HAMLET — The Richmond County Board of Education approved bids for renovation projects during its monthly meeting Feb. 10.
Steven King, director of construction, maintenance and planning, brought various work projects before the board, including a partial roof replacement at Richmond Senior High School and seat replacement at Rockingham Middle.
Of the five bids submitted for the roof project, REI Engineers recommended Monroe-based Weathergard Inc., with a bid of $557,900.
According to King, the district has used Weathergard in the past.
“They’re a very reputable company, (and we) haven’t had any problems with them, so that’s another reason we chose them,” King said.
King said the project has been reviewed and approved by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Once a contract is in place, King said the district will submit an application to draw down ADM (Average Daily Membership) funds, which could cover 75% of the project costs.
The Kate Finley Auditorium at Rockingham Middle School was constructed in 1956. Generations of Rockingham High students will recall graduations, assemblies, and drama presentations there, in addition to events since the school became Rockingham Middle.
With the approval of the board, major refurbishment will soon be underway. Painting, floor re-surfacing, carpeting, and complete replacement of seats in the 70-year old facility are planned.
Although it was the highest of the three bids, the board went with Learning Environments Inc., based in Liberty, with a cost of $207,860 for seat replacement.
One of the bidders, Wisconsin-based Davis Furniture Co., was disqualified because King said the company was not licensed in North Carolina as a general contractor.
After reviewing the products from Learning Environments and Raleigh-based Universal Equipment Co., KIng said they chose the former.
The district will be able to sell commemorative plaques for the backs of the seats, with those funds going to the school.
The Cole Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant for the project, according to King.
Board member Bobbie Sue Ormsby suggested approaching Amazon for additional funding. Earlier that day, Amazon recognized more than two dozen grant recipients from the Richmond County Community fund, including one each for the district and Mineral Springs Elementary.
King also provided updates to work at the Ninth Grade Academy, major renovations to the playing surface at Raider Field, and the proposed new facility on the present site of L. J. Bell Elementary School.
Earlier in the meeting, Inspiring Excellence Awards were presented to teachers Kelli Parsons and Krista Herold, both of West Rockingham Elementary School. Herold is also retiring after 30 years service. Teachers Mary K. Duncan and Erin Jernigan of Fairview Heights Elementary School were presented Inspiring Excellence Awards, as well.
The young men's football squad, and the young women's volleyball squad, of Rockingham Middle School were recognized before the board. Each team achieved conference championship seasons during the school year.
Jerry Ethridge
Board member Jerry Ethridge was selected as at-large member to the N. C. School Board Association's Legislative Committee. The committee will develop an agenda for consideration by the North Carolina Legislature.
Chairman Cory Satterfield noted the recent passing of former Richmond Senior High standout, and Hall of Fame member, Kathryn Ormsby. Valedictorian of her high school class, Ormsby, age 61, went on to earn her undergraduate degree at N. C. State University, and a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill.
A record-setting athlete in track and cross-country at RSHS, Ormsby went to set records while running for NCSU before becoming paralyzed in a 1986 accident. Kathryn Ormsby was described as an accomplished therapist in the years after earning her degree. She was residing in Wilmington at the time of her death.
The board went into closed session — "to prevent the disclosure of confidential student or personnel records and to discuss personnel matters" — briefly, before reconvening to the public.
William R. Toler contributed to this story.
