001I'd like to call the special meeting of the Northwest Board of Education for December 16th, 2025 to order. If we could stand alone. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. Roll call. >> Mr. Toill >> here. >> Mr. Gandlesburg >> here. >> Mrs. Barking >> here. Mrs. Gearhart >> here. Mr. W >> here. >> Okay. Any additions or deletions to the agenda? >> No. >> Okay. So, the only thing that we had we did have where it changed. >> So, in uh 6A1 the bottom of the first page where it says GMP amendment uh in two locations there it should say GMP amendment number one >> lineopy I've
002got on my phone. Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. Okay. So, need a motion to change the agenda. >> So, move second. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Toill. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gindlesburgger. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barky? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gearart? >> Yes. >> Mr. W? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And approved. Uh, superintendent updates. >> Okay. Have a couple things. First thing I want to introduce is the uh 26 27 calendar. Um Deborah and I have met uh several times looking at this. I also met with the uh with NTA and went over a couple of options. The best option we feel and really there's not much >> there's not much wiggle room when you consider that we have to be in school for 180 days. Uh we tried to start as late
003as possible. We know people like to have a a late uh late in in August as possible. uh and everyone likes the fact that we end in May. So when you consider we have 180 days uh latest start as possible uh early uh ending as possible, it really kind of boxes us in. So just a couple things that I wanted to point out. One of the one of the things we discussed was spring break. Typically we have it in the last week of March where this is for 27. You can see that would be the week of 29 303 3112. We decided to go uh March 22nd to the 26 for a couple reasons. One being uh RG Drag follows that exact same schedule. So that's great for our kids who go to RG Drag
004uh and as do the rest of the schools who uh who are part of that group who go to the student for all the surrounding star schools who go to RG they also have the same schedule. So uh we decided then to make it 26 22nd through 26 also for state testing. Uh so that gives us a very it's just hard when we have testing we take off for a week we come back and resume testing again. that's very disruptive for our kids and we're trying to have them score as well as they possibly can and the obstacles in the way we we try to remove. So it that uh works out pretty well. Another change typically we would have a 4 day weekend in February actually would be 4 day weekend for these students
005from the 12th 13th 14th 15th. We're moving that day after talking with the uh with the administrative team and the principles and several uh teachers and with NTA we felt uh like moving that day to the beginning of the year in August. So you can see we would have teachers getting together on 17th, 18th, 19th. Then students would begin on uh the 20th for their first day. That just gives us another day. We we always feel very rushed. There are tons of things to do. We're also planning uh to to do more. We never seem to have enough time that day being moved to August that we feel like it would be it would resonate more with our teachers and things we have to go through rather than to wait and do PD in February.
006Now kids are off typically on the 12th. We are not. We come in, but we're moving that date to the beginning. We feel it will be way more effective for the things we're we're working on with our faculty and staff. Everything else. It's pretty self-explanatory. Um the typical days were several days from year to year. When you take that in consideration, the schedule tends to lock itself in. But that was our discussion. I wanted to have this presented to you so you're aware. What I'll ask the board to do then when we come back, if you don't if you have any questions now, you can certainly we can talk about it. Um, and I'll ask you to approve the calendar when we meet in January. >> Okay. Any questions on that? Go ahead. I'm sorry.
