Leeds BOE addresses construction projects

By Lora Scripps/The Leeds News

The Leeds Board of Education approved a number of construction projects at the regularly scheduled meeting last week.

All board members, excluding Dr. Grady Sue Saxon who was absent from the meeting, voted to move forward with Leeds Public Works to address a stadium wall project at Homer Smiles Field located off Parnell Street. Superintendent John J. Moore said erosion and water damage at the location have caused the stadium wall to decay. “I’m asking that you declare this as a public works project and authorize up to $15,000 which will simply be the cost of the piping,” said Moore. “The City will handle the labor, design and the backfield.”

Moore said the ditch will be covered and vegetated and will look nice at the location.

The Board also discussed and approved re-roofing project at Moton School. Lee Bryant spoke on behalf on Lathan Associates to address a project aimed at repairing the gym’s roof. Bryant stood behind his business stating that Lathan Associates have finished 99 percent of their projects within budget and that they look forward to working with the school system. He added they have completed several re-roofing projects and that regardless the size of the project, Lathan Associates is about the relationship with their customers. They are currently working in Talladega County, Shelby County, Blount County, Jefferson County and a number of other counties.

Plans for the project include two options which both include metal roofs. Bryant said the project is estimated at $150,000 for the roof and a few cosmetic issues such as insulation and some painting. The project is now set to get underway.

Moore said it is a pleasure to work at Moton School and that he is thrilled to do the project. “One of the reasons we were able to do the project is our State Representative Owen Drake, about three years ago, secured for us a state grant in the amount of $100,000 to go toward that project,” said Moore.

The Board also approved FY2010 Capital Plan during last week’s meeting. The plan, which is required by the Alabama Department of Education, is a list of construction improvements that the Leeds City School System hopes to address within the next year.

Other items included:

• presenting a resolution to The Leeds News, The Leeds Herald, The Birmingham News and The St. Clair Times for recognition and appreciation for their work with the school system;

• a presentation for Sally Montgomery on behalf of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) regarding accreditation. SACS will visit the schools in April 2010 and spend three days, April 25-28, compiling reports for review and possible accreditation approval;

• a presentation by Chief Financial Advisor for Leeds City Schools Harry Higdon regarding the system’s monthly financial report. The budget is available at www.leedsk12.org;

• approving a field request for the Leeds High School band to attend a competition in Tennessee;

• approving one delegate and one alternate to attend the AASB Delegate Assembly. Dr. Grady Sue Saxon will serve as delegate and Kathy Dutton will serve as delegate;

• approving the 2009-2010 State At-Risk Funding Allocation for CLEAR and Impact Family Counseling;

• approving Windstream Shield with maintenance;

• approving a transportation service contract with Murray’s Garage;

• approving the Leeds Middle School and Leeds High School Building Services Contract with Trane;

• approving the personnel agenda.

The Leeds Board of Education’s next meeting will take place on November 10 at the Leeds Civic Center starting at 6 p.m.