MOKANE, Mo. - The South Callaway School Board had an eye on the future Wednesday night as Superintendent Kevin Hillman advised members of the need to start planning for facility improvements.
Hillman outlined a few of the potential areas of concern for the district in coming years, noting the board needs to develop short-term and long-term plans to account for making various repairs and upgrades.
"The biggest area we (Hillman and Director of Maintenance Hal Dooley) were scared about is the middle school/elementary school roof - it's our oldest building, it's our oldest roof," Hillman said.
He noted that part of the concern lay in the fact that the 20-section middle school/elementary school roof system is "very cobbled" with repairs and replacements having been made at various spots over the years.
"There is a 15-year span from the oldest applications to the newest," Hillman said.
"We're going to have to make some adjustments, but ... we have a five-year window where we're in good shape. (But) on the other side of that window we may get into some substantial costs."
He said there are a few minor leaks around the building, but an inspection showed that the insulation in the roof is not saturated - if it was the district would be looking at completely tearing off and replacing the roof now.
Now that records have been sorted out and inspections have been made - giving district officials a good idea of the age, condition and applicable warranties on the middle school/elementary school roof - Hillman said he is satisfied it is in good enough shape for now.
Dooley also assured the board that although it is time to start planning for roof repairs, there is no immediate need for expensive roof replacement.
"I'm really comfortable with what we've got - I think we've got a good plan," Dooley said.
Hillman said the heating and air conditioning at the Early Childhood Learning Center could be a concern in coming years as well.
"It's a lot better than what some schools have, but it's a 20-year-old building, and that can change in a hurry," he said.
Hillman also mentioned the district's aging kitchen appliances as another potential large expense the board needs to begin considering when looking at budgets.
"All the kitchens except one are using original equipment," Hillman said, noting a dishwasher alone costs in the neighborhood of $15,000. "We don't want to replace things that are working well, but if we don't make that part of our planning, we would be remiss.
"You let those things go, and all of a sudden the roof on the middle school goes down, and the AC at the EC (Early Childhood Learning Center) goes out and oh boy."
The other big concern he addressed were athletic facilities, making specific mention of the football field - especially lighting, fencing and the score board - the baseball field and locker rooms.
"I'm hoping to change the viewpoint to a complex idea rather than looking at them as individual parts," Hillman said.
Hillman again emphasized the need to start developing short- and long-term plans for facilities improvements throughout the district, and said he would be coming to the board in February or March with more information regarding what the needs are and potential costs so members can begin making those plans.