007>> You guys are good with it. >> Yes. >> Even if she's not. >> He said that you met me, but I want to make sure. >> Yes, we did. >> Even if she's not. No, she's >> We were We were on the same page, which is always nice. Once in a while that happens, huh? >> It does happen. >> Michelle, real quick, fill in the colors for me in the middle. Staff day is supposed to be what color? >> Yellow days are are staff days where we're off for that day, but uh kids are still meeting. Blue days are days that that we are >> no school for students and faculty. >> Teacher exchange day is what? Orange. >> Yeah. >> Salmon. sort of like orange. >> Anything else for that guys? >> It's
008weird. I can't see all of >> you. You good? >> Okay, we'll move on then. Uh but again, we'll we'll present this to you formally once again in our January meeting, regular meeting for your approval. Uh the next thing, high school edition update. A lot of things to go over with that. So, uh and I'm going to ask Steph to jump in here and uh and then we'll and I want to thank uh her state for coming once again. We appreciate that. And also Regency guys, we appreciate you coming in. So, we've been meeting a lot as you guys know and and uh going through the process uh and just our our budget continues to grow and so uh we've gone round and round trying to figure out a way to uh lower the costs
009and still have the things that we want and it's weird how that just doesn't work out that way. So, uh so we came up with a couple things. Uh actually recently the price the our budget we promised the board that we would stay at 8 million. It's it it got over to 8.7 million and likely to to get even higher than that. And so we just started having real conversations about that today and we felt that uh at this time what we'd like to do is change what what we're going to do uh rather than have so we're still going to have the We're still going to have the wrestling room. We're still going to have the storage area. What we'd like to do is almost call the annex of phase two and kick that
010down the road for once we complete this. The this will lower our budget. Uh, and I I'll I'll have Steph talk about the prices, but um, you know, we feel like we're still getting a lot of things accomplished for our kids, but all of us were just very uncomfortable how rapidly the uh, the budget was rising for us and and we we were looking at each other like, you know, we see what's going on and surrounding school districts. People are being laid off like crazy. U, we are in pretty I mean, you know this, we're in were in pretty good shape financially at Northwest, but it was just it just was sticking to my crawl that the budget was getting that high. Uh, and what we'd like to do is change that and go with
011the weight room, the wrestling room, and the storage area for the arts and approach the annex at a later time. So, uh, that budget, and I'll hand that over to you, Seth, if you'd like to talk about some of that. Sure. So, >> oh, and I thought I can interrupt, too. On top of all these things, we're still we still have budgeted our turf. We're still going to continue to do that in May. So, that will still be happening. So, there are still a lot of things going on, but we just felt like this particular part of our budget was was growing a little bit more than we were comfortable with. Go ahead. I'm sorry. So, as Sean indicated, we met today when we've been meeting um and the way the proposals came in. Um
012and you guys can jump in whenever. Um kind of bid out in two two separate uh streams. One being the high school edition with the weight room and the wrestling room. And then the second was the renovation of the annex as well. was the arts edition. Um, and so after we discussed things today, we felt like the best way to move forward right now would be to do this in a couple phases. So what we're looking at tonight is instead of the the whole budget being approved, we're doing amendment number one, which would just be the addition to the high school. Um, this would give Regency time to work on um pulling apart the budget separately for the annex uh renovation and the arts edition. The thought being that if and when that can get
013accomplished and I'm not sure how soon that can be that we would then come back with amendment number two being um the arts edition storage onto the back of the public. >> He just said that the one included the wrestling Oh, >> okay. So, I misspoke. Let me back up. >> Thank you. >> The GM the amendment number one would be the high school edition of just wrestling and weight room. So, that's what we're looking at tonight. That will give them time to split apart the renovation and the arts edition because right now they were bid together. So they have to get those numbers pulled apart. We'll then bring forward amendment number two which would just be the arts edition on the puff and burger. >> So in other words, >> right? That's still part
014of phase one. The arts edition, the weight room, the resting room will all be part of that first phase. But because they were fit together, we have to go through that process of separating it just to have the arts edition without without the annex. It was as >> all we'reing outd It was given to us tonight two different ways. >> Understand? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. It just that's not >> it. It's well I mean I guess what I the idea that I want to put forward is that we're still pursuing the arts edition the weight room. That's still I mean so in January we're going to come back and ask you to approve um the uh the funds for the arts edition. So tonight is just for the resting room, the wait room. The annex is
015going to be down the road. We just felt like the budget was getting too large. >> I would argue the restroom situation is probably not we're not saying we're never going to do it. We're just pushing it down. We just felt Jeeoff we felt like the budget was getting too too large. I I I didn't feel comfortable. You know, we promised our board that we would be uh at 8 million. It got to the point where we were we were taking so many things back to get that price down that it wasn't going to be the same project. Okay. So with this amendment number one um which is $4 million 1110,921 um that will make the project at this point total because this that's just the construction cost. Um we have build in some contingency
