WESTERN GROVE — The Ozark Mountain School District Board of Education met Tuesday night, Sept. 24, and gave the green light to begin construction of a new greenhouse at the Western Grove campus after accepting bids for the structure and excavation work.
The project's construction manager, Richard Johnson, of Phoenix Construction, told the board Tuesday he made sure the full scope of the project was laid out to all the bidders involved. He then reported MTI Greenhouse Solutions, structure, and All Terrain Tree Service of Harrison, excavation work, were the low bidders respectively and that if the board acted quickly the landscaping work could commence almost immediately because All Terrain has a 14-day window between projects. The site could be prepared in as short a period as three days.
Johnson said the original cost estimate for the total project was between $300,000 and $320,000. "I'm excited to report to you that our total cost for the greenhouse is just right at $258,000."
MTI's construction bid, one of two bids received, was $231,851. All Terrain's bid, one of six companies showing interest, was $13,190.
Johnson said the contract for the dirt work will be prepared by the next morning to take advantage of the contractor's open schedule.
The board went into executive session at 7:10 p.m. and reopened the meeting to the public at 7:26 p.m.
The only action taken in public was the board's accepting the resignation of Angela Horn, first grade teacher at Bruno-Pyatt Elementary.
In other action the board:
• Approved American Fidelity as the agent of record change for employee benefits.
• Accepted a proposed change in classified salary and stipend schedule.
• Approved a petition for transfer of students.
• Gave the superintendent authority to renew a Certificate of Deposit negotiating for the greatest yield.
• Received the annual financial report for 2023-2024 and the budget for 2024-2025.
• Passed a resolution to hire Tate Dixon as a pee wee basketball referee. He is the son of board member Travis Dixon who left the room during the board's vote.
Under general discussion the board discussed enrollment, upcoming school board training opportunities and selected the date of Ozark Mountain High School graduation ceremonies for 4 p.m., Sunday, May 4.
Jeff Dezort, chairman of the Newton County Hometown Health Initiative, informed the board that a Drug Free Community grant had been awarded to the county to initiate a countywide substance prevention/education program. The program will require involvement from all sectors of the community and volunteers are needed to make the program successful.
Superintendent Jeff Lewis announced the school district received as mini grant in the amount of $15,000 which will be used to help pay the salary for as staff position.
The board adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
