Board to select school bond liaison Tuesday

A representative to serve as a liaison between the school district and outside contractors during school bond projects may be selected at Tues-day's school board meeting.

The 2010 Bond Oversight Committee, made up of staff and members of the community, suggested the district select an owner's representative to relay the school district's interests to the construction manager.

In previous bond issues, former director of operations Mike Mitchell served in the role known as the owner's representative.

However, when Mitchell retired at the end of 2008, his duties were divided among current staff members, but the position of owner's representative was not filled, Superintendent Richard Stokes told the board last month.

Members of the bond oversight committee narrowed down candidates, and the finalists will be presented to the school board Tuesday.

The salary for the position has not been determined but would be paid through the bond money.

The first projects the representative would be responsible for overseeing are the proposed improvements to Empire Elementary School and Eagle Valley Middle School, which together cost $13 million.

The 10-year rollover bond is not for a certain amount of money. Instead, it asks voters to approve a fixed tax rate over a 10-year period.

It will be divided into three phases over the next 10 years, with the first addressing "high priority" needs. In this $25 million phase, every school in the district will receive improvements, ranging from heating and lighting upgrades, to increased handicap accesses and heightened security.

The second phase will be $10 million to begin in 2013 and be completed in 2014. It is expected to address needs at Pioneer High School and in career and technical arts at Carson High School.

The third phase of the bond will be designated to upgrade technology throughout the district.