VIENNA — Maries R-1 Superintendent Teresa Messersmith at the July 23 board meeting gave updates on some of the recent facilities projects on campus as the district begins work on projects funded by the bond voters passed in April.

Contractor ARSI, Inc. removed asbestos from the elementary school gym floor for $14,200. Messersmith said the project’s cost will be the first payment from the district’s bond account. The company also removed asbestos from the cafeteria boiler system for $5,000.

Solomon Boiler Works had begun replacing the cafeteria boiler after the board accepted the company’s bid in June.

Messersmith said previous concerns about an expensive elevator update had faded after the district obtained a piece of equipment for the elevator that was thought to be discontinued. The installation of the part is covered under the district’s service contract.

The district’s offices were closed at the end of July for waxing.

Staff from the engineering firm Archer-Elgin had been on campus to look at where the district could place the HVAC unit for the high school that it plans to purchase with money from the bond. They recommended putting the system on the middle school roof because it is flat and above restrooms and an office, which means noise from the air conditioner will not disrupt a class. Another possibility was above the band room, but the potential noise and loss of space in the band room made it an unappealing option.

Messersmith said the weight of the HVAC unit will require new support beams that will be unobtrusive and tucked away in the corner of the restroom and office.

During the meeting, Messersmith also thanked Maintenance and Facilities Supervisor Mike Shaughnessy, who attended the meeting, for his help with organizing bond-funded projects.

The district received $105,674.57 in Formula Classroom Trust money. Proposition C revenue totaled $76,522.13. Transportation revenue totaled $20,862 for the month.

Messersmith said the $7,353.81 electricity bill was higher than usual. The bill was $1,167 higher than the average bill over the last four years. She was unsure about the cause though she speculated hot temperatures so far this summer could be a contributing factor. She planned to watch closely and see if the increase became a trend.

The district had its annual audit in July. Messersmith said it went well with only minor suggestions made for improvement. The ideas included trying to increase student participation in the free and reduced lunch program and increasing the number of students who ride buses.

Messersmith said she planned to talk to other superintendents about how they encourage families to apply for free and reduced lunches and if they had experience using online forms.

Hiring another bus driver remained a priority for the district. Five bus routes were covered at the time of the meeting, and Messersmith said the district needed six routes. The district has posted the positions on its website, its Facebook page and other online job boards. No one had shown any interest. Messersmith encouraged board members to spread awareness about the position.