Cost reduction anticipated for EHS roof replacement project

EPHRATA — Ephrata school officials recently received some good news about a pending project to replace the entire 64,000-square-foot roof on the 40-year-old Ephrata High School.

The roof has experienced persistent water leaks over time because of a flawed original design, and prior resurfacing material is now nearing the end of its functional life, officials have said.

Cost of the upcoming project was initially estimated at upwards of $2 million. But a recent reexamination revealed that a replacement roof can be put on top of the existing roof, which is expected to significantly reduce expenses for demolition removal, possibly by $1 million.

Assistant district superintendent and former EHS principal Aaron Cummings shared the update with school board members during their Monday, April 27 meeting.

Last week, 20 contractors attended a project walk-through with the district’s architectural representative, said Cummings. He said a bid opening is scheduled May 7, work is slated to begin June 8, and completion is anticipated before the new school year begins in late August.

Superintendent Ken Murray added that the district hopes to pay for the work using existing capital levy and capital project funds without tapping into reserves.

In other business during Monday’s monthly meeting, school board members Jim Adams, Casey Devine, Mike Fleurkens, Josh Sainsbury, and Matthew Truscott:

— Approved a new three-year contract, effective July 1, for Murray to continue serving as district superintendent. The pact lists a starting annual salary at $225,000. Other provisions include health care and sick leave coverage, a district contribution up to 5% of the base salary to an annuity of Murray’s choosing, and a monthly cell allowance of $125. Murray will be subject to an annual performance evaluation each June and a “mid-term” review no later than the board’s February meeting. 

— Approved the purchase of 500 new Chromebook computer tablets to replace devices approaching the end of their service/technology support life. CTE director Sarah Vasquez said the district provides tablets on a rotational basis to third- and eighth-graders who retain and use their devices for the following three years. Vasquez recommended board acceptance of the quote from Bluum Technology of St. Paul, Minnesota, saying the company has provided quality service and damage protection in the past. Total cost was listed at $253,036 plus tax, although final pricing may vary depending on market conditions. 

— Approved a procedural process that will end the designation of Beezley Springs Elementary as a “school” within the district. While it has not been used for traditional classroom instruction for several years, the building itself is not affected by the action and continues to be utilized. Rather, its name has been used by the district as a “reporting entity” to state education officials assessment results provided for about 30 homeschool and private school students, English language learners, and special needs students. Murray said the district will continue to support those students under a different designation and the “closure” has no effect on Ephrata’s enrollment.

— Accepted two donations of $1,697 from Columbia Basin Foundation to support children in need at Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools. 

— Scheduled next month’s regular board meeting for Monday, May 18. Normally, board members meet on the fourth Monday of each month, but that falls on Memorial Day in May.