Board Education Grant Tennessee
The Dyer County School Board, by unanimous decision, awarded Forcum-Lannom Contractors the contract to be the construction manager for the new Fifth Consolidated Elementary School during their February meeting.
Jim Boggan of McGhee, Nicholson & Burke Architects of Memphis will also be the architect on the project. They will receive $350,000 for their services, including civil engineering.
The board received four proposals from: American Constructors (from Nashville), Allen Searcy Builder-Contractor Inc. (from Union City), Forcum-Lannom Contractors (from Dyersburg) and RFW Construction Group (from Dyersburg).
Superintendent Dwight Hedge said all of the companies seemed to be quite qualified to do the job, but Forcum-Lannom's proposal of approximately $400,000 was $150,000 less than the other three companies.
The other three companies' proposals were around $550,000.
Hedge noted that Forcum-Lannom had built Dyer County High School, Three Oaks Middle School and Dyersburg Middle School.
He said as part of the proposal process the companies could come by and look at the others' proposals, which Forcum-Lannom and RFW had already done.
Hedge said they insisted the companies give them a lump-sum figure for a defined period of time, whereas normally a percentage is agreed upon and there are general conditions that are reimbursable.
Chairman Herman Reed said the process of a lump sum up front would be better because the sum is known in advance.
Board member Jim McLaughlin had some reservations about the contract and equated the process as possibly being like signing a blank check.
"I've been down that road before and you can get hurt signing a blank check," said McLaughlin.
Board member Steve Dodd said you could get hurt worse by not setting down a fee and this is the best contract he has seen. Hedge said there is an "opt-out point" if something cannot be resolved.
Hedge said all of the major sub-contracts will be bid on, and Forcum-Lannom and Boggan would analyze them and make recommendations.
"I think we did a good job in making all these guys understand they need to come to the table hungry," said McLaughlin. "And that has got to pass down through these subs. If you want to do business with Dyer County you bring your best price to the table the first time."
Hedge said after the subcontract packages have been bid on and accepted, Forcum-Lannom will then submit the price they believe the project will cost, but that will be later in the process.
Hedge confirmed that all major sub-contracts must get the approval of the board.
Dodds said he was happy with the choice of construction manager, but would have insisted on one of the others if they were lowest.
"I want the lowest, best bid," said Dodds.
Next, the board voted to approve a new isolation and restraint policy for special education students. Luanne Berry, supervisor of grades 9-12 curriculum and special education said there is a new Tennessee state law requiring school systems to have such a policy.
The policy points out circumstances that may be deemed necessary to use physical contact, physical restraint or isolation on students with disabilities who are eligible for special education and related services. It also noted restraint and isolation methods that are prohibited, such as placing a child in a locked room or structure.
The policy states that only a principal or their designee may authorize the use of restraint or isolation. The student's parents will be notified if their child is restrained or isolated in an emergency situation. Also, employees that are likely to engage in restraint and/or isolation of a child shall receive annual training.
James Mallard, a Dyer County resident, was also on the agenda to voice some concerns he had over the new Fifth Consolidated building. Mallard, who has previously spoken with the board, said he was invited back again and gave each member a packet with a written statement. Chairman Herman Reed said he would give Mallard about three minutes to speak.
In his written statement, Mallard said he was not against a new school building, but asked the board to think of ways to save money. He wanted the new school placed closer to the highway and the additional land to be used for some other county project. He also said he heard the current Fifth Consolidated would be turned into a bus stop and would be expensive.
Mallard asked the board why there was so much secrecy between the county, the school board and the people.
Dodds asked Mallard where did he hear about the school being turned into a bus stop.
"Dr. Hedge has never mentioned that to be a bus stop," said Dodds.
Mallard said he would not tell him where he heard it and that he didn't come there to argue.
Dodds added the evening's meeting was not done in secrecy and didn't want Mallard spreading hearsay about the bus stop either.
Board member William May told Mallard he didn't think the school board does anything in secret, to which Mallard agreed.
Mallard then asked the board members to remember one thing.
"When you make a vote as a school board or as a commissioner, you're not making a decision for just that community, you're making a decision for the whole county," said Mallard.
Reed thanked Mallard for his comments and said the board makes decisions to improve Dyer County.
"We do what we have to do for the betterment for our school system, our teachers, our students and our parents and all of Dyer County," said Reed.
In other business:
* The board approved the installation of energy-efficient bulbs and ballasts that produce more light in county school, except Newbern and Fifth Consolidated. Kaye Bane, supervisor of Title I and federal projects, said the school system received stimulus money to do the project and those schools were excluded because their future was uncertain at the time the grant was filled out. Windle Heating will install the ballasts.
* The board approved the 2010-2011 Dyer County school calendar, which is the same as last year's.
* The board approved the transfer $4,000 for the purpose of the increase in the state Pre-K Grant.
* The board approved the appropriation for the $8.8 million to be used to build Fifth Consolidated.
* The board approved appropriating funds for the purpose of the energy-efficient grant for the 2009-2010 school year.
TUESDAY, April 22, 1862 – 2 P. M.
President in the chair. Present – Messrs. Collins, Grant, French, Olshausen, Blood and Smith.
Mr. French reported that the County Treasure has almost funds enough to pay J. J. Lindley’s judgment vs. Board of Education, and that he, said Lindley, agrees to wait for payment until the County Treasurer will have collected the full amount of said judgment.
On motion of Dr. Olshausen that report was adopted, and the orders made by the Board on the 12th inst. “that the Treasure pay said judgment,” was rescinded.
The Superintendent’s report in regard to supplying new school in Fulton’s addition with teachers, was adopted on motion of Mr. French, and that the teachers recommended by the Superintendent be employed in said school.
Mr. French offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to consider the expedience of introducing the study of the German language in the high school, and to report at the next meeting.
Which resolution was carried on motion of Dr. Olshausen, and the chair appointed the following committee: Messrs. French, Grant, Olshausen.
On recommendation of the Superintendent Mr. James A. Ryan was elected assistant teacher in School District No. 1.
On Motion of Mr. Smith the Superintendent was allowed leave of absence for two weeks to visit schools in the East.
Messrs. French and Olshausen were appointed a committee on planting treats at No. 4 and No. 6 school lots, with power to act.
On motion adjourned sine die.
OTTO SMITH, Sec’y
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
