New building timeline presented

A tentative timeline for the new PC K-4 building from BLDD and Vissering from last week's board meeting.

An update on the new K-4 building project was presented to members of the Prairie Central Board of Education during the group’s regular July meeting last week.

BLDD architects discussed the beginning of the planning and design process which has been completed so far. Information has been gathered from administrators and certified staff surveys from Prairie Central Elementary, Prairie Central Primary West and Prairie Central Primary East. Common themes from the data included space, flexible environments, a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining staff cohesion with grade levels and outdoor or recreation spaces.

BLDD has created a list of desired spaces presently needed for a new building project. The company will begin the floor plan design based on data gathered from surveys and will present a tentative plan to the board at the August meeting.

A timeline for the project was also provided from the current month of July to the completion in August 2028. Dates are tentative with a concept review with the admin team Aug. 6, an estimate developed from a revised concept plan Aug. 13-20, presentation to the board Aug. 21 and a design development phase from August through November. That is followed by construction documents from November through February 2026 and bidding and construction from March 2026 to August 2028.

Also at the July Prairie Central Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Brian Quam discussed an administrative training which took place July 8, titled “Syngergy of Trust,” presented by Dr. Lindsey Hall and Dr. Sheila Greenwood. An update was provided on summer building activities with maintenance staff working hard to get ready for the start of the school year. Replacement of the Junior High sound system begins later this month in the gym.

Under old business, the board approved the District Artificial Intelligence Plan which will assist with guidelines for its utilization of staff and students. The document provides guidelines to ensure its purpose is to support the learning system and outcomes for students.

Reports were presented by Cheryl Hoffman on the end of the Fiscal Year 25 budget and the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 26. A tentative budget must be established and approved by the board each year by the end of September.

The consent agenda was approved, which included the activity fund report, bills, cafeteria report, financial reports, CSFT reports, investment schedule and treasurer’s report.

In personnel matters, the board approved the following for employment:

Connor Reis, UE paraprofessional.

Gage Rinkenberger, JH baseball coach.

Robert Ellis, bus monitor.

Zachary Corrie, bus driver.

Jefferey Potter, bus driver.

Caroline Eastman-Fehr, special education teacher.

Tessa Herr, PCPW full-time paraprofessional.

Lee Reinhart, HS auxiliary cross country coach.

The following resignations or retirements were approved:

Lydia Giroux, paraprofessional at PCPW.

Allison Wilson, special education teacher.

Anita Myers, bus monitor.

Kim Hasty, PCHS special education teacher.

Destiny Rothert, PCJH paraprofessional.

A leave of absence was authorized for Gabby Zeedyk (maternity leave from September 2, 2025 to Oct. 17, 2025).