Slater school board approves bid for elementary building repair work

The Slater Board of Education approved a bid Monday, July 13, for repair work on Alexander Elementary School.

The work is aimed at fixing water seepage that is damaging masonry above windows on the third floor, according to Superintendent John McEachern.

The board voted to accept a bid by Blue Lick Masonry of Marshall for $6,485. It was the low bid on the job by about $1,400 and came with a 15-year guarantee.

In addition to the lower cost, the guarantee was a factor that sold several board members on the choice.

The board also heard a report from McEachern about the possibility of putting a building bond issue on the fall ballot.

McEachern read a letter from an architectural consulting firm, which provided a three-stage design and marketing plan and estimated cost for the first two stages, about $5,500. Of that, $2,000 will be rolled into the bond if voters approve it.

The detailed design work, which would occur only if the bond passes, would cost 8 percent of the construction costs, according to the letter.

The board expects to revisit the issue at its next regular meeting -- Tuesday, July 21 -- and plans make a decision about whether to proceed with the project.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net