Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears Eisenhower Elementary secure‑entry plan; approves project to start in March
Summary
District staff presented a redesign to create a secure vestibule at Eisenhower Elementary, repurposing space and relocating services; the board preliminarily approved the project with a not‑to‑exceed cost and a construction timeline.
The Ottumwa Community School District board reviewed schematic plans and approved a motion to proceed with construction of a secure entrance at Eisenhower Elementary, a project staff said will consolidate the main office, create a secure vestibule with Raptor visitor screening, and repurpose existing rooms for library, music and other services.
District presenters described the current entrance as having double doors on both sides and an interior layout that places visitors immediately in student circulation areas. The proposed plan would repurpose the current music and art room, create a consolidated main office with a nurses station, and locate the vestibule so visitors pass through a secured set of doors and meet the secretary before accessing student areas.
Staff described internal moves that will create dedicated spaces for the reading interventionist, counselor, TAG classes and behavioral strategist, and move music and art into the former library. Krista Burton, speaking on behalf of Eisenhower staff, said teachers preferred consolidating several needs into one renovation rather than a limited secure‑entry retrofit.
District staff said construction is scheduled to begin March 3 and estimated project completion on Aug. 7. Staff presented a project cost not to exceed $191,000. A board member moved to approve the entryway project, a second was recorded, and the motion passed by voice/hand vote. Staff indicated the board will later see final cost and contract documents as they issue bids for scopes such as electrical work.
Board members asked how the entry will function (which doors will be locked and where Raptor screening will occur) and how music and art instruction will be provided during construction; staff said music and art will be taught on carts in classrooms during the work. Staff also said the district will return with final bids and associated documents before awarding scopes over the board’s stated thresholds.