016money. Um we have architecture fees and some of our other uh costs around um legal and other items. Right now the total budget is 5 million 153 and $11. So again that will go up when we come back next month or hopefully next month. >> Sure thing. 5 million Yeah, I just want to repeat the fact that we we are uh looking at we will continue to move forward with having our wrestling room, the arts uh edition and our wait room. That that's that's happening. We break ground as soon as possible, February 2nd, we hope. And uh we're not we're not going to give up on the annex. We're just putting a pause on that just so we can within our budgetary guidelines. Okay. And anything else? Any other questions on that? I think there's
017also portion of it, Steph, when you and I talked is the unknowns with state budget that that type of stuff as well. >> Yeah. Um, so right now there's four different pieces of legislation that have worked through uh both sides of the legislature and are sitting on the governor's desk um for him to decide whether or not he moves through or vetos or does nothing, which then it becomes law. Um they're interesting. um they retro back uh some of the property tax increases that we've already seen in our revenue. Um it's going to be interesting. We have a meeting this week to see how the county auditors are going to be able to help us calculate um the intentions of these pieces of legislation. They're going to have an impact. the right now they're indicating
018that the state will fill some of that money in year one but uh I think that's for one year and then what happens and how do they calculate the inflation index that they're going to hold any increase to and so these are concerns that are coming down the pike and there's a whole another thing next year about eliminating property taxes altogether but which I I I mean that's going to be just an even bigger thing. So, let's hope that doesn't come to fruition, but but these things I think are probably very real and will happen, the four pieces of legislation that are on the governor's desk >> and we don't fully understand. I don't think anybody fully understands exactly what that's going to >> Oh, I for I don't I think it's going to take
019the county auditors um some time to figure out how they would even tell you how to project your property tax revenue moving forward. Okay. Anything else? All right. I just want to thank you guys Regency and Harris State for working with us on this and go through this process. We appreciate that. Okay. Uh what was the next thing? So second thing is the edition. That's it for me. >> So recognition of visitors determine any agenda related items. >> We can go to treasury report and then we can have we can discuss too on that. Um item I have is agenda number one which is um recommendation to approve GMP amendment number one to the CR CMR agreement with Regency Construction uh for the district improvement project and authorize the superintendent and treasurer to negotiate and
020execute the GMP amendment number one to the agreement for the project upon satisfactory conclusion negotiations on behalf of the district. >> So before we have discussion, I need a motion. So >> okay, now we can jump in on anything like So the 5 million 1531 what's that? >> So that's going to include this 4.1 million uh agreement with Regency. It also includes our architecture fees uh with Soulair's Day. We've built in contingency amounts for ourselves for unforeseen um conditions, expenses. Um and then we have some other costs here at the board around um moving fees, legal fees, environmental fees um and build a little bit in for some additional furniture and equipment. >> So when we're talking contingencies, can you guys fill in a little bit more on what what those what contingencies we're looking
021at. >> So, right now it's projected a 5% contingency and contingencies are used throughout the construction process to cover anything um that may come up as an unforeseen condition. So, unsuitable soils for example is a great example of what a contingency would be used for. Something that they couldn't know at the time of bid and capture and their cost uh could be up a existing wall and finding a condition that was unknown, things like that. So, it's to cover change orders for those amounts so that those aren't affecting, you know, coming back here and increasing the project's cost. There's already 5% kind of built into that $5 million number. Um, and then it also includes kind of owner changes. So, you know, hey, we decided, you know, we talked to the cog and we decided
022we need to change this up a little bit to meet the needs of the students or the, you know, things like that. So, things that come up after the documents are bid that change the cost. Um, so those are really the things that that can cover. It can also pick up later in the project if it's decided if we don't have a lot of unforeseen conditions. Um, that budget can become more like we could add alternates or things that we had to wait on that maybe we didn't want to include into the budget. So things like um you know additional um graphics or signage or things that are more aesthetic that can wait until the end of the project. >> So doing my yet this section went up,000. So I'm assuming that the ANX project
023600,000 is that what I'm hearing. >> So I guess just high level too, we came back, we came to you um before we went on today, we talked a little bit about how the budget had increased throughout the design process. There had been throughout and we have designed a number of alternates um that if budget allows obviously they would be desired. So the the total base costs I think without any of those would have been a total of 8.35 for the total project and then I think the 8.7 number is including some of those alternate items. So kind of >> it wasn't it wasn't even all the >> not all the It wasn't that many, >> right? >> So, it sounds like the annex was again, if you look at what the overage is, if
024this is saying that this is $100,000 over that means the annex and the art storage was going to be an additional 600,000 over to get to that 8.7. >> So, I'm going to go on a limb and say the art was a huge increase because that's just literally brick storage. There's not a whole lot of cost. So, we're talking 600,000 out of probably 350 or so for the MX increase. I guess I'm just trying to figure out >> like how much >> if the art storage didn't make a >> Why are we asking that if it sounds like the annex is >> No, we're not we're not waiting until they separate it out. >> But they have to separate the numbers out before we can approve it. >> I I understand what you're saying, but
