By Brenda Sexton, The Courier-Herald
It looks like White River High School will swing open its doors Sept. 2, although it might not be in a completely finished building.
Project manager Scott Hodgins told the White River School School Board at its regular meeting he anticipated a temporary certificate of occupancy by Aug. 11 so staff can file in for orientation Aug. 18. Hodgins expects it to be nip and tuck with some items like the traffic light at the intersection of Mundy Loss and 120th Street, which he expects will be a three-way stop at the start of school.
"I'd like that month back from the bid protest," Hodgins said, reminding the board of the delay at the beginning of the project.
Principal Keith Banks informed the board he is tentatively planning to start school as usual, starting with staff orientation and working through White River High School Hornet Tip-off, for grades 10, 11 and 12, which is scheduled for Aug. 21.
There are special plans for incoming freshmen, Banks said. Ninth graders and their parents will meet in the evening for special activities, tours and a dinner.
Banks said keeping parents informed has been high on his agenda. The staff has been keeping parents updated with public forums, mailings, parent conferences, a community outreach program and monthly meetings at Prairie Ridge Community Center.
Banks also plans to run the first day of school (Sept. 2) in a non-traditional format. Freshmen and sophomores will attend from 7:25 to 10 a.m. and juniors and seniors will attend from 10 a.m. to 2:05 p.m. Students will tour the facility, pose for a picture for the time capsule and rotate through their schedule.
Sept. 3 will be a normal school day.
In other business, the board:
€ announced White River Middle School's "Where Everybody Belongs" Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25.
€ announced its next regular meeting Aug. 20 at the district board room.
€ approved three change orders for the new high school totaling more than $1.2 million and another for $21,765.85 at the central kitchen project.
€ approved fee schedule increases at WRMS for a $1 increase, from $7 to $8 for Associated Student Body cards and a $10 increase, up from $25, to play football.
€ reviewed audit results reporting no federal findings and reviewing a management letter discussing bid law compliance on items like T-shirts and office supplies.
Brenda Sexton can be reached by bsexton@courierherald.com
