Building and Grounds Manager Steve Reinke explained that the clock and intercom systems at the facilities are in need of repair, and a new system must be considered.

“We can’t find parts to repair the system anymore,” Reinke said. “We have gathered a few quotes from companies who could come in and install a new system, and the project could be paid for out of the fund balance.”

Reinke said that newer systems allow for bell schedules and clock synchronization to be done via computer. The system recommended to the board for approval is manufactured by the same company that was installed in the high school in 2003.

A proposal from Excellence Electric of Little Chute listed a total project cost of $40,756. Of that amount, $21,992 would be used to make the following improvements at the elementary school:

? Rewire room speakers and call-in buttons;

? Remove existing intercom;

? Install new intercom in existing rack;

? Reuse existing hallway speaker amplifier;

? Remove two control consoles and install two new consoles;

? Tie existing clocks to new system;

? Tie existing bells to new system;

? Set up system for future wireless clocks;

? Program new intercom; and

? Tie system to school network for system programming.

The remaining $18,764 would be used to make similar improvements at the middle school, where only one console needs to be replaced, bells would not be tied into the new system, and a new intercom would be installed on a new rack.

A proposal from Krueger’s Sign and Electric of Clintonville came in at a total cost of $39,850. Reinke reported that Krueger’s would subcontract some of the project to another company.

A third proposal from Visiplex, Inc. of Vernon Hills, Ill., came in at $60,309, but wasn’t considered in depth because of the vast cost difference compared to the other two proposals.

Reinke recommended that the board approve the proposal from Excellence Electric, though it would cost $906 more than the proposal from Krueger’s, due to additional features offered.

A motion to accept the proposal from Excellence Electric failed by a 3-4 vote, with Ben Huber, Pat Schley, Clyde Tellock and Tom Neely voting no.

The board instructed Reinke to continue to look for other options to fix or replace the system. The board also discussed possibly having a representative from each company give a more in-depth presentation on what their system would do so that board members have a better understanding of the hardware, software and installation costs.

Instructors Elisha Writt and Greg Rose gave a report on service learning programs within the district. Writt said 36 classroom teachers in Clintonville have been trained in service learning, and said that Clintonville has become a service learning hub for Waupaca County.

According to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

“We have worked closely with Connie Abert and Chris Van Hoof to organize programs and reach out to other educators in the county. We had 16 participants for our fall session, and we’re more than happy to share our leadership with other districts. Clintonville is a shining star when it comes to service learning programs.”

Middle School Principal Tom Dechant also gave the board an update on the Cultural Analysis at the middle school. The ongoing program is moving forward with vision and mission statement work to be completed as a collaborative effort between classroom teachers and administration.

Rose went on to make a presentation discussing the concept of designating some local forest areas as school forests, stating that there is an endless amount of educational value associated with being able to have hands-on activities conducted outside of the classroom at school forest properties. Abert commented on the vast opportunities that could be provided to students through this avenue.

“Clintonville has a wonderful school forest right now, but it’s actually closer to Marion than it is to Clintonville,” Abert said. “We are looking at properties that are closer-such as the Browne’s Woods, land at the high school, and possibly W.A. Olen Park and the West Street park areas.

“The school can partner with government entities such as the city-it’s a wonderful opportunity,” she commented. “There is also professional development grant money that your school can seek in order to facilitate property management and improvement.

“There is no cost to the school district to do this,” Abert concluded. “Also, the district can opt out and not renew their applications at any time.”

The board unanimously approved proceeding with the application process to designate certain areas as school forests.

The board also approved the following:

? Hiring Dan Etheridge as the ninth grade boys basketball coach for one year;

? Hiring Jackie Hill as the ninth grade girls basketball coach for one year; and

? German class trip to Chicago to attend Christkindlmarket on Dec. 17.

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