The Jefferson City School Board heard an update on construction projects Thursday night and signed off on a budget amendment marking the first funding for the bond issue.
During her report, Chief of Operations Dawn Berhorst shared that crews are working on the drive and lighting at Lewis and Clark Middle School, which she said should make a marked difference in the fall. She also said the district will begin gathering input on the new early childhood center and will begin planning next week for the Miller Performing Arts Center.
Around 3,000 students are attending K-12 summer school, Superintendent Bryan McGraw said during his report.
McGraw said graduations for Capital City High School and Jefferson City High School will be on Thursday and Friday evenings next year to cut down on ceremonies in the heat of the day and avoid interference with Mother's Day.
The board reviewed contracts for math materials and several capital improvement projects.
Among them were a nearly $100,000 bid for Capital City High School football lockers, a $14,100 bid for a logo sign at Nichols Career Center, $14,800 for irrigation and landscaping at central office, and $58,600 for a digital marquee at Thorpe Gordon Elementary School (soon to be Thorpe Gordon STEM Academy).
Chief Financial Officer Shari LePage offered a budget amendment to account for the first round of bond funds, $55 million, and the expenditure for technology upgrades, more than half a million dollars.
The board approved the contracts and the budget amendment.
The board will review the full budget at a meeting at 3 p.m. June 28 at the central office.
The board also heard an update on the Parents As Teachers Program, which engages with parents to help prepare students to enter school. Jefferson City Parent Educators visited 450 families this year. The JC Parents As Teachers Program serves an estimated 20 percent of eligible families, and the goal from the state education department is 40 percent.