025I also know how things work. And I also know that we'll say, "Yes, we'll approach this at a later date. we want you to approve this now and then if it never comes back around this got approved and it's done. So what I'm looking for is if if the art storage did not make the cost, it was not a huge increase. It wasn't really at all. Why did that get cut out? Just so they could figure out how much extra build I built my entire career. That would be a matter of running to find out how much you get my point. I wasn't at the meeting today, but I'm pretty sure this happened today, right? >> It happened at 1:00 today. So, there's no way to prove this tonight for them to break ground on
026January second to break those numbers up. >> And and what you say 100% valid because I've been in the same boat as as you have. Um, and it it is a matter of separating it out so we can do it all the right way. the there is not the the annex is the one that's getting off to the side right now 100% because that was I think that was the conversation I had with you Andy where I said like we have to make sure we have the arts edition >> right it just bid for both facil So we need the electrician to bid. We don't know what percentage of his costs are and with all the trades that's that's one project. Looking back, we could have done it as three separate and it would have
027been really I think what you're looking for is I mean if we need to make if we need to make it clear the arts edition is going to happen that is not that's not going to be put on the back. >> You don't blame me for my skep. And we promise we'll get back to this later. >> I I'm 100% with you because I've been in in in my career subjected to that >> and and what we're really talking about here is, you know, less than what the construction of this room is, right? We're talking block walls. >> And that's the way to look at it, too. I mean, I I don't know why you're skeptical. So, I'm going to say that, hey, I want this as much as make sure that this happens. And
028that's that was never part of the conversation of having the art storage pushed down the it's very much part of let's get this done the same time as we do the weight room and the rest of the world. >> I mean, I know why. I'm not crazy, but yes, >> I'm I'm looking at 60 year history of this school, >> right? I get you. >> Last 10 years, there's been a change, but I can't not be skeptical because I know the So in January when we go through this and we approve it, we can all smile and say, "Okay, now we can move forward. This is going to happen." >> Promise. >> Swear it. >> He's still looking skeptical. My goodness. >> Do we need serious I mean do we need to make amendment make
029a motion that the arch storage is going to happen? We just need the numbers and put that in the minutes. >> I think Yeah. >> Why don't Why don't we do it? Can we could do it that we're approving this? You can't do this. >> It sounds like it just is a matter of and I don't know about what you experience, but they can't estimate can't figure out exactly what it is and what >> and it's all fine. We're we're all on record here. It's I wanted to make my voice heard and >> I 100% agree. Absolutely. Okay, one second. Bob, do you have anything to add? >> Gosh, yes I do. >> We're getting awfully close to the words. We have to pass the bill to see what's in it. So, let's not get
030to that point. Um, first of all, yes, I can see your skepticism because our bathrooms look like a truck stop. So, I see that question for you. >> Um, and just so you know, I'm a new board member starting January 1st. Um, >> what we all in the construction field, I'm sure they can attest to it couple years ago when lumber quadrupled. >> What happens are are our prices set or does that contingency could that literally explode if something like that happened again? >> So, yeah, with these once we're approved, we'll get everyone under contract. They're locked in. >> It's locked in. What's the time frame until completion? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I need to know. Uh >> oh. >> I'm just asking because I think one of the doc documents today
031had a summary and it had a list of inclusions exclusions. Sorry. Maybe both. >> Clarification. >> So, thank you. >> And I think I did see something that if there was some >> unforeseen >> in cost that that wasn't included. we know about today that is included if there's um everything is domestically 99% domestically sourced and that's what we're seeing a lot of tariff >> right the tariffs I get yeah yeah you're seeing that everywhere and I'm sure you had something >> well as long as we have dates that's the big thing because one thing we can't have is something unforeseen pop up I mean, this is why you're doing it this way, to be transparent. Last thing you want is a spike that's >> unforeseen. >> But now we're on record. That's not going
032to happen. >> As far as what we can tell, >> thank you. >> Contingency is to cover anything like the scenes, the added items like is like they're we're budgeting that 5% which we feel is adequate for this project. Um so that being said like there would be a really difficult situation if you exceeded that but that is not not really anticipated. >> You just hope. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thanks for the clarification. We good >> everybody in understanding why it had to go this way. >> Yes, >> I absolutely agree with your skepticism >> because yeah, I I wanted I wanted to make sure that it wasn't going to be slumped off as a as an easy cost reduction measure. Just so you know, when this whole thing started, the restrooms
033were probably all >> and what did we figure? They're almost a million dollars >> for restrooms. >> Yes. >> Wow. >> Because the sewer and all the plumbing And you have to have a family restroom >> for half million. They can come to my house and go. >> You have to have the family restroom with the lift station. >> The adult changing with and that holds 400 lb or something like that. >> I'm surprised we haven't had to have that for neutral sight playoff games >> because there are so many restrictions we've had to have. I'm surprised that wasn't one of them. >> They're just looking for a stadium >> with Okay. Anybody else have any other questions, comments, concerns relative to this? Good. >> Okay. All right. So, with that, we'll do roll call.
