Lewis Central board approves high-school fire alarm RFP, weight-room overhaul, van purchase and budget guarantee

The Lewis Central Community School District Board of Directors on March 3 approved multiple safety, facilities and budget actions, including moving forward with a replacement high‑school fire alarm system, a planned renovation of the high‑school weight room and purchase of a used 12‑passenger van.

The board opened a public hearing under Iowa Code section 26.12 for a public improvement project to replace the high‑school fire alarm system, which district staff said is obsolete and requires replacement to meet current code and messaging requirements. District presenters placed an estimated total cost at about $250,000 and said the work would be paid from bond dollars already set aside for safety and security. The board voted to approve the fire‑alarm specifications and release the RFP as presented.

Why it matters: district officials told the board that parts for the current system are no longer produced, that some sensors are not functioning and that modern systems require voice‑message and visual notification capabilities the current installation lacks. Replacing the system will require design, bidding and…