For those interested,  the committee that is rebiulding the Huntley Project High School that burned down last September 18 appears to be underway and focused on rebiulding the High School.  Well, according to the Yellowstone County News, here is what has come of the whole ordeal at this time.  I thought I’d include the info here if you don’t want to view it at Yellowstone County News.  Enjoy.

by Sharon Michaels

WORDEN – A tentative start date of March 2 has been set for the demolition of the burned-out Huntley Project high school. At the school board’s Feb. 3 meeting, it was explained that the insurance company has an agreement with Terra-Con for the removal of asbestos and hazardous material. Then the insurance company can take core samples on the concrete slab to determine whether the slab can be reused.

“We will have perimeter air monitoring so we will prevent any asbestos  particles in the general area,” explained Bob Brunwell of Terra-Con.

The general feeling was that neither the concrete slab nor the brick wall could be reused.

Insurance representative Casey McGowan told the board the building inspectors would be on site Feb. 9. Codes have to be followed and updated, he said.

“Whether the slab stays or whether it goes, why can’t we have an inventory on the items in the burned out school?” said facilities committee member Dallas Cranford. “Isn’t our policy a replacement policy?”

“The slab is not our goal,” said JGA Project Manager Terry Sukut. “This needs to be settled in a joint manner. In our viewing, the sewer line runs under the school. This would not be acceptable to us. We need structural engineers to evaluate this and the design of the original roof of the gym. We need to move forward.”

McGowan agreed. “We have paid your school $6,840,000. Part of this has been for replacement of inventory and the final offer will be Feb. 17,” said McGowan.

High School Principal Tynie Mader asked for assurance that items the teachers and the students have lost are salvageable. “This would definitely assist the kids with emotional closure,” said Mader.

Clerk Rita Huck said, I do have an inventory on items belonging to teachers and some of the students.”

“We can give you no assurance of salvaging these items,” said Brunwell.

Stockman Bank reassured the board that funding would be available to the district if needed. Gerry Breiland of the Worden bank and Miles City Branch Manager Stan Markuson attended the meeting to say, “We are here to assist the community. This is our community, too.”

“Because of the ensuing stimulus package in Congress, things could change from day to day,” said Markuson.

“Please keep us updated,” said board member Steve Erb.

The board will be screening eight applicants for contract manager at risk (CMAR) on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the central office.

Sukut gave the board the proposals and advised to make a list of questions and check on references.

“I am not in favor of a contract manager due to quality assurance,” said community member Rich Rose. But he added, “I will support the board.”

“The mechanical engineers for the ‘enhance test and balance’ is the real issue,” said Sukut. “We need quality assurance when a project is completed and we will be more wary in the future,” added Sukut, referring to recent facility problems at Lockwood’s new middle school building.

In other  business: The board voted unanimously to waive the breach of contract fee, because of extenuating circumstances, on the resignation of fourth grade teacher, Brook Capser, effective Feb. 12.

Special education teacher Tom Townsend will be retiring at the end of the school year. Supt. Dave Mahon said Townsend had taught for 28 years and will be tough to replace.

Huck reviewed the annual district budget with the board. Huck said the state wants the district to hire another auditor to review what their auditor has completed. She has answered them, “just like all the other schools in Montana, we cannot afford another $10,000.”

Grant writer Beth Shumate attended the meeting to explain the possibilities of grants from the Safe Routes to Schools programs to assist in sidewalks in and around the school. Shumate will give the board an application to review and will do the writing for the district for seven to nine percent of project cost. Her success rate has been 89 percent.

After discussing Mahon’s request to add an additional year to his contract, extending it to 2011-2012 effective July 2009, the board decided to table their decision until June. When Mahon questioned the decision, Erb said “I would like to have a work contract for two years.”

“This is not personal,” said Erb and Mark Fox. Fox added, “I have never felt comfortable about renewing your contract in advance of your renewal.”

Board member Larry Peabody, in favor of the early contract renewal, said, “I think it’s a good idea to give stability to stay together and move forward.” Jones agreed.

Board member Tim Moullet said he thought if they were going to extend a contract every year, they should make three-year contracts in the beginning  instead of renewing in advance every year.