BOE hears updates on construction, restructuring; discusses policies for harassment, threats of violence

With the clock ticking on both the 18 months until the new school structure goes into effect and Interim Superintendent Charles Mason’s time with Vestavia Hills, the Board of Education had a lot to discuss at its regularly-scheduled February meeting.

The board heard an update from Hoar Program Management (HPM) and Lathan Associates Architects on the due-diligence study of the Gresham Elementary School campus, and on the projects currently in progress throughout the district.

Gresham

Conducting a due-diligence study of the Gresham campus was the last step in the purchase process that the district can undergo before the federal court decides on whether or not Jefferson County can sell the property to Vestavia, Mason said.

Engineers from Lathan and HPM reported that there were no issues with the school’s structural components, mechanical systems and other major items. There will need to be some improvements to the areas that demand ADA-compliance, and the gym currently is not air conditioned, but otherwise the interior of the school is “in good shape.”

Now, Mason said, the only thing the board can do is wait to see what the court decides.

Other Projects

Brennan Bell of HPM reported on the handful of ongoing construction projects in the district, starting with Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

The classroom and media center addition is moving along despite rain delays, Bell said, and further vertical work should be seen in the coming weeks.

With regard to the improvements to parking and carpool lanes, the board approved a bid and contract for the work later on in Wednesday night’s meeting.

The $1,792,105 contract with Tortorigi Construction, Inc. will commence in April, but Bell said that carpool will not be adversely affected.

Across town at the Berry campus, Bell said site demolition and terrain grading has already begun, and that the building that houses the old gym and old band room is set to be demolished within the next couple weeks.

Additionally, Bell explained that asbestos was found on the property, and while it has been contained and the area has been safe, the interior improvements planned for the space will require the abatement of the substance.

The board approved a contract with Lakeshore Environmental Contractors, LLC for $174,390 for abatement of the asbestos.

Mason also updated the board on the efforts school administrators, faculty and central office staff have undergone the last several weeks to make a comprehensive list of needs for the future transition to a ninth grade center and a district-wide K-5 elementary school model.

“Some of these things we’ve already acted on, but for them most part they are things that will need to be done,” Mason said.

From how supplies and files will be moved to the new campuses to the curriculum and student-life opportunities that will be offered, Mason said that the meetings covered everything anyone could think of, and that his team has passed all of the needs along to incoming Superintendent Todd Freeman.

Freeman won’t officially start until March 12, but Mason said he has been regularly visiting the district to begin the onboarding process, and already has a lot on his plate.

“It’s a very large plate. That plate is running over on the sides,” Mason said, getting a few chuckles from the board and audience, “but he is digging in.”

Mason also brought up the district's policy on Harassment, Violence and Threats of Violence.

In light of the events in Parkland, Florida, Mason said the conversation that had already begun about the school’s policy on bullying and harassment took even greater significance.

“I think taking up this policy tonight is certainly very timely,” Mason said, adding that while violence is never excusable, if there are things the district can do to protect all students and maybe keep one from going down a path to violence, then it should.

Changes to the policy included language that further clarifies that there is no “limit” or baseline for harassment, and that no matter the cause or who instigated the issue, there will be no tolerance of unacceptable behavior.

“We think these revisions to the policy make that clear,” Mason said, and added that the policy becomes the basis for conversation about harassment, and then sets the guidelines for the consequences.

The board approved the changes to the policy.

Finally, BOE President Nancy Corona said she wanted to publicly thank Mason for his work as interim superintendent.

“The work that Dr. Mason has done for us has been invaluable,” she said, adding that he not only kept the district on track during the restructuring and facilities decision process, but helped push it forward.

Mason received a standing ovation from the board and audience, and was presented with an award and gifts from the central office staff.

Other BOE Business Included:

• Recognizing student artists for their work.
• Hearing and accepting an audit of the last fiscal year.