034>> Mr. Chauville. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gindlesburgger. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barkley? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gearhart? >> Yes. >> Mr. W? >> Yes. Okay. All right. Thank you, Adam. So, we have uh superintendent recommendations resation recommendation to accept the resation of board member Julie Bark effective December 17, 2025. Just want to say a couple things about Julie. Julie came on board January of 2020, which there was nothing really happening then, right? Just uh just a little bit of CO stuff and that. >> Yeah. Uh so we appreciate you coming on board to to help our school district battle that that crazy time. We also uh during your time here, we we saw Chromebooks and and tech improvements. We saw various curriculum that that was uh adopted and changes made for the better. Uh we
035saw renewal and income tax till 2032 uh and various safety updates and and a whole lot more. So uh we just want to to tonight. Thank you for everything you've done for uh the school district and for uh the community, for our students, and uh I just personally want to say thank you. I've enjoyed working with you and and our conversations over the years. It's it's been uh it's been pretty pretty amazing. So, uh thank you. And I guess we'll accept your resignation, I suppose. But uh uh I did want to say that um we'll we'll take letters of interest uh from starting tomorrow night until December 31st and then uh in January I I think the intent on the board will will discuss uh her replacement for the remainder of her I what is
036is it two years left >> two years left in July. But we just want to say thank you and wish you the best. And we have cake for you, too. So, don't forget to to have some of that for everyone, but especially you, Julie. So, thank you very much. Anybody else want to say anything? >> Let's do the motion first. >> Okay. >> I need a motion. >> Yeah. What if no, >> you can object. >> So, for discussion, no to reiterate what what Sean was saying. You know, thank you, Julie. Appreciate all of the the work that you put in and all the the guidance that you've, you know, given us and, you know, the the support through through everything. So, we really do appreciate it. I want to thank you for your all
037your phone calls. I I know that sometimes you're like, "Is it okay if I call you?" Yeah, yes, you can always call. But the other thing too is this is a gal that she studied and understood what she was. She understands everything she's voting on. She knows what she's doing. Sometimes she acts like she does it. >> What a budget. >> But she she'll call and ask countless questions and I appreciate that after serve on the board for years. Julie's become a friend and really really enjoyed working with her and we've had many phone calls as well. >> I do want to say I'm resigning due to family obligations and I want to cry but I've enjoyed my time and one of the things I take credit for is is the bringing Sean on board.
038Yes, we went hours of interviews and all. That was crazy. That was like two weeks of every night of interviews. And I think we made an excellent decision. >> I I love Northwest. I love I love and anybody needs anything if I can help you out. >> Thank you so much for your service. >> Yeah. Thank you. All right. Roll call. >> Mr. Chill. >> Sadly, yes. >> Mr. Glesburg. >> Yes. >> Thank Mrs. Gearhart. Yes. Mr. Wy. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh discussion. Uh, next meeting would be January >> organization meeting January 5th. >> January 5th. >> We'll go back to uh go back to the high school library for that. >> So, was there any reference as to if somebody wants to send you a letter? Is there anything on the website or
039anything? >> There's not yet, but there will be. We wanted to get through this first and we'll take something else tomorrow. Okay. Any other discussion? Recognition of visitor determined matters other matters you wish to discuss. Okay. Need a motion to adjurnn. >> There you go. >> Perfect. >> All in favor? >> I grab some cake >> or Julie have a whole cake. I think.