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Board approves $28,000 master-plan facility assessment with DLR Group; handbooks and policy updates cleared
Summary
The board approved a $28,000 contract with DLR Group for a district-wide facility assessment and master-planning process and approved a slate of routine items including employee and student handbooks, policy second readings and several vendor/appointment motions; staff also presented a proposed virtual student-assistance program (EFR) for awareness.
The Greene County Community School District board approved a $28,000 contract with DLR Group for a facility assessment and long-range master-planning process intended to identify capital needs, life-cycle costing and implementation prioritization across district buildings.
DLR Group representatives described a multi-step process: building walk-throughs and a facilities assessment, educational program alignment, a citizen leadership committee and a series of workshops to develop and test scenarios. The firm estimated a typical 6—69 month engagement and noted the potential to develop cost estimates and implementation phasing for roofing, mechanical systems, athletic facilities and other capital items. Board members asked about committee composition, reimbursable expenses, and whether the scope would duplicate the district's internal optimize-systems work; DLR said the external master plan complements internal systems reviews and provides a holistic capital plan.
In the same meeting the board approved: second readings of board policy 505.1 and 505.5 (student progress reporting and graduation requirements), the 24-25 employee handbook, student handbooks (high school, middle and elementary), food service and 28E agreements with New Opportunities (Head Start), vendor contracts (dairy and bread vendors) and appointments of Theresa Hoyle as treasurer, Laura Marshall as board secretary and the Newton Peterson law firm as legal counsel.
Staff also presented a proposed virtual Student Assistance Program (EFR) based in Des Moines that would provide 3 or 6-session counseling access and a 24/7 hotline with master's-level clinicians. Staff estimated annual costs of roughly $3,000 (3-session option) or $4,000 (6-session option) and recommended the broader 6-session option; the board did not take formal action on the EFR presentation and asked staff to pursue awareness and outreach.
Why it matters: The DLR contract establishes an external facility-assessment baseline that will help the district prioritize capital projects and plan financing. Handbook and policy approvals change school operations (semester schedule, cell-phone rules, attendance/prom eligibility and AI/academic integrity guidance). The EFR presentation signals a low-cost districtwide behavioral health supplement under consideration.
Vote outcomes and next steps: The DLR contract (facility assessment/master plan at $28,000) passed by roll call; board-approved handbooks and policies will be implemented for the 2024-25 school year. Staff will coordinate committee selection, workshop scheduling and present implementation timelines and cost estimates to the board.
